Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Student Protests Spread Across Europe as French Unrest Continues
Students in France have been protesting about problems with education.
Many schools have been partly or fully closed, and thousands of people have been arrested, according to the report.
The protests have also spread to other countries.
Students in Belgium, Italy, Greece and Ireland have raised concerns such as school costs, crowded classrooms, poor buildings and housing costs.
Police have confronted protesters in some places, including using water cannons in Belgium.
France’s prime minister said the government is collecting ideas to improve education.
He also promised more education funding in the 2027 budget.
He said police should respond to protesters in a proportionate way.
Protests continued across France despite Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu pledging to respond to students’ demands.
Nearly 375 French schools were partly or fully closed, and at least 6,600 people had been arrested, according to the report.
In Liège, Belgium, hundreds protested education costs, crowded classrooms and limited study materials; police used water cannons.
Students in Turin and Rome occupied schools, while mobilisations were also reported in Greece and Ireland.
Lecornu said the government was gathering education proposals and that the 2027 budget would increase education funding.
- Who
- Students and protesters in France, Belgium, Italy, Greece and Ireland; French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
- What
- Student demonstrations, school occupations and blockades over education and living costs.
- When
- The report gives no specific date.
- Where
- France, Belgium, Italy, Greece and Ireland.
- Why
- Reported concerns include education costs, overcrowded classrooms, limited study materials, inadequate funding, deteriorating school buildings, tuition fees and accommodation costs.
Protesters
Government and police response
Protests and police action
Protesters
Students demonstrated, occupied schools and blockaded roads to raise concerns about education and living costs.
Government and police response
Police confronted protesters in France and used water cannons in Liège; Lecornu said French police had been directed to act proportionately.
Education policy
Protesters
Students called for better-funded education, improved school buildings and resources, and relief from education-related costs.
Government and police response
Lecornu said the government was gathering suggestions and promised increased education funding in the 2027 budget.
- French schools affected
- Nearly 375 remained partially or fully closed.
- Arrests in France
- At least 6,600 people had been arrested, according to the report.
- Belgian protest
- Hundreds of protesters gathered in Liège; police used water cannons to disperse them.
- Italian cities
- High-school students reportedly occupied schools in Turin and Rome.
- French funding pledge
- Lecornu said the 2027 budget would include increased education funding.
- French government response
- The government was collecting suggestions to improve education, and police were told to act proportionately.