World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Young people protest education, housing costs and living conditions across Europe
Young people have taken to the streets in France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Albania over concerns about their future.
The protests have focused on education funding, housing costs and the rising cost of living, though demands vary by country.
In France, demonstrations have lasted more than a month and drew as many as 266,000 people in one day; students first led them, and other groups later joined.
In Belgium, students oppose education cuts, higher university fees and rules that can affect access to public financial support.
In Portugal and Spain, young people have protested soaring housing costs, while some demonstrations elsewhere have seen clashes with police and looting.
The protests reflect growing insecurity among young Europeans, as governments face pressure on public finances and many students struggle to support themselves.
They are unfolding ahead of elections that will shape governments in France, Italy, Spain and Poland, but no specific next steps for the protests have been announced.
Young people have protested in France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Albania over education funding, housing costs and living conditions.
France’s protests have lasted more than a month, with as many as 266,000 people taking to the streets in one day.
In Belgium, students oppose education cuts, higher university tuition fees and changes to the rules for keeping public financial support.
In Portugal and Spain, young people have protested rising housing costs, while demonstrations in several countries have also addressed the cost of living.
Reports describe clashes between police and protesters in several European cities, and unrest in Milan.
- Who
- Young people and students, joined in France by unions and other groups.
- What
- Protests over education resources, housing costs and the cost of living; some demonstrations involved clashes and unrest.
- When
- In the days before and on 19 October 2026; protests in France had lasted more than a month.
- Where
- France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Albania; reports also mention Greece.
- Why
- Demonstrators cite concerns including education funding and reforms, rising housing costs, and the broader cost-of-living crisis.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Protests began in France over concerns about public education.
Demonstrations took place in Portuguese cities against rising housing costs and the cost-of-living crisis.
A rally organized by Italy’s main trade union drew 100,000 people in Rome.
People camped in central Lisbon and Porto to demand affordable housing.
Reports described social movements and clashes across several European countries.
- France
- Protests lasted more than a month
- France
- Up to 266,000 people took to the streets in one day
- European Union public debt
- 82.9% of GDP
- France public debt
- 117.6% of GDP
- Belgium
- Nearly €500 million in spending cuts approved across sectors including education
- Rome
- 100,000 people attended a CGIL-organized rally
5 sources
A generation takes to the streets: Young Europeans refuse to accept a future stacked against them
Violent protests multiply across Europe
En Europe, des mouvements sociaux similaires à la France
La juventud europea se planta ante un futuro sin salidas
What people are saying
Access to university should not depend on your ability to take on debt; education is a right, not a privilege.
Money for schools, not for war.
Posts on X
Ho grande rispetto per le migliaia di persone che oggi hanno manifestato pacificamente, anche partecipando alla mobilitazione indetta dalla CGIL che ha visto anche la partecipazione dei leader della sinistra. Qualunque siano le idee per le quali si manifesta, la partecipazione è