Reuters reported that young people protesting across Europe are linking school conditions and limited job prospects to housing and household costs, while questioning whether political leaders respond to their needs.
Demonstrations have taken place in France, Belgium, Italy, Serbia and Albania. Reuters said recurring concerns include corruption, housing and employment as well as education and the cost of living. Younger people also worry about financing benefits for an older generation that votes more often, Reuters reported.
An EU survey published in 2025 found that 40% of people ages 16 to 30 were concerned about rising prices and living costs. That year, 92.7 million people in the bloc faced a risk of poverty or social exclusion. The rate was highest among 18-to-24-year-olds, at 26.3%, compared with 18.8% for people 65 and older.
In France, the OFCE think tank estimates that people over 60 make up about one-quarter of the population and hold 60% of the country’s wealth. Reuters reported that public pension outlays are on track to reach 14% of GDP as the population ages, with voters resisting a higher retirement age or reduced benefits.
A French government report issued in October measured a 2.5-percentage-point increase in pensions’ share of GDP from 2000 to 2023; education’s share declined by 0.5 percentage point of GDP. The report also said pension costs used 32% of the education ministry’s budget, leaving less funding for other areas.
In Brussels, 19-year-old student Maya Gourdel told Reuters that students had tried quiet demonstrations before drawing attention: “We tried to do it passively. Nobody heard us.” Near Paris, 17-year-old Bilal Narjissi described staff shortages and rats at his school. He said a courtyard roof collapse led to an evacuation last year, though no one was hurt.
In Serbia, nearly two years of demonstrations preceded an election that removed long-time leader Aleksandar Vucic, Reuters reported. Student protester Stasa Piletic told Reuters she felt “a sense of victory” after the result. The students and their candidates have no governing experience, Reuters reported. Another protester, Luka Stojakovic, said, “We have seen where people with political experience have brought us.”
Reuters reported a demonstration was planned in Germany for this weekend, with concerns including school conditions, inequality, living costs and war. EconoTimes previously reported plans for Oct. 31 rallies in 23 German cities.
