Young Europeans are challenging governments over school conditions and housing costs, as occupations in Italy, blockades in France and an encampment in Madrid coincide with data showing younger residents face heavier housing burdens.
Eurostat, the European Union's statistical office, reported that 9.1% of EU residents ages 15 to 29 lived in households spending more than 40% of disposable income on housing in 2025. The figure for the population overall was 7.7%. Among young residents, the share stood at 26.9% in Denmark and 25.6% in Greece. Eurostat also put unemployment at 15.4% among people under 25 in the EU in August 2026.
ANSA reported that students occupied two schools in Turin on Oct. 5. A further Turin school and Rome's Cavour high school were occupied the following day, the outlet said. Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported French school blockades and demonstrations. For nationwide rallies on Oct. 13, AFP cited an Interior Ministry estimate of 161,500 participants and a union estimate of 480,000.
RTVE traced Madrid's Puerta del Sol encampment to a tenants' union protest held after an eviction. EFE reported on Oct. 5 that the union had not set an end date for the camp. In a report on Oct. 23, El País said participants were discussing what to do next. AFP quoted Geoffrey Pleyers, president of the International Sociological Association, saying young people felt they were “not being heard at all.”
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced localized curfews on Oct. 19 after a crisis meeting. The government said the restrictions were intended to calm unrest and assist businesses dealing with property damage and looting.
France's anonymous consultation for high-school students ran from Oct. 5 through Oct. 23, the government said. At an Oct. 22 press conference, it said the education minister would present initial proposals Monday, Oct. 26, and that a consultation summary was planned by Oct. 31.
