Gen Z Protests Sweep Europe Amid Housing and Education Grievances

Across Europe, Gen Z youth are leading widespread protests driven by intergenerational frustration over the cost of living, housing affordability, and underfunded public services. While specific catalysts vary by nation—such as the eviction of an elderly woman in Spain or student demonstrations supporting striking teachers in France—the movements have coalesced into a cross-border wave of discontent.

The Economic Context

Eurostat data reveals that young people (aged 18–24) in France live in households with a median equivalised disposable income of €23,850 in 2025, ranking 11th among 34 European countries and above the EU average of €21,482 Source: Euronews. However, experts caution that these figures mask significant realities. Anne Brunner of the Observatoire des inégalités notes that the data excludes students in collective housing and fails to capture the precarious employment faced by many young workers Source: Euronews.

The European Youth Forum highlights a paradox: young people may appear financially stable on paper while living with parents, yet remain unable to afford independent housing or build lives on their own Source: Euronews. This economic pressure is compounded by high national debt in protest-heavy nations like Greece, Italy, and Portugal, limiting governments’ ability to increase public spending Source: CNN.

Shared Grievances and Solidarity

Despite different triggers, protesters share common demands for investment in education, safe workplaces, and social justice. Alice de Brito of France’s UNEF student union emphasizes that “we are all talking about the need for investments in education... But we are also talking about the cost of living, about housing” Source: CNN. Italian student leader Sabrina Brizzola echoed these sentiments, calling for dignified work and healthcare Source: CNN.

Julius Fintelmann of the European Correspondent argues that these protests reflect a broken promise of liberal democracy: the expectation that the next generation will enjoy a better life than their parents no longer holds true Source: CNN. Factors such as AI disrupting entry-level jobs and the climate crisis further fuel this anger Source: CNN.

• France: Median household income for youth is €23,850, but data excludes independent students Source: Euronews.
• Spain: Protests sparked by the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal; spread to Portugal Source: CNN.
• Albania: Student unrest linked to luxury development plans involving Jared Kushner Source: CNN.
• Solidarity: Student unions across Europe are sharing strategies and referencing each other’s slogans Source: CNN.