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In recent years, Europe has seen several youth uprisings. We are witnessing demonstrations against corruption, economic inequality, high housing prices, political elites, and what many perceive as a weakening of democracy. Interestingly, these youth uprisings often share several common traits, even though they occur in countries with very different political systems and economic conditions.

Youth uprisings in different countries

There are both differences and similarities between youth uprisings in different countries. In Serbia, the fight against corruption is central. In France, it’s the state of schools and economic priorities. In Spain and Portugal, housing and rental prices are the most pressing issue. In a country like Georgia, it’s about young people’s future — the youth uprising there is a struggle for Georgia’s path away from Russia’s sphere of influence and closer to the EU.

There are also common traits across the different uprisings. Young people feel that they are not being heard. There is also a sense that their future is highly uncertain. A higher education no longer guarantees employment, housing prices are high, and their problems are overlooked by middle-aged men. Here is a closer look at the different countries.

A growing generational conflict is also a common factor. Take the housing market, for example, which has become impossible for many young people to enter. This is because more and more homes that used to be part of the regular rental market are now being rented out short-term instead. This means higher incomes for established owners, but makes it harder for young people to rent or buy a home.

Serbia – youth uprising against corruption

The protests began after the roof of the railway station in Novi Sad collapsed in November 2024, killing 16 people. Students demanded accountability and a reckoning with corruption. After nearly two years, the movement contributed to Aleksandar Vučić losing power in the October 2026 election.

France – education and social inequality

Young people are protesting against poor school conditions, economic disparities, and public spending priorities. The demonstrations have also received support from trade unions and other groups in society. Some protests have turned into violent clashes.

Spain and Portugal – the housing crisis

Housing prices and rents have risen so much that many young people feel they cannot establish themselves, even with a job. The demonstrations target housing policy, wage levels, and the rising cost of living.

Georgia – democracy and European belonging

Many young people have protested against the government’s authoritarian turn, controversial laws, and weakened prospects for EU membership. Here, the protests are largely about what kind of political system the country should have.

Albania – corruption and a lack of future opportunities

Students are protesting against high education costs, weak job prospects, and allegations of corruption. A central theme is that many young people see emigration as the best opportunity to build a good life for themselves.

My analysis of Europe’s youth uprisings

I believe there is one factor in particular that ties these uprisings together: a growing gap between the opportunities young people expect democracy and the economy to provide, and the opportunities they actually experience in practice.

In Western Europe, this is often expressed as protests against the housing market, economic inequality, and public spending priorities. In parts of Eastern and Southeastern Europe, it is more about corruption, democratic rights, and political accountability.

It is not necessarily the case that young people have lost faith in democracy. On the contrary, in several of these movements, they are demanding that democratic institutions function better.

Sources:

Nobody heard us’ – why Gen Z are leading protests across Europe

The Irish Times: Europe’s angry autumn: what’s driving the wave of protests?

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Corruption, Overreach, and Hardship: The Global Drivers of Protests in 2025