Gen Z protests spread across Europe over costs, housing and corruption
Why it matters: Youth anger has already helped unseat Serbia's longtime leader after nearly two years of demonstrations.
Gen Z-led protests are spreading across Europe, with young people rallying from Brussels and Paris to Belgrade, Milan and Tirana over living costs, housing, poor school conditions, corruption and a lack of economic opportunity. In some places, the unrest has turned violent, including damage and looting in France and clashes in Italy. The wave has already had political impact in Serbia, where student-led protests fed into the election defeat of longtime leader Aleksandar Vucic after nearly two years of demonstrations. An EU survey published in 2025 found rising prices and living costs were a concern for 40% of people ages 16 to 30.