Widespread protests led by Generation Z sweep across Europe

Over the past few days, hundreds of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets in various European countries to demand better living conditions, housing, and educational reforms. The movement is largely driven by 'Generation Z,' individuals born between 1997 and 2012, challenging previous perceptions of the generation as politically apathetic.

Demonstrators are highlighting grievances regarding income insecurity and government spending priorities. Specifically, protesters have pointed to the 231.5 billion euros allocated to Ukraine support since 2022 and the significant rise in EU-wide defense budgets, which reportedly reached 418 billion according to the European Defense Agency. While most marches remain peaceful, some incidents of store looting and vandalism have been reported on the margins of the protests. Student organizations have distanced themselves from these violent acts, noting that such occurrences often shift public focus away from the core political and social demands of the movement.