Youth protests spread across Europe as economic pressures mount

Youth protests are spreading from newer democracies to established European countries, according to researcher Jana Birke Belschner at the University of Bergen. Belschner attributes the unrest to economic hardship, rising living costs, and education budget cuts, which disproportionately affect young people. She notes protests have emerged in Albania, Serbia, and France, with more Western European countries potentially following. The researcher says an aging population shifts spending toward pensions and healthcare, marginalizing youth priorities. She urges politicians to listen to young people and include them in decision-making, warning that public support may wane if protests turn violent.