Rising living costs, soaring energy prices, unaffordable housing and concerns over education are fueling demonstrations across several European countries as consumer confidence continues to weaken.
Consumer confidence in the eurozone fell to its lowest level in five months in October, according to the European Commission’s preliminary estimate published on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The decline comes amid a wave of protests across Europe, with demonstrators demanding relief from rising living costs, more affordable housing and improvements to public education.
The European Commission’s consumer confidence indicator fell by 1.1 points from September to minus 17.9 points in the eurozone. Across the European Union, the indicator dropped by 1.2 points to minus 17.3, moving further below its long-term average. The figures are part of the Commission’s October consumer confidence assessment.
The decline follows a reversal in September, when consumer confidence weakened after four months of recovery. Higher household expenses and concerns about economic prospects are adding to pressure on consumers across the bloc.
Inflation Rises to 3.8% in the EU and Eurozone
Inflation accelerated sharply in September. According to final data published by Eurostat on October 16, annual inflation reached 3.8% in both the eurozone and the European Union, up from 3.2% in August. A year earlier, inflation stood at 2.2% in the eurozone and 2.6% across the EU.
Energy recorded the largest annual price increase among the main components of eurozone inflation, rising by 18.9%. Services prices increased by 3.2%, while food, alcohol and tobacco rose by 1.3%.
Among EU member states, Romania recorded the highest annual inflation rate at 6.5%, followed by Lithuania at 6.1% and Bulgaria at 5.6%. Sweden registered the lowest rate, at 1%.
Inflation reached 3.3% in Germany, 3.4% in France, 5% in Spain and 5.1% in Greece. In Italy, the annual rate rose from 3.2% in August to 4.2% in September.
The figures underscore the continued pressure on European households, particularly as energy and housing costs take up a growing share of household budgets. Eurostat’s September inflation report provides the full breakdown.
On September 10, the European Central Bank raised its three key interest rates by 25 basis points, citing inflationary pressures connected to the conflict in the Middle East.
France: Mass Demonstrations and Violent Clashes
France has experienced weeks of demonstrations over the cost of living and conditions in schools. Protests that began with student grievances have expanded into broader unrest involving workers and other members of the public.
Demonstrations on October 17 drew large crowds across the country, with incidents of violence reported in several cities. Clashes, looting, fires and injuries put pressure on police forces, while authorities announced arrests and promised legal action against those responsible for attacks.
The protests reflect wider frustration over the cost of everyday necessities, strained public services and concerns about the state of the education system.
Italy and Belgium: Clashes During Protests
In Italy, demonstrations over living costs, wages and broader political and social concerns turned violent in Milan. Police used tear gas and water cannons, and dozens of people were detained. Clashes and injuries were also reported in Turin and Bologna.
Belgium has faced protests in Brussels and Liège, where demonstrators clashed with police. Students and their supporters have also mobilized against education reforms and rising expenses as the government works on next year’s budget.
The demonstrations form part of a broader pattern of unrest driven by demands for better living standards, stronger public services and relief from increasing household costs.
Spain and Portugal: Housing Affordability at the Center
In Spain, the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from the Madrid apartment where she had lived for more than 70 years became a symbol of the country’s housing crisis. Her case prompted public outrage and protests over tenant protections and the growing difficulty of finding affordable accommodation.
The demonstrations intensified after Parliament rejected two government decrees concerning tenant protections on October 2. A protest in Madrid the following day drew sharply different estimates: government figures put attendance at around 70,000, while organizers claimed approximately 500,000. Demonstrations also took place in dozens of other cities.
Portugal has also seen large rallies in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and other cities. Protesters have demanded affordable housing, higher wages and measures to address the cost of living.
Housing pressures are particularly pronounced in Portugal. Eurostat reported that residential property prices rose 16.5% year over year in the second quarter of 2026, the largest annual increase among EU member states with available data.
Portuguese Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento acknowledged the pressure that rising fuel and housing costs are placing on households.
Greece: Students Demand Affordable Housing and Better Schools
In Greece, students set up tents in Syntagma Square outside Parliament in Athens to draw attention to rising rents and shortages of student accommodation.
On October 21, approximately 10,000 students, schoolchildren and teachers took part in a demonstration in Athens, according to police. Rallies were also held in Thessaloniki, Patras, Larissa and Crete.
Students say the rent for a small studio apartment in Athens can reach €600 a month, while student housing facilities meet only a small share of demand. They are calling for rent restrictions and a monthly housing allowance of €500, alongside increased education funding and improved school facilities.
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki said she understood the students’ concerns and pointed to projects worth more than €733 million for new student residences and university renovations.
The demonstrations reflect a growing concern that young people are struggling to afford education and housing while facing uncertain economic prospects.
Economic Pressure Fuels Wider Discontent
Although the protests differ from country to country, common concerns include rising household expenses, housing shortages, pressure on wages and dissatisfaction with public services.
The latest consumer confidence figures suggest that economic anxiety remains widespread. With energy prices contributing significantly to inflation, households across Europe continue to face uncertainty over purchasing power and future living standards.
The European Commission is scheduled to publish its broader monthly business and consumer survey results on October 29. Eurostat’s first estimate of October inflation is expected on November 4, providing further insight into whether price pressures are continuing to intensify.
