{
  "id": 16538751,
  "title": "Young people like me are protesting in Europe — not to reject, but to preserve",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/young-people-like-me-are-protesting-in-europe-not-to-reject-but-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T00:45:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/europe-france-youth-protests-cost-of-living-10936564/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Across Europe, young individuals are staging protests, not to reject the status quo but to safeguard a future they believe should be attainable. As a Belgian who recently joined the workforce, I empathize with their growing concerns. We've been led to believe that diligence, education, and determination can pave the way to the lives we desire. In Belgium, securing a home with a partner and embarking on the journey to adulthood is typically anticipated around the age of 30. However, this goal is proving increasingly elusive, with financial backing from family proving essential for six out of ten young people looking to buy a house, compared to only around three out of ten a decade ago. Financial stability is no longer solely reliant on diligent effort; it's also tied to the circumstances into which one is born. Education systems are facing similar challenges. While it's true that governments must make tough decisions regarding public spending, debt, and interest payments, these choices can impact the opportunities the next generation will have. I don't believe our governments are purposely making life harder for young people. They must balance competing priorities with limited resources. This does not mean we should stay silent. Peaceful protest is a crucial aspect of democracy, granting citizens a platform to voice their worries and urge their elected officials to reevaluate their priorities. The current frustration is understandable, and governments should heed it. Nonetheless, there's a difference between legitimate protest and violent behavior. Some individuals and organized groups use demonstrations as a platform for vandalism and confrontation, which can intimidate the public, complicate the police's job, and overshadow the legitimate concerns of peaceful protesters. Those who protest peacefully should not be lumped together with those who deliberately cause harm. While I acknowledge these concerns, I still hold an optimistic view. Achieving homeownership, financial independence, and starting a family might now necessitate more time, planning, and sacrifice than it did for previous generations. However, I firmly believe that our ambitions have not become unattainable. I still believe that young Europeans can achieve extraordinary things through hard work, determination, and the opportunities our societies provide. I still cherish the stability, freedoms, public institutions, and quality of life that Europe offers. The protests should not be seen solely as a rejection of Europe or its governments. They can be viewed as a plea to preserve the opportunities that make our societies worthwhile to live in. I don't expect governments to solve every problem immediately, nor do I believe the state can ensure everyone the life they desire. I simply hope we can continue striving towards a society where effort and ambition still matter, irrespective of one's family background. Our generation faces hurdles, but we also inherit robust institutions, democratic freedoms, and abundant opportunities. I remain hopeful that, by acknowledging our difficulties without losing faith in our future, we can safeguard what makes Europe a desirable place to live. The writer, an auditor based in Ghent, Belgium, remains hopeful for a better tomorrow.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Young people in Europe protest to preserve future opportunities",
    "Financial stability now tied to family background and societal circumstances",
    "Peaceful protest is crucial for democracy and citizen voice"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The rise in youth demonstrations signals a demand for structural reforms to ensure that social mobility and traditional milestones remain accessible regardless of an individual's family background.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}