Protests in Europe in October 2026 and upcoming mass demonstration dates

Mass protests against the high cost of living and government policies continue across Europe. In France, 410,000 people took to the streets for a demonstration on October 24. Labor unions and protest movements are already calling for further demonstrations on October 31 and a nationwide strike on November 5. In Brussels, there were new clashes with police, and in Italian cities, clashes have been reported for the second week in a row. We’ll break down what has changed and which dates to keep in mind before traveling.

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Protests and an armed attack in France

On October 24, 410,000 people took to the streets in France, including 110,000 in Paris. Labor unions reported 800,000 participants nationwide. The main demands were higher wages, funding for education, and public services. Most marches were peaceful, but clashes broke out in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, and Rennes.

About 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed to maintain order. Following the protests, the following were reported:

- 1,314 people detained nationwide

- About 50 injured law enforcement officers

- 75 fires and 24 looted stores

- At least two people seriously injured—in Toulouse and Clermont-Ferrand.

A separate deadly attack occurred on October 23 in Trappes and La Verrière near Paris. A man opened fire from a car at several locations. A 26-year-old man was killed, and five people were injured, including a 12-year-old girl. The suspect was arrested shortly after the shooting. Macron called the attack a racist terrorist act, and the case has been taken over by the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office.

According to Le Monde, the suspect told investigators that he deliberately targeted people with dark skin and Arabs, explaining that he wanted to “take revenge” for store robberies. This is the suspect’s statement: it does not indicate that the victims were involved in the riots. The person killed and those injured in this attack should not be counted among the casualties of the October 24 demonstrations.

Trade unions and protest movements are calling for new demonstrations on October 31 and a nationwide strike on November 5. Negotiations with the government have not yet satisfied the organizers.

In our previous article, we reported in detail on mass protests by schoolchildren in France.

Where else in Europe did protests and riots take place?

On October 24–25, new demonstrations and clashes took place in Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. Shops were damaged in Barcelona, while police dismantled tent cities in Lisbon and Porto.

Italy

On October 24, thousands of people protested against the high cost of living, the policies of Giorgia Meloni’s government, and the wars in the Middle East. Most of the demonstrations were peaceful. According to the Department of Public Safety, nine people were arrested, and another 371 were taken to police stations for questioning, including 110 minors. These figures do not represent 380 criminal arrests.

In Rome, a group of demonstrators broke away from the march and entered the Colosseum, from where they were removed by law enforcement. In Bologna, participants threw bottles and other objects; police used water cannons and tear gas. One person was hospitalized after being struck by police. In Milan, where an additional 500 military personnel were deployed, the protests were calmer than the previous weekend.

Spain

On the evening of October 24, riots broke out in the area around Plaça de Catalunya in central Barcelona. Participants were organized via social media. According to updated figures, 128 people were detained, 72 of whom were minors.

Twenty-three stores were damaged or looted. Firefighters responded to 33 calls due to fires. City authorities estimated the initial cost of damage to street infrastructure at 36,000 euros—excluding losses to retail establishments. Police are investigating who organized the riots. Mayor Jaume Colboni stated that the city will join legal proceedings against those responsible for the destruction.

Portugal

On the night of October 25, police dismantled a tent encampment in Rossio Square in Lisbon. More than 100 tents had been set up following a march against the housing crisis. Twenty-five people were detained in the capital, and six more were detained in Porto during a similar operation.

Reports on the number of injured vary: police reported seven people with minor injuries in both cities, while the Casa para Viver movement reported 60 injured. Those detained in Lisbon were released on the condition that they appear in court on October 26. Protesters are opposing unaffordable rent and proposed changes that would make evictions easier.

Belgium

On October 24, hundreds of mostly young demonstrators gathered in Brussels to demand increased funding for education. During the clashes, police used tear gas and pepper spray. Protesters attempted to set fire to a pile of rental bicycles, scooters, and traffic signs.

Five people were temporarily detained for disturbing the peace, and four others for possession of prohibited weapons and incitement to riot. According to Reuters, the clashes were smaller in scale and less violent than those a week earlier.

We previously reported on mass protests in Europe in 2026: which countries were swept up in the unrest.

When are the next protests and strikes scheduled?

The next announced demonstrations will take place in Portugal and France. Organizers have already set the dates, though the scale of participation and transportation restrictions may still change.

- October 27 – protests for affordable housing in Portugal. The Casa para Viver movement is calling for a gathering near the parliament building in Lisbon at 6:30 p.m. local time. Participants will demand increased budgetary support for the housing sector and will protest the police’s actions during the dismantling of tent camps. In Porto, a rally has been announced near the Trindade metro station.

- October 31 – new demonstrations in France. Representatives of Solidaires, the SUD Éducation teachers’ union, and the “Yellow Vests” movement are calling for participation. Among the announced forms of protest are rallies outside city halls and the National Assembly. At the time of this Reuters report, the CGT union had not yet decided whether to participate on this specific day.

- November 5 – a nationwide day of strikes and demonstrations in France. Unions confirmed the mobilization following negotiations with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The CGT called for the strike to be expanded to various sectors.

An announced strike does not automatically mean that all trips will be canceled or that public transportation will come to a halt. The reports provided do not yet include a list of canceled trains, flights, or closed stations for these dates. For a specific trip, check announcements from the carrier and local transportation authorities.

Learn more about transportation strikes in Europe in October 2026 by following the link.

What should you check before traveling to European cities?

For travelers, the main risks include getting caught in a conflict zone, encountering roadblocks, or facing changes to transportation schedules. In its travel advice for France, the British Foreign Office warns of possible local restrictions, including curfews in certain areas. This is not a nationwide curfew: you should check the specific conditions for each city.

In Italy, a nationwide strike has also been announced for October 30, which, according to the British Foreign Office, may affect transportation. If your trip falls on this date, check the carrier’s updates before heading to the airport or train station.

Before your trip, you should check:

- The status of your flight or train. Turn on notifications from the carrier and check all connections.

- The route to your accommodation and the airport. Check for road closures, closed stations, or changes to bus routes. Allow extra time.

- The operating status of tourist attractions. Check announcements on the official website of the museum, landmark, or event organizer.

- Local restrictions. Follow announcements from city hall, the police, and the transit operator, especially on the day of a demonstration.

Do not approach clashes to take photos or videos. If a crowd gathers along your route or police block the way, change direction and follow law enforcement instructions. Official travel advisories recommend avoiding demonstrations: even a peaceful gathering can quickly escalate into a clash.

Are you preparing for a trip abroad in 2026?

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We remind you! High incomes, affordable housing, and life expectancy determine how comfortable a city can be for its residents. Read more about the 10 European cities leading in quality of life in 2026, their advantages, and the nuances of moving there.