Europe · Current events

Europe’s autumn 2026 protests: what they mean for expats

By Leonard Chioveanu · Updated 26 October 2026 · 7 min read

Since late September 2026, protests over housing, the cost of living and education have spread across Europe, from Madrid and Lisbon to Paris, Milan, Brussels, Vienna and Athens. For most expats the effect is practical: disrupted transport, closed schools, and new rules on renting that could change after elections. This guide sums up what we know as of 26 October 2026. The situation is moving fast, so check local news before you act.

What is driving the protests

Housing. In Spain and Portugal rents and house prices have risen far faster than wages. In Portugal purchase prices have more than doubled since 2017, and rents on new leases have nearly doubled.
Prices and fuel. Fuel costs set off protests in France and Italy, where truckers and farmers also went on strike.
Schools and universities. Students and teachers have protested over pay, conditions and fees in France, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Greece and Ireland.
Pensions and budgets. Pensioners marched in Madrid, and Belgian unions struck over the federal budget.

Country by country

Country	What has happened	What it means for you
Spain	Mass housing protests after high-profile evictions; protest camps in Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga. Congress rejected the government’s housing decrees on 2 October and a snap general election is set for 29 November. Unions have called a general strike for 11 November.	Expect disruption on 11 November. Rental rules may change after the election; see our renting guide.
Portugal	Tens of thousands marched in Lisbon; police cleared protest camps in Lisbon and Porto on 20 October. Protesters oppose a bill that would ease evictions and end rent caps on new leases.	If you rent, follow the bill; it has passed a first reading in parliament.
France	Student and teacher protests grew into nationwide demonstrations on 17 October, with more than 550,000 people according to the Interior Ministry, and clashes in several cities. Further protests took place on 24 October.	Some metro stations and bus routes close on protest days. Avoid city-centre demonstrations.
Italy	Protests against living costs and rearmament in Milan, Rome and other cities, some violent. Strikes by truckers and farmers over diesel prices caused fuel shortages in the south.	Check fuel and transport before travel in southern Italy.
Belgium	Student protests over university fees, a national demonstration on 9 October and a public-sector strike on 12 October, with reduced train services.	Further national strikes are being discussed; train timetables are posted 24 hours ahead.
Netherlands	A 24-hour regional bus and train strike on 14 October over pay; NS intercity trains ran.	Unions have warned of more action. Check 9292.nl.
Others	Large demonstrations in Vienna, student protests in Athens and Dublin, and protests in Germany against conscription plans.	Mostly peaceful; check local news on protest days.

Practical advice for expats

Stay away from demonstrations that turn violent. Police in several countries have used tear gas and water cannon, and thousands of people have been arrested in France alone. Even if you are only watching, you can be caught up in an arrest.
Think about your residence status. In many countries an arrest, a fine or a criminal record can affect a residence permit renewal or a citizenship application. Peaceful protest is a right, but be aware of the stakes if you are on a permit.
Carry ID. Police checks are more frequent around protests. In many countries you must be able to show ID or a residence card.
Plan for strike days. Agree on remote work with your employer, arrange childcare if schools close, and check transport apps the evening before. See our guide to your rights during strikes.
Register with your embassy if your country offers it, so you get alerts.
Keep some cash and a full tank in areas with fuel shortages.

What it could mean for your money

Rent rules may change. Governments in Spain and Portugal are under pressure in opposite directions: more tenant protection in Spain, looser rent rules in Portugal.
Budgets and taxes. France and Belgium are running deficits of around 5% of GDP, and next year’s budgets are being negotiated under pressure from the streets. Tax and benefit changes for 2027 are possible; we will update our calculators when they are law.
Strike days can cost pay. If you join a strike you are usually not paid for that time. If you cannot get to work, rules differ by country, so check your contract.

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Sources

This guide is general information based on the tax rules we could verify for 2026, not tax or financial advice. Rules change and personal situations differ, so check with the tax authority or a qualified adviser before you act. Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected].