The protests began over different issues in different countries but have increasingly reflected shared concerns about housing affordability, education, employment opportunities and the cost of living. In Spain, Gen Z protesters are demonstrating over the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her home. In France, students have joined teachers to demand better schools. In Albania, protests began over a planned luxury development backed by Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law.

Many young people across the continent feel that buying or renting a home and securing a good education and stable employment are becoming increasingly difficult. They are also concerned about a changing job market, the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the effects of climate change.

Alice de Brito, vice president of France's main student union, UNEF, told CNN that young people across Europe shared more concerns than differences. "I see so many more similarities than differences We are all talking about the need for investments in education, in the universities, in youth in general. But we are also talking about the cost of living, about housing," she said.

Julius Fintelmann, co-founder and editor-in-chief of the European Correspondent daily newsletter, said the demonstrations reflected growing frustration among young people with their governments. He described the situation as "The feeling that Europe's politics is failing to deliver for the next generation."

In France, students have been protesting for the past nine years over demands for better schools and concerns about teacher shortages and inadequate school facilities. Despite years of demonstrations, students and teachers continue to press for improvements.

"People are just tired of waiting for an answer," Brito told CNN, highlighting the frustration among students who believe their demands have not received adequate responses.

In Italy, university students in Rome say the rising cost of accommodation is making it increasingly difficult to continue their education. Elisa Pastore, a university student in Rome, told CNN that she and her brother could "barely" afford the rent for their shared room.

Housing affordability has also become a central issue in Portugal, where thousands of people gathered in Lisbon to demand more affordable homes. The demonstrations reflect mounting concerns among young people who face difficulties securing accommodation while managing the cost of everyday living.

In Italy and Greece, students and teachers are also demanding better schools, free public education and increased government spending on public services. According to Reuters, some protesters chanted, "From Greece to France, we want public, free education," as demonstrations highlighted concerns about access to education and the quality of public services.

In Albania, protests took a more confrontational turn last week when demonstrations turned violent. Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected calls to step down and blamed political opponents for the unrest.

One protester told Reuters, "We want a change, that's why we're here." The protester further stated, "We want a revolution, we want a new government, we are not looking for any negotiations, we need a new government as soon as possible."

The demonstrations across Europe have emerged from different national disputes, ranging from housing and urban development to school facilities and public education. However, the demands point to a common concern among young people about access to affordable housing, education, employment and public services, placing pressure on governments to respond to the challenges facing the next generation.