Youth, protest and the fight for social rights in Europe

Protests have been sweeping through two of Europe’s largest democracies: In France, pupils are demanding decent schools with enough teachers and safe buildings in which they can learn. In Spain, people are protesting a housing crisis that has priced a generation out of independent life.

Both mobilisations come at a politically crucial times: the far right keeps climbing in the polls and increasingly sets the terms of public debate, eroding democratic standards along the way.

Protests today, a better Europe tomorrow?

The important question therefore is: what happens when the tents come down and the streets are quiet again? Often, the energy of mass protests struggles to outlast the moment and fails to prompt lasting change. How can today’s protests deliver real change on affordable housing, good public schools and other social rights that shape everyday life?

Together with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), we will discuss this question through the lens of youth politics. Join Mariam Asghari, Secretary General of the Young European Socialists, Emma Rafowicz, S&D MEP and former President of the Socialist Youth in France and Javier Carbonell, Director of Future Policy Lab and Policy Analyst at the EPC, to explore: 

What role can youth movements and progressive youth organisations across Europe play in turning this energy for a more social Europe into something that lasts?

Date: Monday, 12 October, 17:30 - 20:00 CEST

Venue: Kamilou, Rue Joseph II 36, 1000 Brussels

Please note: This event previously featured a lecture by Cas Mudde. Unfortunately, he is no longer able to join. We have therefore adjusted the topic slightly and will instead focus on youth experiences from France and Spain.