From mass arrests in France to military reinforcements in Italy, European governments are responding in sharply different ways to a wave of protests and clashes across the continent. The unrest began in France in mid-September with student demonstrations over school conditions before spreading to other countries, where protesters have focused on domestic grievances.
President Donald Trump has used the turmoil to promote his hard-line immigration agenda, blaming France’s unrest on immigration and calling on the country to close its borders.
French President Emmanuel Macron rejected those remarks as “unacceptable and even stupid,” accusing foreign leaders of using France’s crisis for political purposes.
Here is how governments across Europe are dealing with the unrest.
France vows to make rioters pay as cities assess damage
Demonstrators occupy the sculptures and ledges of the Monument a la Republique in Paris, France, on October 17, 2026. (Aruallan / Hans Lucas /AFP/Getty Images)
Macron has promised that anyone who loots or destroys property will be held responsible and forced to cover the cost of the damage. On Saturday, French authorities deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide as demonstrations took place in Paris and cities across the country.
Clashes were reported in Paris, Lyon, Lille, Toulouse and Nantes. Police used tear gas, sound grenades and water cannons, while the Interior Ministry said more than 1,300 people had been arrested.
Most union-organized marches remained peaceful, although violence erupted later in Paris and several other cities. Separately, a French intelligence assessment reportedly identified Antifa and other far-left groups as instigators in some of the violence, according to a French media outlet.
Italy takes one of Europe’s toughest lines
Demonstrators light flares during an anti-government protest organized by the Italia in Piazza movement, at Piazza Duomo in Milan, on October 17, 2026. (Piero Cruciatti/AFP/Getty Images)
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced what she described as “gangs of thugs” using demonstrations to “sow chaos” and expressed support for police officers confronted by violence in several Italian cities.
After looting and clashes the previous weekend, Meloni acted quickly, sending 500 additional soldiers to Milan and approving tougher penalties for minors involved in vandalism. She said acts of destruction and theft were crimes and vowed that the state would respond firmly.
The steps have placed Meloni among the European leaders adopting the most prominent measures to prevent further violence.
Greek police maintain a visible presence
A protester holds a lit flare and shouts slogans as students, teachers and civil servants take part in a rally to protest against the high cost of living, saying they face the same problems that sparked violent demonstrations in France at the weekend, in Greece on October 21, 2026. (Sakis Mitrolidis/AFP/Getty Images)
Greece has experienced less unrest than France and several other European countries, but officials are monitoring the possibility of clashes as student and teacher demonstrations expand.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said authorities must respect the right to protest when demonstrations remain lawful, while condemning violence, looting and occupations.
Police nevertheless maintained a visible presence at demonstrations earlier in the week, most of which ended without serious violence.
Belgium accuses Antifa-linked activists of stoking clashes
A Belgian police officer faces young protesters during clashes near Brussels-South railway station on October 12, 2026. (Nicolas Tucat/AFP/Getty Images)
Belgium’s protests began in response to education reforms and budget cuts, drawing young demonstrators into the streets of Brussels and Liège. Earlier clashes injured police officers, damaged public spaces and blocked roads. Belgian officials said nearly 200 people were arrested.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin accused far-left activists, including individuals linked to Antifa, of infiltrating the demonstrations and encouraging young people to engage in violence.
Albania clashes escalate as protesters demand prime minister’s ouster
In Albania’s capital, Tirana, student-led protests have evolved into a broader challenge to Prime Minister Edi Rama. Demonstrators are calling for his resignation and accusing his government of corruption and failing to address problems in schools and public services.
Police used tear gas and water cannons as more than 2,500 officers were deployed. Rama placed chairs outside his government headquarters and invited protesters to talk, but they rejected the gesture.
He said his government would address their concerns and warned that people responsible for violence could face criminal and financial consequences.
Spanish regional leaders vow consequences after Barcelona riots
In Spain, the unrest was largely concentrated in Barcelona, unlike France, where protests and clashes spread across multiple cities.
Police arrested 128 people in Barcelona after fires, vandalism and looting. Catalonia, the northeastern Spanish region that includes Barcelona, saw its regional president, Salvador Illa, condemn the violence and back the police response.
Meanwhile, Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni said the city would take legal action against those responsible and warned that parents or guardians could face consequences for damage caused by their children.
