世代抗议：经济困境的警示与全球政治的转折点
欧洲Z世代抗议：经济困境的警示与全球政治的转折点.
(下边有中文翻译，请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
Europe is witnessing a new wave of youth-led protests that extends beyond classrooms and university campuses. From France and Belgium to Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, young people are demanding affordable housing, better education, decent employment, improved public services, and political accountability. Although the immediate causes vary, a common concern unites many demonstrators: the fear that the future will offer them fewer opportunities than previous generations enjoyed.
These demonstrations should not be dismissed as temporary student unrest. They reveal deeper economic and social pressures that European governments must address if they wish to restore public confidence.
Economic hardship and historical parallels
The situation inevitably recalls the protests that swept Eastern Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Economic stagnation, shortages, rising prices and declining public confidence contributed to the collapse of communist governments and the transformation of political systems across the region. However, those changes also reflected demands for political freedom, national sovereignty and democratic reform.
Today’s Western European circumstances are different. Most countries have established democratic institutions, functioning markets and competitive elections. Nevertheless, the underlying lesson remains relevant: when citizens feel that established institutions cannot meet their basic needs, economic frustration can develop into a broader demand for political change.
The current protests reflect precisely this danger. Housing costs, food prices, energy expenses, insecure employment, and concerns about underfunded education have placed considerable pressure on younger generations. According to Euronews, EU food and non-alcoholic beverage prices increased by 34 percent between August 2021 and August 2026. Such cumulative increases can continue to strain household budgets even when the rate of inflation slows.
Geopolitical conflicts and the cost of living
International conflicts have intensified Europe’s economic difficulties. The Russia–Ukraine war disrupted established energy and agricultural markets, exposed Europe’s dependence on external energy supplies and forced governments to reconsider their security priorities. European countries have also committed substantial financial resources to supporting Ukraine and strengthening defence capabilities.
The United States has played a major role in the conflict, but European governments must now manage its long-term economic and security consequences while confronting competing domestic priorities. The burden is particularly difficult when public finances are already under pressure.
Meanwhile, the devastating conflict in Gaza, Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Syria, and the US–Israeli conflict with Iran have heightened uncertainty across the Middle East. Disruptions to oil transportation and energy markets can raise fuel, electricity, transport and production costs far beyond the region.
These developments do not explain every European protest, nor should responsibility for Europe’s economic difficulties be attributed to a single country or conflict. Domestic housing policies, wage growth, taxation, public spending and political decisions also matter. Nevertheless, geopolitical instability makes the task of restoring economic security considerably harder.
Gen Z demands more than promises
For Generation Z, the issue is not simply whether economic indicators are improving. It is whether economic progress translates into a decent standard of living. Young people may see national wealth increasing while homeownership becomes less attainable, education more expensive and secure employment harder to find.
Their demands for reform therefore deserve serious attention. Governments should prioritise affordable housing, accessible education, vocational training, productive employment and targeted support for vulnerable households. They must also protect peaceful protest and investigate credible allegations of excessive police force, while preventing violence and property destruction.
The movements are not unified, and their outcomes remain uncertain. Some governments may introduce reforms; others may face electoral setbacks or political instability. It is too early to predict a continent-wide transformation comparable to 1989. Yet ignoring the grievances could deepen distrust and strengthen political extremism.
China and the search for a more stable world order
China offers a different perspective on the relationship between development, stability and global governance. Its emphasis on long-term planning, infrastructure, industrial development, technological innovation and poverty reduction reflects the view that economic progress is essential to social stability.
China is not insulated from global crises. International trade disruptions, energy-price volatility and geopolitical tensions also affect its economy. Nevertheless, its continued emphasis on development, dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation provides an important perspective at a time when international relations are increasingly strained.
Through the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and cooperation with countries across the Global South, China has advocated connectivity, development financing and practical economic partnerships. These efforts can contribute to international stability when they deliver tangible benefits and respect the interests of participating countries.
Beijing can play a constructive diplomatic role by encouraging dialogue, opposing the escalation of conflicts, and supporting a more inclusive international system. However, global stability cannot depend on China alone. It requires responsible conduct and cooperation from all major powers.
A choice between reform and deeper instability
Europe’s protests are a warning that economic growth loses public legitimacy when ordinary people cannot afford the essentials of life. Political stability cannot be sustained through security measures or reassuring statements alone; it requires policies that improve everyday living standards and give younger generations confidence in their future.
The lessons of Eastern Europe should encourage European leaders to respond before frustration becomes a deeper institutional crisis. Equally, major powers must recognise that wars and geopolitical rivalries impose costs far beyond battlefields.
A more peaceful international order will require cooperation rather than confrontation, development rather than prolonged conflict, and diplomacy rather than coercion. China’s emphasis on these principles offers a basis for engagement, although their success depends on practical results and collective commitment.
The central question facing Europe is whether its leaders can translate the demands of a new generation into meaningful reform. The answer will shape not only Europe’s political future but also the wider international environment in which all nations must pursue peace, prosperity and development.
欧洲Z世代抗议：经济困境的警示与全球政治的转折点
欧洲正在经历新一轮由青年主导的抗议浪潮，其影响已从课堂和大学校园扩展至更广泛的社会领域。从法国、比利时到意大利、西班牙、葡萄牙和希腊，年轻人要求提供负担得起的住房、改善教育、创造体面的就业机会、完善公共服务，并加强政治问责。尽管各地抗议的直接原因有所不同，但许多示威者有着共同的担忧：他们害怕未来能够获得的发展机会将少于前几代人。
这些示威活动不应被简单地视为暂时性的学生骚乱。它们反映了欧洲各国政府必须认真应对的深层经济与社会压力。只有切实解决这些问题，政府才能恢复公众信任。
一、经济困境与历史的相似之处
当前局势不可避免地令人联想到20世纪80年代末至90年代初席卷东欧的抗议浪潮。当时，经济停滞、物资短缺、物价上涨以及公众信心下降，共同促成了该地区多个共产主义政府的垮台和政治制度的深刻转型。然而，这些变化同样反映了民众对政治自由、国家主权和民主改革的诉求。
今天的西欧与当年的东欧存在明显差异。西欧大多数国家拥有成熟的民主制度、正常运转的市场经济和竞争性选举机制。然而，其中的历史教训依然具有现实意义：当民众认为现有制度无法满足其基本需求时，经济不满就可能逐渐演变为对政治变革的更广泛诉求。
当前的抗议活动正反映了这种潜在风险。住房、食品和能源成本不断上升，就业缺乏保障，以及对教育经费不足的担忧，都给年轻一代带来了巨大压力。据欧洲新闻台（Euronews）报道，2021年8月至2026年8月期间，欧盟食品及非酒精饮料价格上涨了34%。即使通货膨胀率有所放缓，物价的累积上涨仍会持续挤压家庭预算。
二、地缘政治冲突与生活成本
国际冲突加剧了欧洲面临的经济困难。俄乌战争扰乱了原有的能源和农产品市场，暴露出欧洲对外部能源供应的依赖，并迫使各国政府重新审视自身的安全优先事项。与此同时，欧洲国家投入了大量财政资源支持乌克兰，并加强自身的国防能力。
美国在这场冲突中发挥了重要作用，但欧洲各国政府如今必须独自应对战争带来的长期经济与安全后果，同时兼顾国内相互竞争的政策需求。当公共财政本已承受压力时，这种负担尤其沉重。
与此同时，加沙地区持续恶化的冲突、以色列在黎巴嫩和叙利亚的军事行动，以及美国与以色列对伊朗发动的战争，进一步加剧了中东地区的不确定性。石油运输和能源市场一旦受到干扰，就可能推高远离冲突地区的燃油、电力、运输和生产成本。
这些因素并不能解释欧洲所有的抗议活动，也不应将欧洲的经济困境归咎于某一个国家或某一场冲突。住房政策、工资增长、税收制度、公共支出以及政府决策同样发挥着重要作用。然而，地缘政治局势的不稳定，无疑使恢复经济安全变得更加困难。
三、Z世代需要的不只是承诺
对于Z世代而言，问题不仅在于经济指标是否有所改善，更在于经济进步能否转化为体面的生活水平。年轻人可能看到国家财富不断增长，却发现拥有住房越来越困难、教育成本越来越高，而获得稳定就业的机会也愈发有限。
因此，年轻人提出的改革诉求值得认真对待。各国政府应优先解决住房可负担性问题，扩大教育机会，加强职业技能培训，创造具有生产力的就业岗位，并为弱势家庭提供有针对性的支持。
政府还应保障和平抗议的权利，对有可信依据的过度使用警力指控展开调查，同时采取措施防止暴力行为和财产破坏。
这些抗议运动并非铁板一块，其最终结果也尚不确定。一些政府可能推行改革，另一些政府则可能在选举中遭遇挫折，甚至面临政治不稳定。现在就预测欧洲将出现类似1989年的全面政治转型，还为时过早。然而，如果政府忽视民众的不满，社会信任就可能进一步削弱，政治极端主义也可能乘势扩大影响。
四、中国与寻求更加稳定的世界秩序
中国为理解发展、稳定与全球治理之间的关系提供了不同的视角。中国强调长期规划、基础设施建设、产业发展、技术创新和减贫，体现了一种重要理念：经济进步是维护社会稳定的关键基础。
中国并非能够完全免受全球危机影响。国际贸易受阻、能源价格波动和地缘政治紧张同样会对中国经济产生影响。然而，在国际关系日益紧张的背景下，中国持续强调发展、对话与互利合作，为国际社会提供了值得关注的思路。
通过共建“一带一路”、全球发展倡议以及与全球南方国家开展合作，中国倡导加强互联互通、发展融资和务实经济伙伴关系。如果这些合作能够带来切实利益，并尊重参与国的利益，就有可能为国际稳定作出积极贡献。
北京可以通过鼓励对话、反对冲突升级以及支持更加包容的国际体系，发挥建设性的外交作用。然而，全球稳定不能仅仅依靠中国。它需要所有主要大国承担负责任的国际义务，并开展相互合作。
五、改革还是更深层次的不稳定？
欧洲的抗议活动发出了一个明确警示：如果普通民众连基本生活必需品都难以负担，经济增长就会逐渐失去公众的认同。政治稳定不能仅靠安全措施或安抚性的声明来维持，而必须依靠能够切实改善日常生活、让年轻一代对未来充满信心的政策。
东欧的历史教训应当促使欧洲领导人及时采取行动，避免社会不满演变为更深层次的制度性危机。同样，各大国也必须认识到，战争和地缘政治竞争所带来的代价远远超出战场本身。
建立更加和平的国际秩序，需要以合作取代对抗，以发展取代旷日持久的冲突，以外交取代强制手段。中国所强调的这些原则为国际合作提供了基础，但其成效最终仍取决于实际成果以及各方的共同承诺。
摆在欧洲面前的核心问题是：欧洲领导人能否将新一代人的诉求转化为切实有效的改革？这一问题的答案不仅将影响欧洲的政治未来，也将塑造整个国际环境，而世界各国都必须在这一环境中追求和平、繁荣与发展。
(注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- https://thinktank.pk/2026/10/27/europes-gen-z-protests-an-economic-warning-and-a-turning-point-in-global-politics/
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
