15/10/2026 Culture, Science, Education and Media
Mogens Jensen (Denmark, SOC), Chairperson of the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media, made the following statement today:
“The recent student protests in France should make us reflect on what Europe is offering its younger generations. Across Europe, many young people face an uncertain future, marked by educational inequalities, difficulties in accessing higher education and employment, rising living costs and growing pressure on their well-being. At the same time, artificial intelligence is transforming education and the labour market, creating opportunities but also uncertainty about the skills and jobs that will shape tomorrow.
Education should be a pathway towards independence and opportunity. Yet teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure and unequal access to further education risk weakening that promise.
The mobilisation of students in France also reflects wider anxiety about the future. Similar concerns are driving protests in Spain, where the housing crisis and rising living costs are making independence increasingly difficult especially for young people. Let me be clear: violence and vandalism have no place in demonstrations and can never be accepted as part of protest. The right to demonstrate must be exercised peacefully. However, such acts must not overshadow the legitimate grievances and concerns expressed by young people.
This concern is reflected in the Assembly’s recent work, notably in a 2026 resolution on “Socialising at schools: for an inclusive and participatory education fostering democratic values” and a 2025 resolution on “Youth movements for democracy”, which underline the importance of inclusive education, meaningful youth participation and addressing the socio-economic barriers faced by young people.
We must turn this recognition into action. I call on governments to invest in quality education, tackle inequalities, prepare young people for an AI-transformed labour market and give them meaningful opportunities to shape the decisions affecting their lives.
Young people should not have to take to the streets before their concerns become a political priority. Our responsibility is to invest in their present, so they also have a fair chance in the future.”