29 September 2010Last updated at 14:59

In pictures: Mass European protests against cuts

European workers and trade union representatives march in Brussels (29 September 2010)

Thousands of protesters from across Europe are demonstrating in Belgium against spending cuts by European governments.

Demonstrators dressed as businessmen hold placards during a protest in Brussels

Trade unions say they expect some 100,000 people from 30 countries to march on European Union buildings in the capital, Brussels.

Picketers in Madrid shout slogans during a general strike in Spain on 29 September, 2010

In Spain, a general strike is taking place, affecting transport, rubbish collection and the steel industry.

Protesters picket a FNAC store in downtown Madrid

Crowds have been seen in Madrid going into shops and banks trying to force them to close.

Police officers remove a protester from a municipal bus depot in Madrid, Spain, on 29 September, 2010

Throughout the night, the demonstrators picketed factories, warehouses and transport depots in the Spanish capital. They also plastered walls and windows with their stickers and slogans.

Irish police officers look at a cement mixer that was driven into the gate of Ireland's parliament building in Dublin

Demonstrations are also being organised in Greece, Italy, Ireland and Latvia. A man drove a cement truck emblazoned with the words Toxic Bank Anglo into the gates of the Irish parliament building in Dublin.

People gather outside the prime minister's office in Riga, Latvia, carrying signs saying: "Don't keep silent!"

The unions fear many more jobs will be lost as governments cut budgets to reduce deficits caused by the financial crisis.

A union supporter places a sticker that reads "Closed because of general strike, I'm going" on a shop window in Madrid on 29 September, 2010

Almost 183bn euro (£160bn; $250bn) in cuts have been announced so far. Public sector wages, pensions and key benefits have all been scaled back.

Workers burn tyres in front of the Mercabarna in Barcelona, Spain, on 29 September, 2010

But the BBC's Europe editor says it remains unclear how much support the protesters will attract with the European economy still showing signs of weakness.

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In pictures: Mass European protests against cuts

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