European cities hit by anti-austerity protests

The European Trade Union Confederation says its protest could be one of the biggest in Belgium's capital for years.

The union says EU workers could become the biggest victims of a financial crisis set off by bankers and traders.

A general strike has begun in Spain and protests are planned in Greece, Poland, Italy, Latvia, Ireland and Serbia.

Many governments across the 27-member bloc have imposed punishing cuts in wages, pensions and employment to deal with spiralling debts.

In Greece and the Republic of Ireland unemployment figures are at their highest level in 10 years, while Spain's unemployment has doubled in just three years.

In Britain the government is planning to slash spending by up to 25% in some areas, while France has seen angry protests against a planned increase in the minimum retirement age; Kazinform cites BBC.

See www.bbc.com.uk for full version