This morning we reported on the current wave of anti-austerity anger that is sweeping across Europe. Millions of workers have been taking part in a so-called European Day of Action and Solidarity against spending cuts and tax hikes. Close to 26 million people are currently unemployed in the European Union, and they are represented by 40 unions across 23 different European countries.

Hundreds of police officers took to the streets of Lisbon last night to protect the Portuguese parliament from angry protestors. A total of 110 people were arrested in Spain – some allegedly with materials to make explosive devices with. Protestors were seen jamming cash machines with glue and coins, and riot police in Madrid fired rubber bullets after protestors threw fireworks and hurled stones at police officers.

Italy’s biggest trade union, CGIL, called strikes in dozens of cities – resulting in thousands of workers taking to the streets and calling for more safeguards for jobs and pensions and protesting against Prime Minister Mario Monti’s government.

Transport and travel have been heavily affected. So far, Heathrow has seen 35 cancellations, with British Airways axing flights to Madrid and Barcelona as well as return services to Lisbon in Portugal. More than 600 flights were cancelled in Spain, mainly by Iberia and budget carrier Vueling. Portugal’s flag carrier TAP cancelled roughly 45 per cent of flights.

Check out these below images – taken over the past 24 hours of the various protests:

[Source: Globe and Mail]