Latest Photos From Europe
As the fiscally troubled nations of Europe struggle with overwhelming debt loads, votes on cost-cutting austerity measures and the implementation of reforms have sparked riots and protests around the continent.
Most recently, a union-led general strike in Spain over pro-business labor reforms turned violent as angry protesters clashed with police, blocking roads, and setting vehicles and businesses on fire. The nationwide demonstrations saw clashes with police in such major cities as Barcelona and Madrid, where local businesses and national banks were damaged or destroyed.
For the most recent images from the protests in Europe, click ahead.
By Paul Toscano
Posted 30 March 2012
Cibeles Square
Demonstrators crowd Cibeles Square during a general strike on March 29, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. Spanish workers staged a general strike to protest against the government's new labor reforms and austerity measures.
Riots in Barcelona
Riot policemen stand guard following clashes with protesters during a demonstration in Barcelona on March 29, 2012 during a national strike.
Deutsche Bank
Photographers take pictures of a Deutsche Bank office burning following clashes between riot police and protesters during a demonstration in Barcelona on March 29, 2012.
Pushing back the Protesters
Riot police walk past burning garbage containers during heavy clashes on March 29, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.
Local Businesses
A woman cries after demonstrators smashed a shop window during heavy clashes with riot police on March 29, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.
Clash with Police
Riot police clash with demonstrators during a 24-hour strike on March 29, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain. Spanish workers staged a general strike to protest the government's latest labor reforms, which are designed to help Spain lower its deficit to within EU limits.
Putting out the Fires
Firemen extinguish a burning waste container following a demonstration in Madrid on March 29, 2012 during a national strike.
The Spanish General Strike
Riot police clash with demonstrators during a 24-hour strike on March 29, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.
Demonstration Fires
Protesters demonstrate next to burning waste containers in Barcelona on March 29, 2012, on a day of national strikes.
Breaking Windows
Demonstrators smash a shop window of the El Corte Ingles department store during heavy clashes with riot police during a 24-hour strike on March 29, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.