Strikes and demos kick off across the EU in Spain, Belgium, Portugal

Anti-austerity strikes kicked off in Europe on Wednesday. Union-organised action began in Spain, Belgium and Portugal, with similar demonstrations expected to take place later in Italy, Malta, Cyprus and Greece.

Transport was expected to be disrupted, schools and public services closed and rallies held across the continent to protest over spending cuts, tax hikes workers' rights.

In Barcelona on Tuesday night, dozens of workers burned tyres and formed picket lines around the entrance of Barcelona's wholesale market, preventing deliveries.

The action led by the Workers' Commissions Union, (CCOO) - one of the two largest unions in Spain - launched the start of the European "general strike against austerity."

Union leaders rallied in Madrid on Tuesday, before the strike began, to drum up support for the action. Ignacio Fernandez Toxo, CCOO union leader, said they were protesting "the policies of a suicidal and anti-social government."

He accused the government of causing "unemployment, misery and poorness." Union representatives inspected metro garages in Madrid, as workers walked out once strike action officially began on Wednesday.

Public transport is traditionally one of the first sectors to follow the strikes.

Spain is in its second recession in three years with 25 percent unemployment. Its public finances have been overwhelmed by the cost of rescuing some of its banks and regional governments.

Brussels was also preparing for disruption to public transport. The Thalys train company announced all trains to and from Germany were cancelled on Tuesday evening.

One union leader, Filip Peres, explained why they were launching their anti-cuts action.

"Austerity means cuts in the public services and public companies and also cuts in the buying power for the working class. Austerity means recession and it deepens the crisis," he explained.

At Lisbon airport, flights planned for Wednesday were listed as cancelled, while passengers scrambled to make the last flights leaving the country on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, workers and union members gathered outside a rubbish processing plant and the state mail company.

The action was lead by the CGTP union (General Confederation of the Portuguese Workers) to protest against cuts linked to a 78 (b) billion euro (104 (b) billion US dollar) international bailout.

"We may not solve the problem today, but we are making a big step, because most of the people think it's necessary to find another way for the country," said Rui Silva, one of the striking postal workers.

The CGTP - which represents mostly blue-collar workers - are holding dozens of marches across the country on Wednesday, while inspectors from the International Monetary Fund, European Central Bank and European Commission are back in the country to review how well the country is managing its economy.