EU summit protesters clash with police

EU summit protesters clash with police

2011-03-24 21:28:11 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands of people marched against the two-day European Union (EU) Social Summit, which is set to begin on Thursday and is expected to agree on the comprehensive response to the economic crisis and to launch a new governance architecture as well as key structural reforms.

While some demonstrations were peaceful, small groups of protesters scuffled with police, who eventually used water cannons and tear gas to disperse those throwing bottles and stones.

According to the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), demonstrations and rallies are "to say 'no' to austerity plans in Europe, no to cuts in wages and pensions, no to insecurity and unemployment, no to deregulation of labour standards and social regression, and no to rising social inequalities."

The summit will be gathering EU leaders to close financial packages to fight the economic crisis. Among the expected measures to be taken is the 'Euro Pact,' which is causing particular concern among trade unions.

To push economic competitiveness in the eurozone, the 'Euro Pact' looks to moderate wages, as well as increase budgetary discipline and economic policy convergence in an effort to ensure that countries rein in national debt.

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said, "this Spring European Council will be a real game-changer, which will help us to overcome the crisis and to bring growth and a recovery that creates jobs."

On Wednesday, Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates announced his resignation after the Stability and Growth Program 2011-2014 was rejected, and Portugal is now likely to seek a bailout as Greece and Ireland.

The ETUC said European trade union mobilization would beyond the summit with planned demonstrations in other European countries including England, France, Spain, and Germany.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-03-24