Around 20,000 people protested in Brussels on Thursday against plans for economic cuts in the European Union. European leaders are in Brussels for a summit where they are expected to commit to hitting economic goals, raising productivity and employment and to sustainable budgets. Unions have spoken out against the plans, saying that they are targeting workers and undermining social programs. The European Union president said that the changes were necessary for financial stability. Police broke up the protests using water cannons, pepper spray and other means. Unions say that there will also be protests in Spain and Germany.
See "Police disperse demonstrators at EU protests", Igor Meglajec, March 23, 2011