A massive day of action kicks off across Europe.<br/> <br />A general strike matched by planned marches in dozens of European cities has been called to protest sweeping austerity measures and crippling tax hikes.<br/> <br />Here in Madrid protesters are already out in force - some clashing with riot police as tensions flare early on Wednesday.<br/> <br />And in France's southern city of Marseille, around 3000 are marching against the cuts.<br/> <br />Rail sevices have been cancelled here in Brussels' main train station.<br/> <br />Other stations across the continent look the same as this - and the impact on rail service is huge.<br/> <br />In Portugal, too, a transport strike could take a heavy toll.<br/> <br />Lisbon's airport is preparing to shut down, while buses have been cancelled - and even the garbage collectors are staging an early morning picket.<br/> <br />And this is just the beginning. Many thousands are expected to take to the streets of Paris, Madrid, Rome and other major cities later in the day.
