From France to UK, Mass Protests Bring Europe to a Standstill | Europe Energy Crisis. France was struck with fresh protests on Thursday over rising costs of living and the state of the economy. What’s happening in France is really happening all over Europe. Name any European country, and they’re all facing protests. On Wednesday, for example, thousands of people held a nationwide strike in Greece and Belgium. The protests even turned violent in some parts. Soon, the UK is expected to join in too. Watch to know more.