For a city of only half a million, these are massive protests.

The BBC pointed out that it is no longer possible for these institutions to meet without attracting large numbers of demonstrators. A great start to the "Summer of protest".

Sue, a GR member who is in Gothenburg reports "there is a brilliant atmosphere on the protests, the protesters are very determined to stop the conference, even though the police and authorities have blockaded the conference with freight containers. The police have unleashed dogs on the protests - many people have been bitten and there have been horse charges as well".

"There are more demonstrations planned for tonight, with an international protest planned for tomorrow. Already, there are delegations from across the world. There are delegations from Norwegian trade unionists and a massive delegation from ATTAC".

Guy says that "GR has gone down brilliantly, the words on the GR banner "People before profit, our world is not for sale" were taken up and chanted by the whole protest".

Some of the protesters have written the following statement and emailed it in.

"Riots shut the city of Gothenburg as European Union leaders met to impose neoliberal agenda on us. Police attacked a peaceful demonstration of thousands trying to take their message of "People before profit" to the summit.

The police violence was met by resistance as protesters chanted "The whole world is watching". As we write, the police have the city in a state of siege. Like May Day in London, they have trapped people in pens, denying them their civil liberties and democratic right to protest.

Gothenburg is a divided city.

Tens of thousands have come out to challenge the priorities of capitalism. They are physically bared from their rulers who are protected by a ring of steel.

Over 15,000 demonstrated yesterday against George Bush's visit. Later 3000 surrounded a school were police were holding demonstrators hostage. They were freed.

The mood is electric.

People are angry and demanding an alternative to neo-liberalism. Demonstrations are planned for this evening and a mass trade union one tomorrow."