Barcelona - Student protests against a European university reform continued Wednesday in Spain, student and university representatives said.

Dozens of students occupied premises at three Barcelona faculties. Some of the occupants vowed not to come out until talks were opened about the so-called Bologna reform.

About 20 students also occupied the vice-chancellor's office at Zaragoza University.

The protests followed clashes between students and police in Barcelona a week ago.

Police came under criticism for the clashes, which caused injuries to several people, including journalists and passers-by.

A protest movement against the Bologna reform, which aims at creating a European higher education area, has spread through a string of Spanish universities.

Students interpret the reform as potentially leading to the privatization of university education. The government says the protesters have misunderstood the meaning of the reform. (dpa)