How do the European ATC strikes affect us as pilots? So every once in awhile I see an article talking about the air traffic control strikes in Europe like this one:  European air traffic controllers to strike.  

How does this affect me if I am flying to Europe?  Do they just close the doors and all airspace becomes uncontrolled airspace?  I'm guessing not, but that's what I envision when I hear that!  What happens if they go on strike while I'm over the ocean on my way there?
Since these strikes are announced in advance, you will not be caught by surprise half way accross the ocean. If you try to file a flightplan through the soon to be closed airspace, the CFMU will not accept your plan. There will be no IFR traffic in the airspace before they close down the service. 

I don't know about VFR.