Search form

menu menu
  • Daily & Weekly newsletters
  • Buy & download The Bulletin
  • Comment on our articles

Thousands of union and NGO members block Brussels streets in protest

12:15 20/12/2013

Brussels suffered only “limited” disruption yesterday, police said, as an estimated 10,000 took part in protests to coincide with the European Summit taking place in the city. About 50 trade unions, NGOs and farmers’ organisations called for “another Europe”. The groups are united under the banner of the D19-20 Alliance, calling for an end to austerity policies in the EU and for an end to a trade agreement currently being negotiated between the EU and the US.

Police warned the public in advance to avoid the city centre if possible, as protesters closed the Reyers Tunnel from the E40 and blocked five main junctions, including Arts-loi/Kunst-Wet, the rue de la loi/Wetstraat tunnel, Montgomery Square and Botanique-rue Royale/Kruidtuin-Koningsstraat. Streets in the vicinity of the European quarter were also closed by picketers. Police worked to clear the blockades, after which the protesters made their way to Jubelpark for a rally.

“It would be great if this alliance didn’t have to exist, but it would appear that we will have to fight on,” said a speaker at the rally. “We are asking for accountability from those responsible for the current social bloodbath. For their contribution to society, taxpayers want solidarity, transparency and justice for all.”

During the summit, European heads of state agreed to postpone a decision on introducing contracts for economic reform between members states and the EU. The topic, already postponed a year ago, will come up again when leaders meet in October of next year, said Belgian prime minister Elio Di Rupo.

 

Written by Alan Hope