Tens of Thousands Protest in Brussels Over Belgian Reforms, Energy Prices, and Military Spending

Tens of thousands marched through Brussels on Tuesday to protest Belgian federal reforms, rising military spending, and what demonstrators say are insufficient action on soaring energy prices. The rally comes amid an EU-wide energy crisis and rising defense budgets across the bloc. The EU energy crisis, triggered by the bloc’s shift away from Russian oil and gas imports, has deepened in recent months due to supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict, forcing member states to pay significantly more for imported fossil fuels. Belgium has recently increased defense spending as part of NATO commitments, moving toward the US-led military bloc’s 2% of GDP target after years of lower military budgets. Like other European NATO members, it cites what it calls the threat of Russian aggression as a key reason for its renewed military buildup – claims Moscow has dismissed as “nonsense” and baseless fearmongering. Meanwhile, the reforms at the center of the demonstration include pension changes such as stricter retirement rules and reduced benefits, labour market reforms introducing greater flexibility and changes to employment protections, as well as adjustments to wage indexation and broader public spending cuts. Footage shows crowds carrying banners and chanting slogans, including outside the headquarters of the ruling Reformist Movement (MR) party. Demonstrators were also seen near an effigy of Prime Minister Bart De Wever, throwing shoes at cardboard cutouts of government officials. Some protesters calling for an end to the Middle East conflict were seen holding a banner reading “HALT to the WAR against IRAN.” One sign criticizing defense spending read: “€3.6 billion for Chassis aircraft, €86.7 million less for schools in 2026 – this is not the kind of society we want,” while another showed a paper fighter jet with the message: “There goes our budget, healthcare flying away.” Other demonstrators were seen holding banners stating, “Public education is in danger,” while placards read: “They are also stealing your pensions” and “A decent pension is not a LUX.” Public transport across the country ran at a reduced service due to the rally, while Charleroi Airport canceled all flights scheduled for the day. The last national rally held on March 12 over the same issues drew between 80,000 and 100,000 people to Brussels.