Tens of thousands join climate march in Brussels

A march organised by the Climate Coalition in Brussels on Sunday attracted more than 45,000 participants, according to police estimates - and 60,000 according to organisers.

“This march is more than a protest: it is a national procession for a liveable future,” the Climate Coalition said.

“We want to show that doing nothing always costs more than taking action. After this deadly summer for people and nature, we’re taking to the streets for the climate more than ever.

"Together, we’re taking over public spaces so that everyone can join in safely, with family or friends, and make their commitment visible and audible."

The march began at 14.00 at Brussels-North station and headed towards the Schuman roundabout. Along the route, choirs, DJs and brass bands provided entertainment. 

The Climate Coalition emphasised that the march was not only intended as a protest, but also as an opportunity to highlight solutions to the climate crisis.

The organisation is calling for more nature and green spaces, a socially just transition, support for families and businesses to move away from fossil fuels, and greater international cooperation on climate policy.

It also wants more funding for climate policy, including through taxing fossil fuel profits and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. 

According to the coalition, more than €15 billion of public money went towards fossil fuel subsidies in Belgium in 2024.

The organisation also highlighted the consequences of last summer’s heatwave, which resulted in thousands of heat-related deaths and severe forest fires. During the march, a tribute was paid to fire service personnel and residents of the affected areas.

The Manneken Pis statue was dressed in a special costume in the colours of the climate campaign.