European unions protest in Brussels over workers' rights and emergency services
European trade unions staged demonstrations in Brussels on Tuesday, calling for stronger workers' rights, improved working conditions and increased public investment in emergency services.
Firefighters representing 20 European countries joined a separate protest by agricultural workers, highlighting concerns over staff shortages, occupational safety and the protection of labour standards across the European Union.
Firefighters demand more staff and resources
The firefighters' demonstration began at around 11 am local time near Brussels' North Station before proceeding towards Tour & Taxis.
Organized by the European Federation of Public Service Unions, the protest brought together firefighters, representatives of Belgian trade unions and emergency service personnel from across Europe.
The unions warned that emergency services were facing growing pressure from staff shortages, increasing emergency calls, rising forest fires and climate-related disasters.
They also highlighted occupational health risks, including exposure to cancer-causing substances, and deteriorating working conditions.
The demonstrators called on national governments and EU institutions to increase investment in emergency services, recruit additional personnel and ensure firefighters have the equipment and support needed to protect the public.
Agricultural workers defend EU labour protections
Separately, the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT) organized a rally at Place Jean Rey between 2 pm and 4 pm.
The demonstration focused on protecting agricultural workers' rights and maintaining social conditionality provisions under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
EFFAT warned that removing these provisions would weaken labour protections and undermine fair competition among farmers.
Social conditionality links certain agricultural subsidies to compliance with employment and working-condition requirements.
The federation stressed that the mechanism was implemented in most EU member states only in 2025, arguing that removing it now would threaten recently established protections.
Students protest tuition increases in Liège
Meanwhile, students at the conservatory in the Belgian city of Liège blocked access to the institution in a separate protest against higher tuition fees and the end of free music education for children under 12.
According to broadcaster RTBF, students began gathering before 5.30 am and organized demonstrations throughout the day.
They argued that rising tuition fees were placing additional financial pressure on students and families, while threatening access to music education.
The demonstrations in Brussels and Liège reflected broader concerns over public investment, affordable education, employment conditions and the protection of social rights across Belgium and the European Union.
Source:AA
