Demonstration Alert: Brussels (Belgium), Protests Near European Parliament Building on December 18

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Event: There are reports of clashes between police and protestors in several areas today, in particular near the European Parliament. U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid areas around ongoing protests.

European agricultural organizations are calling on farmers to protest in Brussels on the evening of Wednesday, December 17 through Thursday, December 18. The expected protests will severely impact downtown car, bus, and tram traffic. Media report that over 10,000 people are expected to take part in the demonstrations, which may include blocked roads between Zaventem Airport and European Union institutions near Schuman Square.

Actions to take:

• Avoid the areas of the demonstrations.
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you see something that seems odd or out of place, immediately notify the nearest law enforcement officer and move away from the area.
• Always carry your cellphone, programmed with local emergency numbers; Ambulance and Fire Brigade (100), Europe-wide emergency number (police)(112).
• Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Follow the instructions of authorities and road signs regarding closures and detours.
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Keep a low profile.

We encourage all U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Belgium to sign up at https://step.state.gov  to receive safety and security alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination.

For destination specific information related to your travel to Belgium, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Belgium.html .

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy in Belgium, located at 27 Boulevard du Regent/Regentlaan, 1000 Brussels. Tel. +32-2-811-4000, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, except U.S. and Belgian holidays. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +32-2-811-4000; USCitizenBrussels@state.gov .
• To contact the State Department in an emergency, dial 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.
• Belgium Country Information .
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages.
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