24 May 2017 | 08:57 AM UTC
Belgium: NATO Summit in Brussels May 25; demonstrations planned May 24-25
Demonstrations planned May 24-25 as NATO Summit takes place May 25 in Brussels; anticipate heightened security measures and transportation disruptions
Event
The NATO Summit will take place in Brussels on Thursday, May 25. NGOs and student groups have planned demonstrations on May 24 and 25. On May 24, thousands of demonstrators plan to gather at the Gar du Nord at 17:00 (local time) before marching via Place Sainctelette and Rue Dansaert to Boulevard Emile Jacqmain. On May 25, a peace rally is scheduled to take place from 07:30 to 12:30 in the area of NATO headquarters. A separate anti-NATO conference will take place from 09:00 to 18:00 at the Institut libre Marie Haps. Expect heightened security measures throughout the city and particularly in the area of NATO headquarters before and during the event. Major transportation disruptions are likely.
Context
The NATO Summit is a gathering of all members of the alliance to examine current missions and discuss future plans. Protests have taken place at past summits to take advantage of the international spotlight. Media sources have reported planned demonstrations and increased tensions surrounding the 2017 summit related to controversial US President Donald Trump, who will attend the event.
Advice
Individuals present in Brussels are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation disruptions, and avoid all protests as a precaution due to the potential for violence.
