[Originally posted in TankieTheDeprogram]

(Hello there, if you are not already familiar with my posts I report on stuff that happens in Belgium. Also apologies if this is the wrong tag)

Yep, as the title says. Last weekend the US embassy to Belgium shutdown one of the most popular parks in the centre of Brussels. The Cinquantenaire Park , and the surrounding residential area. This was done in order to celebrate the United States 250th anniversary of Independence. Because nothing else screams Independence Day of the USA more than celebrating it abroad in a foreign nation…The preparations were constructed by workers during the heatwave that plagued Europe.

The festivities started right after the last day of the heatwave, the day where Belgian residents were finally able to open their windows. Around 9000 people attended. The people on the Brussels subreddit are complaining about the fact that a foreign government is celebrating their independence in our park, the blocked traffic, the noise, the fireworks and not being able to relax and sleep with open windows. The use fireworks were also controversial since in Belgium most of the time it is not allowed to use fireworks.

Overall, it is weird to see the USA celebrating their Independence Day in the “capital of Europe”… Though If you think more in detail about it, this was a demonstration of dominion over European politics. The sponsors were there for networking and to embed themselves further into the European industry.

The guests present were:

  • The United States Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White (a very controversial figure here in Belgium)

  • NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

  • Prime minister of Belgium Bart de Wever

  • Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot

  • And Trump sent a video message

Extinction Rebellion and other groups were protesting the celebration

Other than that, the sponsors of the festival were the usual suspects like Meta, Google, Nike, McDonalds etc… and many more ( u can see them in other pictures)

also journalists criticising the festival were attacked, and arrested https://europeancorrespondent.com/en/r/a-us-ambassador-turned-police-on-an-activist-then-on-me

You can find a lot more about it in the Belgian news and on social media.

Anyhow leave your thoughts below….

What do you think about it?

(Also, apologies if my English sounds like shit today, I’m rather unfocused)

  • Maeve @lemmygrad.ml
    0·
    3 months ago

    Your English is fine, please don’t apologize. I don’t know why, but I’m stunned. Not by US representatives’ actions (the arrogance and utter disregard for anyone but the extraordinarily wealthy and corporate masters long since ceased to amaze me), but by Belgium’s complete capitulation. I had no idea it’s that bad. I think Belgium is a small state and part of the EU. So I knew the EU is doing theatre so citizens think their governments half-heartedly care, but let this serve as a full mask off moment. This is certainly not a development any citizen of any sovereign nation wants to see.

    • star (she)@lemmygrad.mlEnglish
      0·
      3 months ago

      Our government is a super mask off right wing coalition rn. They constantly side with the US. And honestly it’s radicalizing the broader public.

  • ArcticFoxSmiles@lemmygrad.ml
    0·
    3 months ago

    I am not surprised, Europe is scared of the United States especially things like the “Hague Invasion Act” or American Service-Members’ Protection Act (ASPA) which allows the United States to invade the Hague if they try to convict an American service member.