Opposition emerges to US party in Cinquantenaire park

An open letter is calling on Brussels to refuse the permit requested by the US Embassy to organise an event at Cinquantenaire Park to mark the 250th anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence.

The letter argues that authorising this event would amount to "actively supporting President Trump’s policies and the world he is imposing on us".

The signatories also condemn the United States’ role in climate and international policies, referring to "destructive decisions".

"While the number of people living in poverty is rising exponentially, this lavish celebration is the final blow for all those who consider Brussels and Europe their home," the campaigners write in their letter.

“We call on the mayor of Brussels to take responsibility and to refuse to submit to the authoritarian US regime.”

The letter was sent to Brussels mayor Philippe Close and Brussels Environment, which is responsible for issuing the permit.

It was signed by several organisations in an initiative led by Extinction Rebellion, including Greenpeace, Code Rouge, Vredesactie and the Corporate Europe Observatory, among others.

The American embassy event is scheduled for 28 June and is by invitation only. Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever is expected to speak, as is Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte.

The US ambassador is also planning to organise a flypast over the park by military aircraft, potentially including planes dating from the second world war. Musical entertainment will reportedly be provided by Nile Rodgers.