Extinction Rebellion and WeMove Europe demand ecocide action from EU

On the night of 3-4 May, activists from WeMove Europe and Extinction Rebellion pasted 300 posters around the offices of the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. They demand that the institutions adopt the bill to make ecocide a crime.

The posters seek to create a shock effect by showing hard-hitting images of climate change to residents and passers-by in the European quarter. With the slogan "Make Ecocide a Crime!", they want the European institutions to take action.

Large banners were also hung above the Belliard and Loi tunnels during the morning rush hour. "The message is clear," the organisations said. "Given the existential threat posed by the ecological crisis, companies and individuals who destroy the environment must be severely punished for their crimes."

4 May was not chosen by chance, the activists said. The first negotiations are taking place between the European Parliament, European Commission and Council of the European Union to agree on a law to recognise ecocide as a crime. The organisations consider the Parliament's bill "excellent" but "fear that it will be further weakened by the Council and the Commission".

^{© BELGA PHOTO JULIETTE BRUYNSEELS}