Protesters denounce Russian LNG in port of Zeebrugge

The organisation Vredesactie ('Peace Action', ed.) held a protest on Sunday afternoon against the export of Russian LNG through the terminals of Fluxys in the port of Zeebrugge. According to the activists, not only are there harmful consequences for the climate but Fluxys (a Belgian gas transmission system operator) is also financing Russia's war chest.

"War starts on the beach of Knokke-Heist". With this message, fifteen peace and climate activists took to the Knokke-Heist boardwalk on Sunday afternoon to denounce the role Fluxys plays in Russian LNG exports. Interested parties were given more information about Fluxys' activities during a sailing trip. The port of Zeebrugge is an essential link in the export of Russian LNG to countries all over the world. About 10 percent of it passes through Fluxys' terminals.

"The billions that Belgium wants to spend on new weapon systems would be better invested in the transition to an economy no longer dependent on fossil fuels, which no longer finances dictatorships and war"

On the boardwalk and the beach, people were asked to write a letter to Daniel Termont, chairman of Fluxys' board of directors. Vredesactie asks that the contract with Russia's Yamal LNG be terminated as soon as possible. "Otherwise, Fluxys will continue to co-finance Putin's regime and the war in Ukraine", says Stefanie De Bock. In addition, the Flemish mayors are called upon to take their responsibility because through Publigas, the cities and municipalities are in fact major shareholders in Fluxys.

Additionally, the activists are asking tto accelerate the transition to sustainable energy supplies and reduced energy consumption. They fear that otherwise, more oil and gas will be imported from other countries with dubious regimes. They also refer to Fluxys' investment in a gas pipeline between Azerbaijan and southern Italy. "The billions that Belgium wants to spend on new weapon systems would be better invested in the transition to an economy no longer dependent on fossil fuels, which no longer finances dictatorships and war", concludes De Bock.

(BRV)

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