Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Brussels on Monday to protest the potential closure of an Audi factory. Around 5,500 people, according to police reports, participated in the rally, while unions estimated over 10,000 attendees. The protesters demanded significant investments in the European Union's industry, with employees of Brussels' public transport striking in solidarity.
Workers expressed their concerns about becoming unemployed without financial support or future prospects, with one anonymous Audi worker highlighting the difficulty of retraining at the age of 37. Thierry Bodson, president of the Belgian union FGTB, criticized European policies, arguing that austerity measures are counterproductive and that billions need to be invested in the industry.
Members of IG Metall from Germany and union representatives from France, Poland, and the Netherlands also joined the protests, emphasizing the need to preserve well-paying automotive jobs in Europe. Belgian unions fear the loss of around 3,000 jobs in Brussels due to the potential closure announced by Volkswagen in July. They view this as a failure of the electric vehicle strategy.
The production of Audi's Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron in Brussels is currently halted, with a mediator involved in discussions. Volkswagen is also considering factory closures and layoffs in Germany, citing the challenging state of the European auto market. The company recently terminated a job security agreement, citing decreased competitiveness of its German production sites.
This situation reflects broader challenges in Europe’s automotive industry, including overcapacity, declining sales, and fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers. The European market's shift towards electric vehicles has added pressure on traditional automakers, with government policies and consumer demand both playing pivotal roles in shaping the industry's future.
