The US embassy will need to provide protective measures for nesting birds in order to obtain the needed environmental permits for its massive party planned for Cinquantenaire park on 28 June. Common swifts, a protected bird species, have their breeding season from May until July, prompting concerns about the impact of the event’s planned fireworks show. “If the permit is granted by Brussels Environment, numerous accompanying measures will be put in place, particularly for the conservation of the swifts,” said Brussels state secretary for the
environment Ans Persoons (Vooruit). “Brussels Environment has requested a specific study on the swifts from the organiser.” This study must not only assess the event’s impact on the swifts but also propose concrete measures to protect the existing colony. The event, which is intended to celebrate the 250 years of US independence, has also prompted concerns regarding safety and mobility, especially given some of the high-profile invitees on the 5,000-person guestlist. Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) has confirmed that he will be attending,
despite a recent diplomatic row instigated by US ambassador Bill White. White openly intervened in a case concerning illegal circumcisions within the Jewish community in Antwerp, attacking federal deputy prime minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) and Vooruit chairman Conner Rousseau. De Wever’s attendance at the event came as a surprise to many, given that relations between the EU and the US are currently strained due to the ongoing trade conflict and differing views on the conflict between Israel, the US and Iran. But De Wever emphasised
that the alliance between Belgium and the US is a long-standing one. “Our alliance is much older than just a few years. It is a century old, in fact,” the prime minister said in a recent speech. “There may sometimes be disagreements, but that is always the case among friends. That does not mean you are no longer allies. I often hear talk of the end of Nato or the end of our bond, but that is impossible and unthinkable.” White said that De Wever
would give a speech at the event, but the prime minister has not yet confirmed this. White also said he was “counting on” King Philippe attending the event, but Bruzz reports that Belgium’s king will not be accepting the invitation.
US embassy, Cinquantenaire park, 28 June, 250 years of US independence, common swifts, Brussels Environment permits, Ans Persoons, fireworks, Bart De Wever, Bill White, Frank Vandenbroucke, Conner Rousseau, King Philippe, Antwerp Jewish community