Clashes between police and protestors have been reported in several areas of Brussels, particularly near the European Parliament, according to an alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Belgium on December 18, 2025. The embassy has advised U.S. citizens to avoid areas where protests are taking place.
European agricultural organizations have called on farmers to stage demonstrations in Brussels from the evening of December 17 through December 18. Media sources estimate that more than 10,000 people may participate in these protests. The demonstrations are expected to cause significant disruptions to car, bus, and tram traffic downtown. Road blockages may also occur between Zaventem Airport and the European Union institutions near Schuman Square.
The embassy recommended several safety measures for those in Brussels: "Avoid the areas of the demonstrations. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you see something that seems odd or out of place, immediately notify the nearest law enforcement officer and move away from the area." The message also urges people to always carry a cellphone with local emergency numbers programmed (Ambulance and Fire Brigade: 100; Europe-wide emergency number for police: 112), exercise caution if unexpectedly near large gatherings or protests, follow instructions from authorities regarding closures and detours, monitor local media for updates, and keep a low profile.
U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Belgium are encouraged to sign up at https://step.state.gov to receive safety alerts from the embassy or consulate for their destination.
For further travel information related to Belgium, individuals can visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Belgium.html.
The U.S. Embassy is located at 27 Boulevard du Regent/Regentlaan, 1000 Brussels and can be reached at +32-2-811-4000 during business hours (8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday) except on U.S. and Belgian holidays. After-hours emergencies for U.S. citizens can be directed to +32-2-811-4000 or USCitizenBrussels@state.gov. In emergencies outside Belgium, contact the State Department at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free within the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.