The threat of closing a nearby Audi factory has sparked a massive protest by European automotive industry workers. On September 16, more than 5,000 people marched through the streets of Brussels. Potential plans to close the Belgian Audi factory came to light in July 2024.

Thousands of workers brought chaos to Brussels on Monday, setting off firecrackers and blocking streets near the European Parliament, in a demonstration to show solidarity with employees from an Audi car factory facing possible closure.

Tens of thousands of workers marched in the Belgian capital against Audi’s plans to shutter plants in Belgium as carmaker Volkswagen launches a global assault on jobs.