Overview

• Thousands of protesters rallied in Brussels against perceived austerity measures as the European Union discusses overhauling government spending rules.
• The protests coincide with EU negotiations on the new Stability and Growth Pact, which aims to limit debt and deficits for member countries.
• The European Trade Union Confederation warns that the pact could force 14 member states to cut a combined 45 billion euros from their budgets in the next year alone.
• Protesters demand better public services, salaries, living conditions, and fair taxation.
• The Stability and Growth Pact, suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to be reactivated in 2024.