SHOTLIST: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (MAY 22, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS GATHERING AT NORTH TRAIN STATION / PROTESTERS HOLDING BANNERS, FLAGS AND CHANTING SLOGANS AS THEY MARCH BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - MAY 22: Approximately 15,000 demonstrators gathered in Belgium’s capital on Thursday, May 22, to protest government austerity plans that would cut funding to key social sectors, including healthcare, culture, and education. The protest was organized by several trade unions and brought together workers from across the non-profit sector, including healthcare professionals, employees of non-governmental organizations, and members of the arts community. The rally began at North Train Station and proceeded through the city’s main roads to Albertine Square, causing significant traffic disruptions in central Brussels. Marchers carried banners with messages such as “Health Sector at Risk” and “Support Culture, Health, Education,” and a large banner that read “Time to Fund Non-Profit Sectors.” Protesters also chanted slogans criticizing the government's planned budget cuts and demanding greater investment in essential public services. Workers in Belgium’s non-profit sectors say they are already struggling with staff shortages and overwhelming workloads. They argue that further cuts will deepen the crisis, reduce the quality of care and services, and widen social inequalities. The Belgian government has defended the proposed austerity measures as necessary steps to ensure fiscal stability. However, critics warn that the cuts will disproportionately impact vulnerable communities and erode the foundation of essential services.