On Monday the streets of Brussels filled with some 10,000 demonstrators, whose anger at the possible closure of Audi Forest was amplified to highlight the danger to Belgium's industrial more broadly.
Already this year Van Hool, the Flemish bus maker, filed for bankruptcy, costing over 1,500 jobs. Audi has around 3,000 staff and many more subcontractors, who have for months been seeking assurances about plans for the plant. No new model has been assigned to the Brussels factory and the Q8 e-tron produced there currently is selling badly.
Closure of the Audi plant wouldn't just be a blow for those who work there, it would almost be the end of Belgium's automobile expertise. Only Volvo Ghent would stand between this industry being entirely extinct. It's a long way to fall from the golden days of the '70s, when General Motors, Ford, Morris/Land Rover, Renault, Peugeot, and Mercedes were made here.
But unions marching yesterday highlighted what they see as an even greater injustice: despite generous government funding pay for training at Audi Forest, ministers now appear powerless to intervene on behalf of the skilled workforce.
"It's a shame that when the government provides funding to companies, the companies have no obligation in return," one participant told my colleague Ellen O'Regan. At the same time that the EU is finally waking up to the need to nurture its industries, securing a good deal for those that work in them is critical.
"We need massive investment but that doesn't mean a blank cheque to business, investment and aid must always be strictly conditional." But is it too late?
Before you go: How do you feel about your commune? What would you like to improve? Take our quick survey and share your feedback here.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. ‘Soon there won’t be anything left’: Thousands march to save Belgian industry
"It's a shame that when the government provides funding to companies, the companies have no obligation in return. That's no good." Read more.
2. ‘We must all work together’: Von der Leyen presents her new European Commission II
Von der Leyen's new European Commission is taking shape, with Belgium's Hadja Lahbib set to lead the EU's international efforts in crisis management. Read more.
3. Audi Brussels factory restarts after weeks of standstill
"We’re not yet at full capacity. We’re taking it step by step." Read more.
4. Museum Night Fever returns in October with exhibitions open until 01:00
Residents and visitors can explore 28 Brussels museums until 01:00, indulging in nocturnal art and culture. Read more.
5. One in ten Belgians continue to work after retirement
Men were more likely to report enjoying work and being productive, while women stayed on more frequently to maintain social contacts, according to the survey. Read more.
6. Stonemanor: The family-run business bringing Britain to Belgium
Belgium’s beloved British store has become a mecca for expats and locals alike over the past few decades. But has it managed to bounce back since Brexit? Read more.
7. Le Chou: Breton QUITS To Write EU-Inspired Sci-Fi Epic
France's EU Commissioner Will Take Up His Pen Once Again To Write A Sci-Fi Novel Inspired By His Time In Brussels. Le Chou Has The Exclusive Details. Read more.
