Extinction Rebellion activists staged protests on Saturday afternoon outside three BNP Paribas Fortis bank branches in Antwerp, accusing the financial giant of financing ecocide and genocide.
The demonstrations took place shortly after 12:05 at BNP Paribas Fortis locations on Meir, Londenstraat, and Amerikalei. This action is part of a broader campaign targeting the bank’s alleged links to fossil fuels and the international arms industry. Similar protests have already occurred in Knokke and Ghent.
According to the activist group, BNP Paribas is one of the largest global financiers of fossil fuels. “In 2023 alone, the bank invested $12 billion (€10.27 billion) in this sector, including controversial projects in the fragile Arctic region. Such investments actively undermine the climate goals of the Paris Agreement,” Extinction Rebellion stated.
The group also claims that BNP Paribas Fortis finances the arms industry. “The bank continues to provide loans to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence company implicated in military operations in the Palestinian territories. A recent UN report explicitly identified BNP Paribas as complicit in human rights violations, including the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure and lives,” the activists alleged.
In addition, the protest group pointed to the sale of so-called Israeli war bonds through BNP Paribas. “New research shows that BNP Paribas acted as an intermediary in the sale of at least $2 billion (€1.71 billion) worth of these bonds, which fund Israel’s military operations in Gaza,” they added.
Extinction Rebellion is calling on consumers and businesses to choose ethical banking. “Through tools like FairFin’s BankWijzer, people can evaluate how sustainable and socially responsible their bank is. Switching to an ethical bank is an act of resistance and a concrete way for citizens to exercise their power,” the group explained.
The aim of these protests, they said, is not only to hold one bank accountable but also to spark a broader discussion about the role of the financial sector in global crises.
Police were present at the protests and identified the activists, issuing them all administrative fines (GAS fines) for holding an unauthorised demonstration.
