Patently Striking

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Patent examiners and other staff of the European Patent Office demonstrated today outside the European Commission offices, demanding a thorough re-examination of the EPO. They claim that the organisation is decentralising and focusing on granting as many patents as possible to gain financially from fees generated. In 2007 the national patent offices had an income of 300 million Euros from patents granted by the EPO.

The staff union, SUEPO, say that lowering the quality of patents will have a disastarous effect on innovation which will affect every consumer.. Their 'Save The EPO' campaign is not aimed at increasing wages but in reinforcing patent quality.

They held talks with Commission officials, requesting a general study on patent quality and a review of the administation of the EPO, highlighting the importance of inovation as a generator of employment in Europe.

911 Protestors

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Around 250 conspiracy theorists and self-styled "Truth Seekers" gathered at Schuman to ask for a reopening of an inquiry into 9/11 and the dismantling of the New World Order. A wide variety of beliefs were expressed including theat planes weren't involved in 9/11, it was an inside job by Bush on behalf of the Jewish lobby and similar nonsense.

They then marched to the US embassy where they were going to deliver a letter.

Georgians Protest in Brussels

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Around 250 Georgians protested in Brussels today against the Russian invasion and Western inaction. They chanted slogans in favour of the Georgian government and accusing Putin of being a terrorist.

Although loud and passionate, the crowd were well behaved and the solitary policeman watching seemed very relaxed about it all.

Je Reste Belge

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Yesterday, I joined 35,000 other people in the unity march. As an expat, I take the line that Belgians should decide Belgian politics.

But there's a limit to that, especially when it decides a change of country.

It's also getting a bit silly. The politicians are divided over BHV and can't squirm themselves into a coalition. Here's an idea; let the people decide. Hold a referendum in BHV about the future of the communes.

In the meantime, living in BHV, I have no desire to end up in Flanders, almost entirely because I don't want to be ruled by a bunch of neo-Nazis like the Vlaams Belang.

Besides I like Belgium, frustrating as it can be, there is something unique, charming and glorious about Belgium. Why split? Isn't life complicated enough already?

The march was great fun with a happy, playful and tolerant spirit. Lots of good natured people smiling at each other. we walked past the US embassy - who were do doubt in a state of shock and awe at not being abused or having chunks of paving stones lobbed at them.

We finished Under the arch and settled down to frites and beer.

Car Free Sunday

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Amongst the general jollity, one car had appeared on the Bourse where green activists showed how you could turn your car into a vegetable garden.

Meanwhile I was busy getting knocked down by a cyclist.

Flying the Flag

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As we all know, Belgium is promoting the anarchist cause by refusing to form a government, some three months before our hideous electoral system produced a messier result than usual.

There are fears that Belgium may split into two, three or even four. Whilst those favouring separation may be feeling quietly hopeful, those Belgians who want the nation to stay together have hit on a novel way of showing it; they hang the flag of their windows or balconies.

I've seen about six so far.

The rest of us are going about our daily lives in the confidence that somehow, we'll find a way of muddling through.

Berlaymont

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I went around Schuman yesterday looking for a riot, but missed it completely. Europe's neo-nazis had been planning a protest 'Stop the Islamisation of Europe', tastefully to be held on 9/11.

200 people turned up, chanted about white flour and then ran away from the police. Some not quite fast enough.

The rest of Brussels went about their business undisturbed.

The End Is Nigh!

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Sometimes you can just tell that someone is, shall we say, 'undermedicated'.

I found this poster in the den on iniquity and sin that is the passageway between Gare Central metro and train station. Funnily enough all the faux-ethnic tat sellers were absent, is this a sign?

Anyway, I recognised the author - he's got a Volkswagen Camper, heavily covered in colourful flags and messages that's often parked up on Grass Market at weekends.

He's also got a website.

On a more topical note, I heard a recording of the Vlaams Belang Members of Parliament singing the Belgian national anthem and very moving it is too; listen to it here (mp3)

Naked Bike Ride

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World Naked Bike Ride - Brussels. 0n 30 July 2007. Activists took part in an unofficial demonstration to protest at Brussels' dependence on motor transport and to advocate green lifestyles and the benefits of naturism. They were cycling naked - or as near as they wished - to symbolise that cyclists are fragile and vulnerable in Brussels' traffic.

In the centre of the photo you can see Media Bom have sent their top reporter to cover the event.

Espace Speculoos

Espace Speculoos

During the holidays, every Saturday, from 14:00 to 16:00, the Place de la Monnaie is host to Espaces Speculoos and a wide range of usually very good street performers strut their stuff for free.

The photo is from last year and shows a wonderful and engaging performer, Tom Oskar

Highly recommended.

But, that's not all. At the same time the Place also hosts the start of the 2007 Brussels World Naked Bike Ride. The organisers haven't asked or received permission for mass nudity so the police could be out in force and it could end up in a riot.

From the Bike website:
On June 27, the authorities of the town of Brussels contacted us by e-mail to mean that the gathering will be able to take place under pretext only the mode of expression of the event, nudity, "would not take account of the codes of conduct of the company in particular with respect to the children." and points out that no formal request for authorization was sent to them, "as that must be the case for any demonstration". They add that "It is not a question to blame the pacifist character which you allot to this event nor even your will to alert the opinion on the dangers of circulation which in addition mobilize largely the Town of Brussels".

I'm not too sure what that means either.

Gay Pride Festival

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What great fun, even for boring breeders. Anspach was the starting point for a grand parade that was full of dancers, trucks from clubs blasting out sounds, various political groups and the sub groups from the gay world, including a lesbian biker group, some blokes in lederhosen (or something similar), the leather men and a holiday company that had two men dresses as pilots in a plane, high above the street, pretending to rodger themselves.

After a quick circuit of the city centre the music trucks parked on one side of Anspach and the party began.

It was a very diverse occasion and full of life and energy. People were happy to pose for photos as this was a special day for many, a day when they can be who they really are and wander around the town without fear.

My Flickr photostream of the event is over here

The Sound of Protest

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Walking down Anspach today I saw a demonstration calling for the release of some people arrested under anti-terror legislation. after speeches we were treated to an excellent street band who entertained us before marching across the street into a bar where the music continued.

Margot Wallstrom

Margot Wallstrom

Today, BBC staff in Brussels held a vigil to mark the fifth week that their Gaza reporter, Alan Johnston has been held hostage by an unknown group.

There were plenty of journalists present and Margot gave a short but impressive speech backing press freedom and the importance of allowing journalists to do their job.

Speaking on behalf of the BBC was their Brussels correspondent, Johnny Diamond who made a direct appeal to the kidnappers to release Alan. I managed to get a short interview with Johnny, listen to it here

Congolese Protestor

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There was a small demonstration by Schuman roundabout by a group of around 50 Congalese, protesting about the recent elections that returned Kabila to power and provoked violence.

These protestors gather quite often at Schuman, but this time they were put on a blocked off street and were outnumbered by police. There was no ill will and the police were relaxed.

Eventually they trundled off and One of the protest leaders thanked the police and said 'see you next time'.