Irish youth occupy “BusinessEurope”

BRUSSELS, Monday 3rd December 2012.

Young environmental activists from across Europe, including members of Young Friends of the Earth Ireland, occupied the premises of “BusinessEurope” an influential Brussels based corporate lobby group.

Young activists representing the majority of nationalities from across Europe are converging this week for “Qatar-in-Brussels”.  The event, which runs from the 1st to the 8th of December, coincides with the second week of the UN climate change talks in Doha, Qatar.  It is attended by both second and third level students from Ireland, many of whom are members of Young FOE Ireland. The event includes daily updates from Young Friends of the Earth activists observing the negotiations in Qatar.  There are also daily workshops on climate change and the related politics, including information on and tours of the major corporate lobby offices.  On Monday evening, over 50 of the activists took part in the occupation of the headquarters of ‘BusinessEurope’ who represent major corporate interests including IBEC.  The occupation lasted for over 2 hours.  The activists only left after giving interviews with the press and lengthy negotiations with the police.

Member of the Young FOE Ireland national coordinating group Paul O' Donnell said during the occupation “we're here to represent the young people of Europe and express our anger and frustration at how corporate influence is jeopardising the potential for agreement on progressive action on climate change in the on-going negotiations in Qatar.  Corporate interests such as ‘BusinessEurope’ have more say in decisions that will directly impact our futures than we do – we're here to reclaim our future.”