Nigel Farage, known for his significant contribution to Britain’s departure from the European Union, has made a return to Brussels, four years after his departure. Previously viewed as a problematic outsider in the European Parliament, with his former party, Ukip, often ridiculed, Farage found himself in familiar company at the National Conservatism Conference in the Belgian capital.
The controversial right-wing gathering had to shuffle to two alternative venues recently as the original venues pulled out due to the extreme views of some speakers lined up. When delegates gained entry on Tuesday, the entrance to the venue was ominously closed behind them. Stout security personnel ensured ID verification as people trod their way in. The hastily arranged new location, the Claridge event hall, hosted a few hundred conservatives, with its distinctly sticky carpet.
Around an hour and a half later than the scheduled start time of 11.15am, Farage took centre stage to an applauding crowd. The ex-MEP, known for his Europa-scepticism, embraced his well-known narrative against the “unelected” bureaucratic and upper-class powers that he believes control the EU. He claimed that his tenure in the European Parliament was thoroughly enjoyable, especially when he could agitate them on significant days, though he doesn’t miss the Parliament.
Before Farage really got into the flow of his speech, Belgium police arrived to inform the organisers that the conference needed to be closed due to concerns over public order. Meanwhile, Farage continued inside as the law enforcement officers negotiated with the organisers at the main entrance.
John O’Brien, an original from Drimnagh, Dublin and one of the event organisers, questioned when hosting a political meeting became viewed as “a crime”. He stated that opposition to the conference was primarily from people “afraid” of fresh ideas that could challenge European elites.
The event also featured former British home secretary, Suella Braverman. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was expected to attend this event but was yet to make an appearance.
Robert Roos, a Dutch right-wing MEP, fervently espoused that the world would greatly benefit if all its inhabitants mirrored their loving nature, in spite of the barrage of names thrown at them. Meanwhile, in Dublin, prominent former Ukip leader, Nigel Farage lauded an anti-immigration rally.
A significant proportion of the audience at one event was dotted with Americans. Following a panel talk, a procession of young academia-dressed students, set in navy blue suits, crisp white shirts, and vibrant red ties passed on.
Identities and Democracy group’s Belgian MEP, Tom Vandendriessche, gave an impassioned speech claiming the EU elites’ environmental reforms to be nothing short of “climate hysteria”. He criticized the influx of asylum seekers as an “invasion” and branded progressive consciousness as “indoctrination”.
During an intermission, two staffers, serving pastries at a mini counter, were overwhelmed with providing coffees and orange juices for participants. Rapid human traffic, primarily consisting of frantic event planners, press correspondents, and Belgian officers dressed in uniform surged past the makeshift café. A staff member noted this wasn’t business as usual.
The EU’s latest take on the immigration policy and its relevance for Ireland sparked debates. Instead of physically barring the conference, the law enforcement decided on perching a barrier at the entrance—stopping newcomers while letting others exit.
After several press interviews, Farage deemed the attempts to halt the proceedings as a “monstrous” encroachment on free expression. He then went on to exit the venue discretely past the stationed officers.