Anti-populist, pro-EU protests held across Europe

Thousands of Europeans took to the streets of more than 40 cities in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK yesterday (12 March) to protest against populism and highlight European values before elections in the Netherlands and France.

The protests were organised by Pulse of Europe movement, which was founded by Frankfurt lawyer Daniel Röder and his wife Sabine, which describes itself as a non-partisan citizens’ initiative.

In Germany, 35 cities participated, along with five in France, as well as Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bath in the UK.

The movement says its supporters are convinced that the majority of people believe in the fundamental idea of the European Union and its potential for reform and that they don’t want to sacrifice it to nationalist tendencies.

To counter the “negative and destructive voices” which prevail in the speech, they say that pro-Europeans should become “louder and more visible”.

“We all must now send out positive energy against current tendencies. The European pulse must be felt everywhere,” the movement claims.

The movement ambitions to become stronger, as demonstrations will be held every Sunday.