Extinction Rebellion hung a large banner on the BNP Paribas Fortis building on Antwerp’s Meir on Saturday afternoon to protest the bank’s financing of fossil fuels and the arms industry.
A few dozen activists distributed flyers to passersby on the Meir. “Despite its appealing campaign images and green rhetoric, BNP Paribas remains one of the world’s largest financiers of fossil energy,” said a spokesperson. “In 2023, the bank invested $12 billion in fossil fuels, including projects in the vulnerable Arctic region. Ironically, this exploitation is made easier by climate warming.”
Extinction Rebellion also points out that BNP Paribas is a major shareholder in oil and gas companies such as TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Chevron. These companies “undermine the objectives of the Paris Agreement.” Additionally, the bank is reportedly the only European bank still providing loans to Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer.
“BNP Paribas is involved in selling so-called Israeli war bonds,” the spokesperson concluded. “This helps Israel finance its destructive campaign in Gaza. The bank has sold a significant number of these bonds.”
Extinction Rebellion urges consumers to choose banks with more sustainable and ethical policies. The group suggests referring to FairFin’s BankWijzer, which annually examines the most sustainable banks.
The protest was unauthorised, and 12 activists are expected to receive administrative fines, according to the organisation.
