PauseAI Demonstration at the European Parliament - February 23rd, Brussels
Join us outside the European Parliament to call on the EU to initiate negotiations for a global treaty to pause the development of frontier AI systems.
This demonstration is the culminating event of PauseCon Brussels 2026 , following our conference inside the European Parliament earlier that day.
When & Where
- Date: Monday, 23 February 2026
- Time: 15:30 - 16:30 CET
- Location: Place du Luxembourg , 1050 Ixelles, Brussels - directly outside the European Parliament (2-minute walk from the Parliament entrance)
Why We’re Protesting
The race to build ever-more powerful AI systems is accelerating without adequate safeguards. Leading AI scientists - including Geoffrey Hinton, Yoshua Bengio, and Stuart Russell - have warned that frontier AI development poses catastrophic and potentially existential risks to humanity. Despite these warnings, no binding international framework exists to govern or limit this development.
We are calling on the European Union to lead the way by:
- Initiating negotiations for a global treaty to pause the development of frontier AI systems beyond the current state of the art, conditional on demonstrable progress in AI safety and alignment research.
- Establishing robust international oversight mechanisms - including compute monitoring, mandatory safety evaluations, and enforceable red lines - before further scaling proceeds.
- Championing democratic governance of AI - ensuring that decisions about technologies that affect all of humanity are not left to a handful of corporations and governments racing for strategic advantage.
The EU has already shown leadership with the AI Act. Now it must go further. A pause is not anti-technology - it is the responsible path to ensuring that advanced AI serves humanity rather than threatening it.
What to Expect
- Speeches from PauseAI leaders and international organizers, including speakers from the earlier European Parliament conference
- A striking visual centrepiece - a large black box symbolizing the opaque and uncontrollable nature of frontier AI systems
- Signs and placards - many made by PauseCon attendees during the weekend’s sign-making workshop
- A chance to sign the PauseAI statement calling for a global pause on frontier AI development - join thousands of concerned citizens adding their voice
This is a peaceful, lawful, and authorized demonstration. Police authorization has been secured. Please read our Code of Conduct before attending.
Context: PauseCon Brussels 2026
This protest caps off an extraordinary weekend. PauseCon Brussels (Feb 21-23) brings together volunteers and organizers from PauseAI chapters across Europe and beyond for:
- Training workshops on campaign strategy, communications, and community organizing
- A keynote from Professor Stuart Russell, world-renowned AI researcher and author of Human Compatible
- A conference inside the European Parliament on Monday morning, with confirmed participation from Members of the European Parliament
The demonstration immediately follows the Parliament conference, carrying the energy and the message from inside the institution to the public square outside it.
Learn more about PauseCon Brussels
How You Can Help
Come in person. Even if you haven’t attended PauseCon, you are welcome at the demonstration. Every person standing in the square sends a message to lawmakers.
Spread the word. Share this page and the Luma event with your network. Invite friends, colleagues, and anyone who cares about the future of AI governance.
Sign the statement. Can’t make it to Brussels? Sign the PauseAI statement to add your name to the call for a global pause.
Join PauseAI. This protest is one moment in a growing international movement. Join your local chapter or start one.
Logistics
- Getting there: Place du Luxembourg is served by metro (Trone station, ~5 min walk) and is adjacent to Brussels-Luxembourg train station.
- What to bring: Warm clothing (it’s February!), your own signs if you’d like (we’ll also have materials on-site), water, and your energy.
- Accessibility: The square is a flat, open public space. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us.
- Language: Speeches will be primarily in English. Flyers will be available in English and French.
Contact
For any questions, visit our contact page.
The development of superintelligent AI may be the most consequential event in human history. We believe humanity deserves a say in whether and how it happens. Join us in Brussels.