Belgian police fired water cannon and teargas bombs at anti-lockdown protesters after health auhtorities declared new compulsory health measures.
About 8,000 people marched through Brussels towards the headquarters of the EU, chanting “freedom” and letting off fireworks.
As the crowd dispersed into smaller groups around the European quarter, there were more clashes, and some set fire to barricades of rubbish.
Two officers and four protesters hospitalised, and 20 people arrested during the clashes.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned in a new press statements about the Covid-19 surge in Europe.
“We express our worries about the spread of Covid-19 in Europe as the continent battles a fresh wave of infections.”
Regional director Dr Hans Kluge further said that 500,000 more deaths could be recorded by March unless urgent action is taken.
The WHO official also said an increase in mask wearing could immediately help.
The warning comes as several nations report record-high infection rates and introduce full and partial lockdowns.
Kluge said factors like the winter season, insufficient vaccine coverage were behind the spread.
He called for increased vaccine uptake. He also called for the implementation of basic public health measures and new medical treatments to help fight the rise.
Meanwhile, protesters took into streets in several European cities against the new restrictions and COVID-19 passes mandatory in many European countries.
