Belgium faces widespread disruption as unions strike against government austerity measures, affecting schools, transport, and airports.
Belgium began a three-day strike on Monday, disrupting schools, public transport, and air travel, as unions protested government austerity plans aimed at reducing the nation’s high debt.
The strike is unfolding in three phases: Monday saw trains and public transport affected, with the national railroad company SNCB running only one in three services and multiple Eurostar connections to Paris cancelled. On Tuesday, public services including schools, crèches, and hospitals will join the strike, while Wednesday is expected to see a full general strike across all sectors, with no flights anticipated at Brussels’ main airports, Zaventem and Charleroi.
The action was called by Belgium’s main unions in response to Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s efforts to cut the country’s debt, which remains among the highest in Europe alongside Greece, Italy, and France.
Hours before the strike began, De Wever’s five-party coalition reached an overnight agreement on a multi-year budget plan, including increased government savings, new revenue streams, and higher value-added and investment taxes. “Work today, and reap the fruits tomorrow,” De Wever wrote on X, acknowledging that the reforms will affect all citizens.
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