Belgium has been hit by a major three-day rolling strike, triggering widespread travel chaos and disrupting operations across key sectors. According to local media, all flights to and from Charleroi Airport will be cancelled on Wednesday, while Brussels Airport will halt all arrivals.
This marks the seventh major strike since the start of the year, as trade unions protest against the government’s planned budget cuts. The unrest comes just as authorities announced the first elements of next year’s budget deal.
Government’s proposed measures
Officials confirmed that VAT on most goods will not increase, though tax rates will rise for pesticides and natural gas. Meanwhile, several new measures will be introduced:
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a €2 levy on small parcels arriving from non-EU countries;
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an additional banking fee, expected to generate around €150 million annually;
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counting sick leave days toward employment seniority.
Why tensions are rising
Latest European Commission forecasts show that by 2027 Belgium is on track to have the largest budget deficit in the eurozone — 5.9% of GDP.
The IMF warns the deficit could swell to 7.2% of GDP by 2030 unless significant reforms are implemented.
Trade unions argue that austerity will further strain working families and insist the government must find fairer solutions.