Belgium on the Brink: Massive Strikes Set to Paralyze the Tourism Sector

Published on November 24, 2025

Belgium is preparing for a series of large-scale strikes set to unfold over the next three days, with significant disruptions expected across the country. Unions have called for the strikes in response to the Belgian government’s proposed spending cuts and changes to labor laws, sparking widespread opposition. These actions are scheduled to take place in waves, beginning Monday, and are expected to severely impact various sectors, including transportation, public services, and air travel.

A Wave of Strikes Disrupts Belgium’s Daily Life

The national strikes, set to start Monday, will create major disruptions in daily life for Belgium’s citizens. On the first day of the strike, public transport services will be significantly affected. The national railroad company SNCB has warned that only two out of every three trains will be operational, with some routes expected to run as little as one-third of their usual services. Additionally, several Eurostar trains linking Brussels to Paris have been cancelled. These disruptions will make it difficult for many workers and travelers to reach their destinations.

On Tuesday, the strike will escalate as public services, including schools, hospitals, and childcare facilities, join the action. For the third day of the strike on Wednesday, unions are calling for a complete general strike, which will cover all sectors of the economy. This day is expected to see the most extensive disruption, with no flights scheduled to depart from Belgium’s two main airports, Brussels-Zaventem and Charleroi.

The Roots of the Strike: Government’s Austerity Measures

The strikes come as a direct response to the Belgian government’s ongoing austerity efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Bart De Wever. The government’s budget-cutting proposals aim to address the country’s large national debt, one of the highest in Europe. Belgium’s debt is in a similar range to that of other heavily indebted nations like Greece, Italy, and France.

Prime Minister De Wever, who has been in office since February 2025, has been attempting to implement a series of structural reforms aimed at reducing government spending. These reforms include changes to the labor market, unemployment benefits, and pension systems. However, many of the proposed measures have met with significant resistance from labor unions and other social groups.

The government’s austerity policies have led to a standoff between the unions and the government, with unions accusing Prime Minister De Wever of disrespecting workers and undermining essential social programs. The unions, which represent a broad coalition of workers, have called for these strikes as a way to put pressure on the government and its coalition partners during critical negotiations.

Divisions Within the Government: A Struggle for Consensus

Despite the widespread opposition to the proposed measures, only a small portion of the austerity reforms have been implemented so far. The ongoing resistance has made it difficult for the Belgian government to reach consensus within its five-party coalition. The Prime Minister has set a deadline for the end of the year, asking his coalition partners to come to an agreement on spending cuts and military budget increases, among other issues.

The unions’ strike actions are seen as a direct appeal to the government to abandon its proposed cuts to social programs and reconsider the labor market reforms. They argue that these changes will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of Belgian society. The socialist union FGTB has accused the Prime Minister of showing “contempt” toward the protests, reflecting the deep frustrations felt by workers and their unions.

A History of Protests and Public Outrage

Earlier protests in Belgium have already drawn significant attention to the government’s austerity measures. In mid-October 2025, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Brussels to voice their opposition to the planned budget cuts. The demonstrations were described by many as a reaction to what they termed “brutal” spending reductions, which they believed would harm public services and social protections.

The current wave of strikes, however, is seen as a more intense escalation. As unions mobilize across different sectors of society, they aim to exert greater pressure on the government, hoping to force a change in policy before further damage is done to Belgium’s social fabric. The strikes also reflect growing dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to managing the country’s finances at the expense of public welfare.

Unions Call for an End to Social Program Cuts

The unions’ strike statement calls on the government to end what they view as the dismantling of essential social programs. These programs are seen as crucial lifelines for many citizens, especially those who are already struggling with economic uncertainty. The unions argue that the government’s austerity measures disproportionately target vulnerable populations, leaving them without necessary support.

Union leaders have expressed their belief that the strike will not only challenge the government’s austerity agenda but will also send a clear message that Belgian workers will not tolerate policies that weaken the country’s social safety net. They have emphasized that this is an urgent call for the government to take the social impact of its decisions into account and to negotiate in good faith.

The Broader Impact on Belgium’s Economy

As the strikes unfold, the broader economic implications for Belgium are becoming more evident. The disruptions to transportation and public services will likely affect the country’s economy in several ways. With fewer trains and flights operating, business activities and daily commuting will be significantly impacted. Additionally, the absence of school and childcare services will place an additional burden on working parents, potentially affecting productivity across various sectors.

The full scale of the economic impact remains to be seen, but the strikes have already attracted attention from international observers. Belgium’s decision to pursue aggressive austerity measures amidst rising public unrest is likely to have a lasting effect on the country’s political landscape, as well as on its international reputation for political stability.

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

As Belgium enters a period of national strikes, the situation remains tense. The government’s attempts to reduce the national debt have led to significant opposition from unions and citizens alike. With the strikes escalating over the next several days, it remains to be seen how Prime Minister De Wever and his government will respond to the mounting pressure.

The outcome of this confrontation will have important consequences for the future of Belgium’s social policies, economic recovery, and political stability. For now, the country finds itself at a crossroads, with citizens increasingly vocal about the social costs of austerity, and unions fighting to preserve the welfare programs that they believe are vital for a just and fair society.