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Belgium’s Three-Day Strike Moves Into Day Two After Coalition Sets €9 Billion Budget Path

The walkout seeks to influence budget talks following the coalition’s new €9–9.2 billion consolidation plan running to 2029.

Overview

  • Public services join the action on Tuesday after heavily reduced rail service on Monday, with SNCB running roughly one train in two and some Eurostar trips canceled.
  • Brussels-Zaventem and Charleroi airports say no commercial departures are expected on Wednesday due to anticipated security-staff walkouts.
  • Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s government says it has agreed a multi‑year trajectory of savings and new revenues, reported at about €9–9.2 billion by 2029.
  • Measures reported include VAT changes, a doubling of the tax on securities accounts, higher taxes on certain financial products, and a €2 levy on parcels from outside the EU.
  • Unions opposing labor, unemployment and pension reforms press for alternative revenue options such as a wealth tax, a levy on digital giants, and scrutiny of corporate subsidies, with parliamentary debate on the accord expected later this week.