Belgium: Belgian workers stage nationwide strike against austerity measures.

SHOTLIST: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (MAY 12, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF DEMONSTRATORS HOLDING BANNERS AND FLAGS, CHANTING SLOGANS, MARCHING TO PROTEST GOVERNMENT AUSTERITY POLICIES AND PLANNED SPENDING CUTS IN BELGIUM BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - MAY 12: A nationwide strike disrupted transport and public services across Belgium on Tuesday, May 12, as workers protested government austerity policies and planned spending cuts. The strike, called by Belgium’s three major labor unions, caused major disruptions to public transportation, municipal services and airport operations across the country. In Brussels, most metro, bus and tram services operated by the STIB public transport system were canceled due to worker participation in the strike. More than half of the flights at Brussels Airport were canceled, while all flights at Charleroi Airport were suspended. The main road leading to Brussels Airport was also closed because of a natural gas leak, with passengers advised to use trains instead. Thousands of protesters were also expected to march in Brussels against government policies, with unions criticizing proposed pension reforms and austerity measures. Belgian unions oppose planned cuts in social spending and proposed reforms that would tighten retirement conditions and alter the wage indexation system tied to inflation. Labor groups argue the measures would reduce workers’ purchasing power and worsen working conditions. Belgium has witnessed repeated strikes and demonstrations in recent months over the government’s economic policies.