Services across Belgium will be disrupted today as thousands take to the streets of the capital for a national demonstration to denounce austerity measures and reforms by the Federal Government.
The action was organised by the Belgian trade unions CSC/ACV, FGTB/ABVV, and CGSLB/ACLVB. While not a general strike, all union members joining the demonstration in Brussels are covered by strike pay. The demonstration follows three days of train disruptions in the country, as part of a railway strike called by unions of the rail sector.
Demonstrators will gather by Brussels-North Station around 10:00. From around 11:00, they are set to make their way towards Brussels-Midi. The demonstration is expected to end around 15:00.
Among their list of demands, protesters are calling for job security, better working conditions, more space for "genuine labour negotiations", and improved pension schemes.
Several disruptions were announced ahead of the demonstration, including major disruptions to Brussels' public transport and flights.
The Brussels Times will be covering the latest updates as the national demonstration unfolds.
Key updates:
- Unrest reported near US embassy
- Tunnels reopen to traffic
- Only 2 metros running in Brussels
[16:36] - Live blog closed
Goodbye from The Brussels Times newsroom!
As the day of action is coming to an end, this live blog is closing. Thank you for following along today on The Brussels Times.
Protesters pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Police and protesters pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Protesters pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
[16:17] - Opposition echoes protesters' grievances in parliament
The grievances of the demonstrators who took to the streets of Brussels on Thursday were echoed by opposition party members in the Federal Parliament today, according to Belga News Agency. PM Bart De Wever was also present in parliament.
"You have a choice: listen or force your way through. It is clear that you have chosen to continue your anti-social power grab," said Sophie Thémont (PS).
Thémont's statement was echoed by both PTB's Raoul Hedebouw and Ecolo-Groen's Sarah Schlitz.
François De Smet (DéFI) also addressed the government's "brutal"reforms. "Arizona shoots first, talks later," he said.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever pictured during a plenary session of the Chamber at the federal parliament, in Brussels, Thursday 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Elias Rom
Ecolo's Sarah Schlitz and Prime Minister Bart De Wever pictured during a plenary session of the Chamber at the federal parliament, in Brussels, Thursday 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Elias Rom
Prime Minister Bart De Wever and PTB's Raoul Hedebouw pictured during a plenary session of the Chamber at the federal parliament, in Brussels, Thursday 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Elias Rom
[15:53] - 'Striking will not change reality'-De Wever
The national demonstration was addressed at the Federal Parliament on Thursday.
According to Belga News Agency, Bart De Wever (N-VA) said in parliament that he understood that some reforms may leave a "bitter aftertaste" for some.
Nonetheless, he said that "striking will not change reality" and that "above all, our government must stay on course, while remaining open to pertinent comments and willing to adjust things when justified"
He added: "It is our duty to stay on course. Not doing so would be immensely selfish towards our children and grandchildren."
[15:01] - Around 50 arrests made in Brussels
While the union action was "generally peaceful", around 50 people were arrested during an incident on the fringes of the demonstration, according to the Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police zone.
"At around 12:00, a small group of individuals attacked the Beobank building on Boulevard du Régent, near Madou. Our police services intervened immediately to prevent further damage and restore public order," the police explained in a statement.
[14:46] - Tail end of demonstration reaches Midi Station
The last participants of the national demonstration arrived at Brussels-Midi Station around 14:00 in a festive mood, according to Belga News Agency.
[14:36] - PS and PTB leaders join action in Brussels
Paul Magnette from the socialist party PS pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels to denounce the federal government's austerity measure on Thursday 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Raoul Hedebouw from the Belgian workers' party PTB pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
[14:12] - Bd du Jardin Botanique opened to traffic
The street is reopened to traffic heading towards Midi at the junction with Rue Gineste, according to Brussels Mobility.
[14:09] - Tunnels reopen in Brussels
Brussels Mobility announced that the following tunnels are once again open to traffic heading towards the Basilica:
- Madou tunnel
- Rogier tunnel
- Botanique tunnel
- Annie Cordy
[14:00] - Only 39% of rubbish bag collections completed
Rubbish bag collections were disrupted, particularly in Anderlecht, Forest, Ixelles, and Saint-Gilles, where 80% to 95% of white rubbish bags are yet to be collected, according to Bruxelles Propreté.
The waste management services were also affected across the City of Brussels, particularly near Louise, Bockstael, and near the canal in Laeken.
Catch-up collection rounds will be organised from tomorrow.
[13:36] - Lieveke denounces the impact of reforms on women
Lieveke Norga from the trade union ACV Puls is in Brussels today because the government is "going in the completely wrong direction."
"Women are working double shifts - one at work, one at home - their entire lives, and now the Federal Governments wants to reduce their pensions? Unheard of."
Lieveke Norga of ACV Puls. Credit: The Brussels Times/Maïthé Chini
[13:25] - 80,000 demonstrators in Brussels, says police
Demonstrators pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels against austerity measures on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Demonstrators pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels against austerity measures on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Demonstrators pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels against austerity measures on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Demonstrators pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels against austerity measures on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
[13:13] - Reports of unrest by US embassy in Brussels
A confrontation has broken out near the American embassy in Brussels between the police and some protesters marching towards the end of the demonstration, according to Bruzz.
Protesters reportedly threw projectiles and fireworks.
[13:05] - Limited services at Belgian prisons
The strike action has disrupted services in prisons, a spokesperson for the prison system told Belga News Agency.
"That means no visits, no walks, no opportunity to work, only the bare essentials such as urgent medical care," she added.
It is unclear exactly how many prison staff members are striking.
Robby De Kaey, the general secretary for the trade union ACOD, says that many prison workers are willing to strike in the face of ongoing issues regarding working conditions and prison overcrowding.
[12:50] - Calm but lively atmosphere at Brussels protest
The atmosphere at the national demonstration has so far been quite friendly and lively with music playing as protesters continue to march through Brussels, reports Maïthé Chini.
Protesters pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels to denounce the federal government's austerity measures on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
[12:33] - Pierre has been at every demonstration against Arizona
"I disagree with how they divide everyone: people with jobs against the unemployed, the poor against the rich, it’s very dangerous. So I am here to support those who are not supported by the government,” he told The Brussels Times.
Pierre is in Brussels today to protest against the Federal Government. Credit: Maïthé Chini/The Brussels Times
[12:18] - Myriam says 'there are more than enough reasons' to protest
"Whether you are sick or unemployed, or even just a citizen concerned about their freedom of expression - there are more than enough reasons to be here today, unfortunately," Myriam Delmee, who is protesting today in Brussels, told The Brussels Times. "It’s important to make our voices heard."
Myriam Delmee is protesting in Brussels today. Credit: Maïthé Chini/The Brussels Times
[11:56] -'They don't value our work,' say healthcare workers
Dominic, Kirsten, Valerie and Anaïs work in healthcare, and are striking today to denounce the Federal Government’s austerity policy.
"We’ll get less pension, they are taking away some of the premiums we should be getting. It really shows they don’t value our work," they told The Brussels Times.
Dominic, Kirsten, Valerie and Anaïs are striking in Brussels today. Credit: Maïthé Chini/The Brussels Times
[11:38] -Healthcare staff denounced austerity outside Brussels hospital
Around a hundred protesters, mainly healthcare workers, gathered outside Brussels' CHU Saint-Pierre hospital earlier this morning.
They denounced budget cuts affecting public services and healthcare, which they believe will particularly impact women and people without residence permits, while jeopardising the quality of care.
[11:25] -Employers' group calls demonstration 'incomprehensible'
The groups representing enterprises and entrepreneurs in Belgium, VBO and UNIZO, criticised the day of strike action amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and war in the Middle East, according to Belga News Agency.
"In this context, demonstrating is incomprehensible and calling for the status quo is totally irresponsible," said VBO's CEO Pieter Timmermans.
"Just when entrepreneurs are having to dip into their reserves again, partly due to the consequences of international tensions, the trade unions are causing further loss of turnover with this demonstration. It's beyond absurd," argued Bart Buysse, head of UNIZO.
The two organisations are calling for unions to opt more for labour discussions rather than strike actions.
[11:07] - Over 100,000 at demonstration, says union leader
While police estimates are not yet known, union FGTB/ABVV leader Bert Engelaar said in a speech this morning that over 100,000 are participating in the national demonstration in Brussels.
Protesters pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Protesters pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Protesters pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
An anonymous protester pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
[10:54] - Authorities at Belgian ports over shipping disruptions
Ahead of the demonstration, courts in West Flanders and Antwerp ruled on certain measures to prevent blockades at the port of Antwerp and Zeebrugge due to strike actions.
Violations could be punished via fines of €1,000 per hour.
Authorities are currently present at the Flemish ports to observe the shipping situation, as around 120 ships were still waiting to depart or enter ports in Belgium, according to the Maritime Services and Coast Agency.
The Agency told Belga News Agency that it is doing everything it can "to find people willing to work to comply with this [court] ruling."
[10:42] - Small ring road tunnels closed
The tunnels are closed to traffic in both directions, announced Brussels Mobility.
[10:29] - Limited disruptions to postal services
Mail sorting centres for the company bpost experienced minor disruptions last night, but this has not caused any significant disruptions.
In Brussels, 83% of bpost postal delivery staff are working. In Flanders 96% of the staff are working, while in Wallonia, only 68% is not striking today.
[10:21] - Protesters gather in Brussels
A caricature of PM Bart De Wever pictured at a joint demonstration in Brussels on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Timon Ramboer
People pictured in the Brussels-North station for a joint demonstration on 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Timon Ramboer
A sign with 'Arizona: Things must change!' pictured during a joint demonstration in Brussels on Thursday 12 March 2026. Credit: Belga/Timon Ramboer
[10:12] - Several Brussels recycling parks closed
The Recypark Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Sud and Humanité are closed, warned the waste management agency Bruxelles Propreté.
The mobile recycling parks, which were expected in Molenbeek and Saint-Gilles, have been cancelled.
[10:05] - Tunnels close ahead of demonstration
Brussels Mobility warned that the following tunnels are now closed:
- Reyers-Centre coming from the E40-A3
- Cinquantenaire and Loi on the N3
- Annie Cordy tunnel towards Midi
[10:01] - Maritime traffic disrupted by strike
This morning, 73 ships were waiting in the North Sea to enter Flemish ports, according to the Maritime Services and Coastal Agency.
In Antwerp, 39 ships were still waiting to depart at 09:30.
In the ports of Ghent and Zeebrugge, there were 4 and 5 ships waiting to leave the ports.
[09:42] - Small Ring Road closed off by Porte de Hal
Police is closing off a part of the small ring road near the Porte de Hal metro station and the HQ of the party MR, reports Maïthé Chini.
Police by the Porte de Hal metro station. Credit: Maïthé Chini/The Brussels Times
Police by the Porte de Hal metro station. Credit: Maïthé Chini/The Brussels Times
Police closing off roads by MR HQ. Credit: Maïthé Chini/The Brussels Times
[09:26] - Limited access to Brussels Airport building
The airport is taking advantage of the strike action to carry out maintenance work and thorough cleaning.
Due to this, people coming to pick someone up from the airport will not be allowed to enter the building, a spokesperson for the airport told Belga News Agency.
[09:08] - Around 40% of De Lijn services cancelled
The Flemish transport operators expect around 60% of their services to operate today.
In Brussels and the Flemish Brabant, De Lijn expect to operate around 56% of the usual transport journeys.
The transport company advises passengers to consult its website and app for the latest updates.
[08:55] - Passengers warned of busy Brussels trains
Trains to and from Brussels are set to be busier than usual as people are expected to travel to the capital to join the demonstration, warned the train operator SNCB/NMBS.
Trains heading to Brussels-North station are expected to be busy until 11:00.
Trains departing from Brussels-Midi station are likely to be busiest between 12:00 and 16:00.
It's advised not to travel with a bicycle or scooter on the trains for space and safety reasons.
Illustrative image of people by a train. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
[08:35] - At least 50,000 demonstrators expected in Brussels
Between 50,000 and 70,000 people are expected to join the national demonstration in the capital, according to union leaders.
Demonstrators are set to gather by Brussels-North station around 10:00.
[08:14] - Cancelled transport services in Wallonia
Several transport services from the operator LETEC have been cancelled or are running less frequently.
In the province of Liège, 15 lines (37, 40, 47, 49, 77, 86, 98, 122, 167, 185, 275, 284, 285, 286, and 445) are not running today, while others are operating at a reduced frequency.
In Charleroi, 13 lines are operating as usual, while several other lines are running but with some disruptions, including lines 1, 170b, 173, 173b, 18, 3, 66, 71, 85, A1, A2, A3, M2, M3 and M4.
[06:41] - Bd du Jardin Botanique closed to traffic
Boulevard du Jardin Botanique is closed to traffic heading towards Midi at the junction with Rue Gineste, warned Brussels Mobility shortly after 06:30.
[06:23] - Over half of arriving flights cancelled in Zaventem
Around 42,500 people are affected by cancelled flights at Brussels Airport today, a spokesperson told Belga News Agency.
The airport in Zaventem cancelled all departing flights ahead of the national demonstration, warning last week of possible impact on arriving flights.
Only 96 flights will arrive at the airport today, with 131 arriving flights cancelled.
[06:03] - Only two metros in Brussels
Only metro lines 1 and 5 are currently running in the Belgian capital, the Brussels operator, STIB/MIVB, confirmed this morning.
Tram lines 4, 7, 8, 10, 82, and 92 are also running.
The operational bus lines are 12 (serving all stops), 14, 36, 46, 53, 59, 71, 73, 87 (extended from Simonis to Étangs Noirs) and 95.
Passengers should expect reduced frequencies of the transport services.
Transport lines that are running in Brussels Today. Credit: STIB/MIVB
[05:34] - Trains expected to run as planned
The national railway operator SNCB/NMBS does not expect disruptions to its services today.
A spokesperson for the high-speed Eurostar trains confirmed its international services will not be impacted by the demonstration.
[05:28] - Police advise to avoid Brussels by car
Traffic disruptions are expected in the capital between 10:00 and 15:00, particularly along the route of the demonstration.
Parking along Boulevard Roi Albert II is prohibited today.
Traffic will be disrupted along the route of the demonstration set to take lace on 12 March. Credit: Brussels Mobilité.
[05:23] - Residents urged to leave rubbish bags out
Brussels residents should follow the rubbish bin bag collection schedule as usual. This can be found online here.
Bin bags that are not picked up today due to disruptions will be collected during catch-up rounds from Friday.
[05:21] - Live blog opens
Good morning from The Brussels Times newsroom!
Rita Alves here, caffeinated and ready to take you through the latest developments as the day of union-backed action unfolds.
My colleague, Maïthé Chini, will be reporting from the ground in Brussels.
If you're joining the national demonstration or are impacted by it, share your pictures and story with The Brussels Times by sending an email to r.alves@brusselstimes.com, or via Bluesky at @r-2-d-a.bsky.social or X at @R_2_D_A.
