Good afternoon to you, wherever you are reading this.
Maybe at home or stuck in traffic or waiting at a tram stop – because yes, today marks another strike day in Belgium.
Public sector workers are protesting against the Federal Government's plans to cut spending, change pensions and benefits, and implement other cost-cutting measures.
Almost a year since the elections, neither side appears to be budging in this dispute. The Government argues that Belgium's finances can no longer stretch to cover every previous commitment, and things have to change.
It is a problem not unique to Belgium, and is driving fierce political debate across Europe. How to manage increasingly scarce resources whilst having increasingly pressing and expensive demands both globally and domestically.
For all the latest on today's strike, particularly for updates on the transport situation, keep checking The Brussels Times for updates.
Another story we are covering today about demand for resources, but on a slightly lighter note – although no less important if you are a chicken – is Belgium's big increase in egg consumption! According to the latest figures, Belgians bought 80.4 eggs per capita in 2024 – a 5% increase compared to the year before. And not only were more eggs bought, but their consumption also increased. On an average day in 2024, a quarter (26%) of Belgians ate eggs – and that's not including eggs in prepared foods.
So far at least, the chickens are meeting demand.
Supply of strikes is also maintaining a high level. If you missed today's – there is another one on Thursday.
Belgium in Brief
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1. Belgium’s public sector strike today: Metro lines 1 and 5 running, rubbish collection disrupted
Workers in all public services are protesting against the Federal Government's plans for austerity today – causing disruptions all over the country. Read more.
2. Will the new UK-EU deal shorten queues ?
After passengers at Brussels Airport spent hours waiting at passport control, the UK-EU deal offers a glimmer of hope for those avoiding long queues. Read more.
3. ‘Like a house of cards’: Farmers to protest EU policy in Brussels European Quarter
As a major EU meeting is taking place in Brussels on Tuesday, European farmers are making their dissatisfaction with the EU's agricultural policy heard. Read more.
4. Seven people arrested in election fraud investigation in Ninove
The suspects are being questioned on suspicion of forgery, particularly involving fraudulent proxy votes in the Ninove local elections – where Guy D'haeseleer became the country's first-ever Vlaams Belang mayor. Read more.
5. Tram disruption for the next year: 30-year-old tracks in Evere to be renewed
The tracks will be replaced over a length of 1,100 metres, and equipped with anti-vibration mats to limit the inconvenience of tram traffic. Read more.
6. En-oeuf eggs to go around? Popularity on the rise in Belgium
People who eat the most eggs are more often French speakers, people aged 18 to 34 and relatively more consumers with foreign roots. Read more.
7. ‘The fight for a cleaner Brussels can only be won together’ – citizens take action
Brussels' community clean-up collective lobbying for a cleaner city issues €550 in fines to those illegally dumping waste. Read more.
