Belgium prepares for three days of national strikes

Belgium on Monday braced for three days of nationwide strikes called by unions to protest the government's proposed budget cuts and reforms to the pension system.

1news.media informs, citing France 24, the strikes are taking place in three waves. Trains and public transport begin striking Monday, with national railroad company SNCB expecting to run two out of three trains, or just one out of three on some lines. Several Eurostars linking Brussels to Paris have been cancelled.

On Tuesday, public services such as schools, creches, and hospitals join the strike.

For Wednesday, unions have called for a full general strike covering all categories.

No flights are expected Wednesday at the country's two main airports, Bruxelles-Zaventem and Charleroi.

The strikes are set to take place despite an agreement reached Monday morning by the government on the budget for next year.