Thousands are set to take to the streets in Brussels today as part of a national strike against several reforms by Belgium's Federal Government.
The day of action was called by trade unions ACV-CSC, FGTB-ABVV, and CGSLB-ACLVB. They are denouncing measures which impact pensions, social benefits, working conditions, job security, and salaries.
A protest is planned to take place across Brussels, starting at 10.45am. Participants will walk from the Brussels North station to the Brussels Midi station.
Several disruptions across multiple sectors were already announced ahead of the strike, including disruptions to rubbish bin collections and administrative services.
The public transport network, including tram, bus, and metro services, is set to be severely disrupted across the country. Meanwhile, no passenger flights are departing from the major airports in Brussels today.
The Brussels Times will be covering the national day of action as it unfolds. Our reporter, Aurore Spitaels, will be on the ground to cover the latest developments.
Key updates:
- Two metro lines running in Brussels
- Several people arrested after fires on Brussels' small ring road
- Masked protesters clashed with police
- More actions expected in coming months
The most recent live blog updates appear highest on the page.
[15:46] - End of the live blog
As the national strike comes to an end, the live blog is closed. You can read a summary of the day's events here.
Stay up to date on the latest developments on The Brussels Times website.
[15:35] - Almost 10,000 teachers in Flanders joined the national strike
A total of 9,873 Flemish teachers and support staff went on strike today, according to the Flemish Agency for Education Services.
[15:28] - Vandalism and damage reported near Brussels Central Station
The Hilton hotel by Brussels Central Station was targeted on Tuesday. Windows were smashed and the building was defaced with graffiti. An employee reported some damage inside the hotel, according to Belga News Agency.
Near the station, a rubbish bin was reportedly set on fire.
A few minutes away, on Boulevard de l'Empereur, e-scooters and bicycles were reportedly piled up at several places on the street to form barricades.
[15:15] - Unions met with Federal Pensions Minister
Minister for Pensions Jan Jambon (N-VA) met with representatives of civil service unions on Tuesday morning. Unions representing the private sector were not present due to scheduling issues.
"The dialogue was constructive. We explained the transitional measures that are planned, but the spirit of the reform remains unchanged," said a spokesperson for the minister.
[15:06] - Video: Police used water cannons to disperse crowds
Amid several clashes between the police and some protestors across the capital, police used water cannons and tear gas several times in Brussels to disperse the demonstrators.
[14:59] - Vooruit headquarters vandalised in Brussels
The headquarters of the Flemish socialists was vandalised with various "slogans" including 'Vooruit, shame on you.'
Protesters also laid memorial flowers at the entrance of the HQ with a sign denouncing the pension reforms.
[14:46] - Courts postpone trials amid lack of staff
The national strike caused a shortage of staff available to accompany prisoners to courtrooms. Courts across the country were forced to postpone several trials. This includes courts in Mechelen, Leuven, and Dendermonde.
The courts in Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp did not experience any major disruptions.
[14:35] - Images of clashes between protesters and riot police
Earlier in the day, clashes were reported between riot police and several people participating in the demonstration in Brussels.
Image taken as protesters clash with riot police in Brussels on 14 October 2025. Credit: Belga/Marius Burgelman
Image taken as protesters clash with riot police in Brussels on 14 October 2025. Credit: Belga/Marius Burgelman
Image taken as protesters clash with riot police in Brussels on 14 October 2025. Credit: Belga/Marius Burgelman
[14:25] - Firecrackers thrown at Brussels' Immigration Office
The police reported that the façade of the Immigration Office in Brussels was damaged today after several people threw projectiles, paint bombs and firecrackers at the building.
[14:16] - Boulevard du Jardin Botanique and Boulevard Roi Albert II opened to traffic
As the strike actions come to an end, the streets of Brussels are slowly reopening to traffic.
[13:56] - Bin bag collection disrupted across Brussels
Due to the reduced staff and resources, the available waste management teams concentrated on collecting rubbish bags with residual waste.
The rubbish collections were mainly disrupted in the City of Brussels, around Cinquantenaire, and in Schaerbeek and Koekelberg. Several blue and yellow recycling bags are yet to be collected in several municipalities.
Rubbish bags should be kept outside as catch-up collection rounds have already been organised.
[13:45] - Strong police presence at Porte de Hal
Our reporter on the ground noted a significant concentration of police officers, vans, and police dogs around Porte de Hal in Brussels.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[13:39] - At least 80,000 people at Brussels protest
Local police have estimated that around 80,000 people took part in the demonstration. However, the leader of the union FGTB-ABVV, Thierry Bodson, says the figure is closer to 140,000 people.
Credit: Belga/James Arthur Gekiere
Credit: Belga/James Arthur Gekiere
Credit: Belga/James Arthur Gekiere
Credit: Belga/James Arthur Gekiere
[13:27] - Fire in Brussels likely case of arson
The small fire started on Place de l'Yser around 7.00am was likely part of a deliberate act committed by some protesters to disrupt the traffic, according to local Brussels Police, citing initial findings.
The investigation is ongoing. Read more here.
[13:18] - Basma, a waitress, says demonstrations can be good for business
So far, Basma, who works at a restaurant in Brussels, has not seen any disruptions at her workplace.
She told our reporter on the ground that demonstrators often stop by to have a bite to eat once the protest ends, which is good for the restaurant.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[13:10] - Busy trams amid transport disruptions in Brussels
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[13:03] - Crowd forms by Brussels Midi Station as demonstration nears end
Several demonstrators started to arrive at their final destination at Brussels Midi station around 12.00pm, although some are still marching across Brussels.
A crowd of young protesters have gathered by the Brussels Midi station with signs that read "Youth gives Arizona the finger," reports Aurore Spitaels.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[12:57] - Union leader says more actions are expected in coming months
The leader of the French-speaking side of the union FGTB-ABVV, Thierry Bodson, warned that further actions and strikes will take place before the end of the year. He called for the demonstrators to protest peacefully.
A meeting will be held on 21 October to decide what these actions will entail, according to Bert Engelaar, leader for the Flemish faction of the union FGTB-ABVV.
[12:44] - Izabella and Nora want feel hopeful for the future
Izabella (19) and Nora (21) are part of the younger crowd protesting today in Brussels.
They feel "blocked" financially, especially regarding their studies. "It’s not the time to give up...because we need to feel hopeful for the future, because we are the future," Nora told our reporter, Aurore Spitaels.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[12:35] - Masked protesters clash with police in Brussels
The riot police had to intervene during Brussels' demonstration, as some masked participants clashed with the police around Pacheco, according to Belga News Agency.
Several people were injured and treated at the scene. The police arrested several participants, according to a Belga reporter on the ground. Tear gas was reportedly used. Read more here.
[12:30] - Students cheer on protesters as demonstration continues
Students inside the IHECS university building were seen cheering on the demonstrators as they walk down Rue des Alexiens.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[12:26] - Groen party leader calls for support for teachers
Speaking to our reporter, Aurore Spitaels, today in Brussels, Groen leader, Bart Dhondt said that "it’s important to support the people that are being bashed by the government, like the school teachers which we are lacking all around the country."
He added that Belgium needs to invest more in "those crucial sectors."
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[12:17] - Amado is thankful for the protesters
The student, who works at a supermarket in the capital, told The Brussels Times that he has more work today than usual but is thankful for those demonstrating.
While Amado had to work today, he said he fully supports the movement as he feels that nothing positive is coming out of the Federal Government's reforms.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[12:11] - Minor disruptions at hospitals in Liège
Hospitals in the province of Liège have reported relatively minor disruptions compared to previous strikes.
While several services are disrupted, the essential care is being provided, according to Belga News Agency.
[12:05] - Animal rights' activists join protest in the capital
Our reporter on the ground, Aurore Spitaels, noted that protesters are not just demonstrating against social reforms. Among the crowd of thousands, some are denouncing animal cruelty in the country.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[11:54] - Entrances to Brussels central station closed
The entrances to the station, near Carrefour de l’Europe, are closed, as demonstrators pass by to reach Mont des Arts.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[11:49] - Workers' party leader welcomed 'like a hero'
Our reporter spotted PTB-PVDA leader, Raoul Hedebouw, being welcomed into the party's tent in Brussels "like a hero."
Hedebouw was heard shouting to the crowds: "Don't touch our pensions!"
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[11:44] - Limited impact on Brussels postal services
Around 91% of postal workers at Bpost are working today in Brussels, according to a spokesperson for the company. Meanwhile, in Flanders, 86% of employees are working, while in Wallonia, only 59% are working today.
Some sorting centres were disrupted by today's strike. Bpost warns that parcels and letters may take longer than expected to be delivered.
[11:36] - Police called in to assist understaffed prisons
Minimum service cannot be guaranteed today at most Belgian prisons due to the national strike, according to the administrative services of Belgium's prisons.
The police have been called in to compensate for the lack of staff and guarantee security and basic needs are met. The Red Cross is also helping to ensure meals are distributed to prisoners.
[11:29] - Shopkeeper Federico is worried about violent protesters
Our colleague, Aurore Spitaels, spoke to Federico, who works in a shop on Boulevard du Jardin Botanique. He is working alone today and said that he was a bit stressed about demonstrators potentially getting violent.
Nonetheless, while he doesn't think demonstrations are that useful, he does feel that it is important to defend the right to demonstrate.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[11:22] - "We must be able to say stop," says socialist MP
Brussels MP and Watermael-Boitfort councillor, Martin Casier (PS), is among the thousands of people demonstrating across the capital.
"We are facing a historic surge of anti-social, right-wing measures, and they are always against the same target, the same group. We must be able to say stop," he told Aurore Spitaels.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[11:15] - More than 100 ships affected by the strike
Around 120 ships are expected to be blocked today as staff at the river traffic centre in Antwerp is taking part in the national strike.
"This figure is comparable to that recorded when the Scheldt was blocked after parts of the Oosterweel tunnel collapsed," said Philippe Govers, president of the Flemish inland waterway administration.
Only a few vessels were seen this morning moving within the port of Antwerp, according to Belga News Agency.
[11:06] - Demonstrators chant 'Arizona, get out'
Along with the chant, music can also be heard as the demonstration picks up pace in Brussels, says Aurore Spitaels.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[10:58] - Union leaders kick off Brussels demonstration
Around 10.45am, the union leaders kicked off the demonstration behind banners that read "Arizona: things must change," referring to the De Wever government, nicknamed 'Arizona'.
Participants will walk across the capital to the Brussels Midi station. The unions estimate around 100,000 people are taking part.
[10:55] - Brussels shopkeeper Jorge is tired of demonstrations
Jorge spoke to our reporter, Aurore Spitaels, at the photography shop he works at near the Ministry of Justice. He told her he is tired of demonstrations and feels like they haven't led to significant changes.
He said he was thankful, however, that the trains were running normally today, so he didn't have to drive.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[10:50] - Belgian tech companies report 22% loss in production
The national strike is causing loss in production, according to the sector's federation, Agoria.
"Many companies are struggling with high costs, permanent uncertainty and a very difficult competitive position. In that context, every lost day of production is literally counterproductive," said the CEO Bart Steukers.
[10:43] - Protesters ahead of the Brussels demonstration
Credit: Belga
Credit: Belga
Credit: Belga
Credit: Belga
[10:33] - Martine fears for her colleagues
Martine is a legal and IT employee who lives in Brussels. She told Aurore Spitaels that she is worried for her colleagues, some of whom have been on sick leave for a long time.
The De Wever government is set to enforce stricter measures for people on long-term sick leave. Read more on the topic here.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[10:23] - Calm atmosphere ahead of Brussels demonstration
Red smoke can be seen near Brussels North station as protesters gather ahead of the start of the demonstration. Firecrackers can be heard occasionally, but the atmosphere remains calm, reports Aurore Spitaels.
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[10:16] - Bénédicte, 39, will lose her benefits
Bénédicte, 39, was supposed to receive unemployment benefits until June, but this will no longer happen due to Belgium's social reforms, she told The Brussels Times' Aurore Spitaels.
She is joining today's demonstration as she thinks the reforms will no positive impact for Belgians.
Bénédicte, 39, is joining today's demonstration in Brussels. Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[09:42] - Hundreds of protesters arriving in Brussels
Hundreds of protesters arrived at Brussels North station around 9am on Tuesday morning. Numerous tents belonging to unions and civil society organisations were set up along Albert II Avenue.
At the exit of Brussels-North station, railway workers had blown the whistle and were setting off fireworks and bombs. The demonstration began around 9.45am with speeches and addresses.
Protesters arriving in Brussels. Credit: Belga/Axel Cleenewerck
Credit: Aurore Spitaels/The Brussels Times
[09:34] - Ostend and Antwerp Airports fully operational
While Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport are heavily impacted by the strike, the smaller regional airports in Antwerp and Ostend are fully operational, a spokesperson for the airports confirmed.
"All flights and airport operations will continue as planned on Tuesday," the regional airports said. "Travellers can depart from or arrive at both airports with peace of mind."
[09:20] - Boulevard Roi Albert II closed to traffic
The area is closed ahead of the demonstration set to start around 10.45am near Brussels North station, according to Brussels Mobility.
[09:13] - Aftermath of fires on Brussels roads
Small fires disrupted traffic in Brussels this morning. Read more here.
Extinguished fires pictured near Place d'Yser ahead of a joint demonstration on 14 October 2025. Credit: Belga/Heleen De Bisschop
Extinguished fires pictured in downtown Brussels on 14 October 2025. Credit: Belga/Timon Ramboer
Extinguished fires pictured in downtown Brussels on 14 October 2025. Credit: Belga/Timon Ramboer
Extinguished fires pictured in downtown Brussels on 14 October 2025. Credit: Belga/Timon Ramboer
[09:00] - Several arrests after fires on Brussels road
The police have reported several arrests after cases of vandalism and arson in the capital this morning.
According to Belga News Agency, this involves the small fires on and near the small Brussels ring road, which disrupted traffic by Place de l'Yser and Boulevard de Dixmude.
[08:46] - Police blockade outside Hotel des Monnaies metro stop
The police have started to form a blockade just outside the Hotel des Monnaies metro stop in Brussels, Maïthé Chini reports.
The blockade is forming near the headquarters of the MR party, blocking parts of the traffic on the small ring road.
Police blockade just outside the Hotel des Monnaies metro stop, near the MR headquarters, on 14 October. Credit: Maïthé Chini/The Brussels Times.
[08:37] - Traffic disruptions at Porte de Hal
Roads in Brussels are already experiencing traffic disruptions. Police is on the ground at Porte de Hal managing the traffic, reports The Brussels Times' Maïthé Chini.
Traffic disruptions at Porte de Hal in Brussels on 14 October. Credit: Maïthé Chini/The Brussels Times.
[08:21] - 123 flights set to land at Brussels Airport
A spokesperson for the airport confirmed that 123 arriving flights will land as scheduled.
[08:12] - Small fires disrupt Brussels traffic
The Brussels Fire Brigade responded to small fires on and near the small Brussels ring road this morning.
Interventions took place in Place de l'Yser and Boulevard de Dixmude.
The Annie Cordy, Kruidtuin and Rogier tunnels were briefly closed.
The cause of the fires is currently unclear.
[08:04] - Prison staff to join Brussels demonstration
The staff will participate in denouncing the impact of government reforms. The news was confirmed by trade union VSOA.
"Our job is already difficult and demanding," said VSOA secretary Eddy De Smedt. "But these plans make the work even less attractive and undermine the motivation of people who work every day to ensure safety and order in our society."
[07:46] - Brussels Airlines operates two departing flights
The airline will operate a departing flight to Hamburg and to Berlin on Tuesday.
These flights include passengers who arrived in Brussels on a long-haul flight and don't need to go through security to fly to another European airport, the airline's spokesperson, Nico Cardone, told The Brussels Times.
Another 38 Brussels Airlines flights are due to arrive today at the airport in Zaventem.
A Brussels Airlines plane. Credit: Belga
[07:23] - Disruptions to ferry services
The Sint-Anna ferry in Antwerp will operate with only one vessel, instead of two, between 6.45am and 6.45pm.
Meanwhile, the ferry in Terdonk near Ghent will not be running today.
The Waterbus across the river Scheldt is operating on a limited basis until 7.30am on Wednesday. The Kallo, Liefkenshoek and Lillo stops will not be served.
[07:10] - Over half of TEC trips in Liège are cancelled
The Liège-Verviers tram and bus network is severely disrupted, with 64% of scheduled journeys cancelled.
In the province of Liège, 30 public transport lines are not running, while 114 lines are running at reduced frequency.
The BUSWAY 2 network in Liège is mostly operational, although trams are running only every 25 minutes.
The services are expected to return to normal tomorrow.
[06:14] - Only two metros running in Brussels
Shortly after 6.00am STIB confirmed that metro lines 1 and 5 are running today.
In terms of tram services, lines 4, 7, 8, 10, 82, 92, and 93 (between Stade and Parc) are running. Buses 12, 14, 36, 46, 53, 59, 71, 73, 87 (extended from Simonis to Étangs Noirs), and 95 are operating.
Passengers should expect transport to operate at reduced frequency.
All other lines are not running.
Credit: STIB-MIVB
[05:56] - Put your rubbish bags out as scheduled
Despite the expected disruptions to the bin bag collections, Brussels residents should put their bin bags out as scheduled, according to the regional waste agency, Bruxelles Propreté.
Bin bags which are not collected today should be left outside, as catch-up rounds are planned following the strike.
Illustrative image of a rubbish bag. Credit: Belga / Jonas Hamers
[05:51] - Additional trains to Brussels
Twelve additional trains to Brussels will complement the regular service by the railway operator, SNCB.
While the national train service will proceed as normal today, SNCB warns that a large influx of passengers is expected at the capital due to the planned demonstration.
Eurostar services are expected to run as scheduled, according to a spokesperson for the company.
[05:41] - Drivers warned of major traffic disruptions
Local Brussels police advised drivers to avoid the capital when possible until this afternoon.
The main areas to avoid are: Brussels North station, Boulevard Roi Albert II, Boulevard du Jardin Botanique, Boulevard Pachéco, Boulevard de Berlaimont, Boulevard de l'Impératrice, Boulevard de l'Empereur, Rue des Alexiens, Rue des Bogards, Boulevard Maurice Lemonnier, Boulevard du Midi, and Gare du Midi.
Nous vous rappelons qu’il est vivement déconseillé de vous rendre à Bruxelles en voiture aujourd’hui. https://t.co/iCHQ6DHJus
— PolBru (@zpz_polbru) October 14, 2025
[05:34] - No departing flights in Brussels
48,000 passengers are said to have been affected by the cancellations at Brussels Airport, according to a spokesperson. All departing flights have been cancelled, while only around half of the flights are arriving.
All flights to and from Brussels South Charleroi Airport were cancelled ahead of the strike.
Illustrative image of an empty area at Brussels Airport. Credit: Belga/Ine Gillis
[05:21] - Welcome to the live blog
Good morning from The Brussels Times newsroom!
We will be bringing you the latest updates on the national strike, with our colleague, Aurore Spitaels, covering the news on the ground.
Related News
- Delays, cancellations and disruption as national strike hits Belgium on Tuesday
- Belgium wants to end 'eternal unemployment' with major welfare reform
- De Wever warns students that the welfare state could collapse in their lifetime
- Brussels Ring to close overnight between Léonard and Quatre Bras tunnels
- 'Quite astonishing': Employment Minister on migrant roots in jobless benefits exclusions
- Despite cycling boom, Belgians still cling to their cars, new survey shows
