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Belgium Strike Halts Flights, Schools and Transport

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Belgium witnessed major nationwide disruption on Wednesday as the third and final day of a national strike brought much of the country to a standstill. The protest, driven by the country’s main labour unions, targeted Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s coalition government over proposed pension changes and labour market reforms. Brussels Airport cancelled all departing flights and more than half of its scheduled arrivals, while Charleroi Airport also warned of severe operational delays due to staff shortages.

The strike extended far beyond aviation, affecting schools, public transport, and several private-sector operations, making it the most disruptive day of the three-day action. Unions argue that the government’s reform plans will force Belgians to “work longer and harder” with less security regarding pensions, healthcare, and purchasing power. They also criticised the government for not involving unions in budget-related negotiations.

A large protest was planned in Brussels on Wednesday afternoon, following an October demonstration that drew around 80,000 people. Despite the government finalising next year’s budget earlier this week — which includes new taxes on banks, airline tickets, and natural gas — the agreements failed to prevent the strike. Belgium’s deficit is projected to reach 4.5% of GDP this year, with debt levels significantly above EU limits, prompting the government’s push for spending cuts and new revenue measures.

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Belgian Airports Shut Down as Nationwide Strike Escalates

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Belgium is preparing for severe disruption this week as unions launch a three-day national strike in protest against Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s austerity plans aimed at reducing the country’s high debt. The action spans multiple sectors, with teachers, healthcare workers, and waste collectors joining rolling walkouts, and public transport facing major interruptions beginning Monday. The strikes are set to culminate in a nationwide general stoppage on Wednesday.

Transport services are already heavily affected, with national rail operator SNCB running only part of its schedule and several Eurostar routes between Brussels and Paris cancelled. The country’s main airports—Bruxelles-Zaventem and Charleroi—have warned passengers of significant disruption, announcing that all departures on Wednesday will be cancelled and arrivals may also be affected due to staff participation in the strike.

Unions argue that proposed reforms to labour rules, pensions, and unemployment benefits threaten welfare security, demanding fair pensions and new taxation measures including a wealth and digital tax. Belgium’s government, which has recently reached a budget agreement, says the reforms are essential to safeguard the welfare system amid a deficit of 4.5% of GDP and debt above 104%.

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Finland Tops Happiness Despite Economic Strain

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Finland has retained its title as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, according to the annual World Happiness Report, despite facing economic challenges. Rising unemployment, stagnating growth, and a strain on public finances are testing the Nordic nation, yet citizens like 33-year-old Juho-Pekka Palomaa remain resilient. Palomaa, who has been unemployed for over 1,000 days, credits Finland’s social safety net for helping him cope, even as some welfare benefits are being trimmed.

The Finnish economy has struggled since Nokia’s collapse in 2014 and has faced further pressure from sanctions on Russia, disrupted trade, and weaker tourism. The Bank of Finland forecasts minimal growth of 0.3% this year, down from 0.4% last year, while unemployment hovers near 10%, and youth unemployment among 15- to 24-year-olds reaches 21.2%.

Despite these challenges, pensions remain largely protected, reflecting the country’s enduring commitment to social security. Experts attribute Finland’s continued happiness to a strong collaborative spirit and resilience among its citizens, helping the nation maintain high levels of well-being even amid economic headwinds.

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