Belgium: Belgium is bracing for a three-day union strike, starting Monday, in protest against the government's proposed reforms to the public finance budget, with the cancellation of many train and air services and the closure of day-care centers.

According to Qatar News Agency, the move is being carried out in three phases, beginning with a disruption to public transport and rail services today. The Belgian rail operator SNCB/NMBS anticipates that no more than half-or even just a third-of train services will remain operational, depending on the line. Several Eurostar trains linking Brussels and Paris will also be canceled.

On Tuesday, public services, including schools, day-care centers, government offices, and hospitals, are expected to join the strike. This will be followed by a nationwide general strike planned for Wednesday.

The strike is expected to impact air travel significantly, as no commercial flights will depart on Wednesday from Belgium's two major airports, Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. This is amid projections of high participation in the strike by security personnel at both airports.

The protest was launched by the main Belgian labor unions in a major challenge to Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Belgium is already burdened with one of the most precarious debt levels in the eurozone, alongside Greece, Italy, and France, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the crisis.