Introduction
The national strike in Belgium on 25 June 2025 represents a continuation of recurring labour actions affecting transportation, logistics, and business operations. Such strikes are generally peaceful but cause significant operational and economic disruption for the day of the event. Historical strikes in Belgium have shown patterns of pre-announced actions targeting urban mobility and core infrastructure, particularly in Brussels and Antwerp.
What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Civil Unrest?
Risk analysis evaluates potential disruptions to operations, safety, and infrastructure. In civil unrest, it helps anticipate threats from protests, including traffic closures, business interruptions, and reputational risks.
Executive Summary: High Risk Level
• Date of Incident: 25 June 2025
• Location: Brussels, Belgium
• Risk Category: Civil Disturbance
• Severity Score: 4/5
• Confidence Level: 85%
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
Sensitive areas include Brussels Airport (Zaventem), Brussels-Midi Station, the Port of Antwerp, Grand Place, Place du Luxembourg, and government buildings. These locations are typical strike flashpoints leading to transport blockades and large gatherings.
Impact on Transportation and Utilities
• Rail and Metro Disruptions: Major shutdowns of SNCB rail, STIB metro, and bus networks.
• Road Gridlocks: Ring Roads of Brussels (R0) and Antwerp (R1) commonly blocked.
• Airports Affected: Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport face cancellation waves.
• Utilities Unaffected: No utility damage or deliberate sabotage reported historically.
Recommended Actions
- Enable Flexible Work: Activate remote work and staggered shifts for non-essential staff. Identify essential roles and ensure access to alternative commuting and secure facilities.
- Coordinate with Logistics Partners: Confirm operational status of suppliers. Activate contingency plans to reroute deliveries, adjust schedules, and manage inventory.
- Strengthen Internal and Client Communication: Notify clients about possible delays. Use internal channels for regular updates and staff instructions.
- Secure Sites and Maintain Operations: Assess on-site impact with HR and Security. Ensure continuity of IT systems and utilities. Prepare for reduced staffing.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 101
- Fire Department: 112
- Ambulance Services: 112
- National Emergency Number: 112
Official Channels:
- Crisis Center Belgium
- Federal Police Belgium
- STIB-MIVB (Brussels Public Transport)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Travel Advisory)
Final Thoughts
This strike is expected to follow previous strike patterns with high-impact but short-duration effects. Preparedness through remote work policies and clear communication channels can mitigate most operational risks. Monitoring union negotiations post-strike is recommended to assess the potential for follow-up actions.
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