Clashes broke out near Brussels-Central railway station during a trade union strike against government cuts. Hundreds of black-clad young people threw objects at police, with reports variously describing bottles, stones, fireworks, wooden beams and rubbish bins; streets were blocked. Police used tear gas and a water cannon. The strike was directed at proposed cuts to social-security spending, with protesters fearing reductions affecting wages, public services and pensions as the government considers its budget.