Strike Grips Belgium Ahead of European Union Summit BRUSSELS - Belgium was paralyzed by a national strike Monday as unions, angry at austerity measures, timed their protest to coincide with a one-day meeting of European Union leaders in the capital, Brussels. The rail network was shut down and flights were severely disrupted with the airport at Charleroi, which is a hub for low-cost carrier Ryanair, closed by the first general strike in Belgium since 1993. Trams, bus and metro services in Brussels were suspended, the transportation company said. High-speed international trains, such as the Eurostar from London and Thalys from Paris, were among those canceled. Belgian media reported that most government buildings and many schools were closed and that no postal services were operating. Many stores were also closed and striking workers erected barriers to block access to industrial zones. In central Brussels, traffic was light, however, as many workers stayed at home. Those who did venture out braved icy temperatures and light snow to walk to work. The country's main airport at Zaventem in Brussels remained open but canceled some flights and warned travelers to check with their airlines before coming to the airport. But some planes were taking off and landing and those were expected to include flights bringing European leaders who were due to start their one-day meeting Monday afternoon. The meeting, which will focus on efforts to contain Europe's debt crisis, is also expected to discuss ideas to stimulate growth and jobs. But Belgium is one of many European nations battling to control its budget and unions are angry over plans to cut spending and raise taxes.