Oliver Devereaux

NATO defence spending debate divides Belgian coalition

Will NATO’s defence spending target, currently set at 2 per cent of GDP, be raised to 5 per cent? The decision will be made later this month at a summit in The

2 weeks ago

Politics

Major waterways in Flanders cleaner than expected, citizen research finds

A large-scale citizen science project has revealed that many of Flanders’ and Brussels’ major waterways are cleaner than anticipated. The results offer hope for legal open-water swimming in the future. More than

2 weeks ago

Opinion

Sanctions Tandem: Hungary and Central Asia in Schemes Supporting Moscow

According to the analytical institute Robert Lansing Institute (RLI), Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—long known as a promoter of Russian interests within the EU—has recently ramped up efforts to bypass sanctions against Russia.

2 weeks ago

Society·World

Belgium calls for EU response to US sanctions against International Criminal Court

Belgium, together with Slovenia, is calling for the European Union’s blocking statute to be invoked as a response to the recent US sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC). The European Commission

2 weeks ago

Politics·World

Mayor of Ghent elected president of European city network

Mayor of Ghent Mathias De Clercq was on Friday in the Portuguese city Braga elected as president of Eurocities, the network of 222 cities in 38 countries. As an umbrella organisation, Eurocities

2 weeks ago

Earth & Climate·Politics

Brussels pushes back on federal unemployment reform

Brussels authorities have triggered a conflict of interest procedure to delay the federal government’s contentious unemployment reform. However, questions over the legality of the move have quickly followed. Brussels employment minister Bernard

2 weeks ago

Politics

Russian Terror Escalates: Massive Nighttime Strikes on Ukrainian Cities Cause New Civilian Casualties

Kyiv, June 6 – While Moscow talks about “peace,” the brutal reality on the ground tells a different story. On the night of Wednesday to Thursday, Russia launched one of the heaviest airstrikes in

2 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

Government cancels second phase of North Sea energy island to save 3bn euros

The federal government has on Friday decided to cancel the second construction phase of the energy island in the North Sea. This measure should save 3 billion euros, according to energy minister

2 weeks ago

Earth & Climate·Opinion

Three organ transplants per day in Belgium, say health groups

Around three organ transplants are performed daily in Belgium, according to Transplantoux, the Belgian Transplantation Society, and pharmaceutical company Takeda. Marking World Transplant Day, the organisations are calling for improved post-transplant care.

2 weeks ago

Innovations·Opinion

Belgium open to NATO’s 5% defence spending goal, but calls for “time and flexibility”

Belgium is open to gradually increasing its defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, in line with a proposal supported by the United States, but is calling for time and flexibility

2 weeks ago

World

Tomorrowland organiser opens Flanders’ first innovation hub

The organisation behind the Tomorrowland music festival, WEAREONE.world, has opened the Lab of Tomorrow in Boom. It is the first innovation centre in Flanders, intended to strengthen the link between entertainment and

2 weeks ago

Innovations

Belgian PM outlines foreign policy vision during meeting with diplomatic corps

On Thursday, Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever laid out his government’s foreign policy vision to the country’s diplomatic corps in Brussels. In his speech, De Wever stressed the urgency of international

2 weeks ago

Politics·World

Belgium blocked 147 illegal streaming websites last year

Last year, Belgium blocked 147 websites illegally distributing copyrighted films, TV series and sports broadcasts, the FPS Economy revealed on Thursday. These platforms offered content without the creators’ permission, amounting to digital

2 weeks ago

Business·Innovations

Heptathlon star Nafi Thiam’s silence raises questions ahead of World Championships

Belgian heptathlon star Nafissatou Thiam will not compete at the Décastar in Talence this July, her camp confirmed. The news is another extension of a competitive absence that has lasted since her

2 weeks ago

Sport

Flemish-led mangrove island in Ecuador shows rapid growth

Six months after Flemish dredging company Jan De Nul planted mangroves on a man-made island off the Ecuadorian coast, the project is showing remarkable success. Scientific monitoring now confirms that over 30,000

2 weeks ago

Earth & Climate·Innovations

European consumer groups file complaint against Shein for misleading practices

Belgium’s Testaankoop, along with 24 other consumer organisations across Europe, has filed an official complaint with the European Commission against Chinese fashion retailer Shein. The groups accuse the online giant of using

2 weeks ago

Business

Total beer consumption in Belgium dropped with 2,1 per cent in 2024

Belgian beer consumption dropped by 2.1 per cent in 2024. This marks a continued decline, albeit less steep than the 6 per cent fall recorded in 2023. The hospitality sector saw the

2 weeks ago

Politics

Famous Ghent building gets renovation permit it did not request

The city of Ghent has approved replacing the well-known facade of the VOKA building with flower boxes with geraniums. But the employer’s organisation itself did not ask for the permit: it was

2 weeks ago

Opinion

Tariff negotiations with US “advancing in the right direction,” says EU commissioner

Negotiations between the European Union and the United States on trade tariffs are “moving in the right direction,” European Trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said on Wednesday, following a meeting with U.S. Trade

2 weeks ago

Business·World

Number of dollar millionaires in Belgium declines further

The number of dollar millionaires in Belgium fell to 134,600 in 2024, 2.5 per cent less compared to the year before. This marks the third consecutive annual decline, according to data released

2 weeks ago

Business·Society

EU proposes extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees

The European Commission proposed on Wednesday to extend the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainian refugees. It also proposed several measures to support Ukrainian nationals in the longer term. Shortly after Russia’s invasion

3 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

Capital gains tax debate sparks rift between Vooruit and coalition partners

Tensions are rising within the Belgian federal coalition as the debate over a capital gains tax pits Flemish socialist party Vooruit against francophone liberal MR and other partners. Over the past week,

3 weeks ago

Politics·Society

US tariffs on steel and aluminum double to 50%

Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports came into effect on Wednesday. Trading partners around the world are voicing concern, and the EU still hopes to strike a deal

3 weeks ago

Business·World

Flemish students struggle with basic teacher training entry tests

A significant number of Flemish students entering teacher training are failing to meet basic educational benchmarks, according to internal data obtained by De Standaard. The mandatory entry tests in maths, French and

3 weeks ago

Opinion

Crimean Bridge Hit Again Amid Escalating Tensions: Smoke, Chaos, and Growing Strategic Vulnerabilities

A fresh attack on the Crimean Bridge has been reported, following an earlier attempt to blow up one of its supports on the morning of June 3. According to sources monitoring the area, road traffic

3 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

Alexander De Croo seeks top job at UN Development Programme

Former Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo is a candidate for the position of administrator at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This was confirmed by De Croo’s spokesperson to Belga on

3 weeks ago

Politics

Flanders and the Netherlands develop joint action plan on AI and language

Flanders and the Netherlands are working together on a joint action plan focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and language. Flemish Media minister Cieltje Van Achter announced the initiative on Tuesday following a

3 weeks ago

Innovations

Despite tensions, Belgium will participate in Cycling World Championships in Rwanda

The Belgian Cycling Federation has confirmed its participation in the upcoming World Cycling Championships in Rwanda. Due to diplomatic tensions, it was long unclear if Belgian cyclists would participate. In the Democratic

3 weeks ago

Sport

BYD to build network of ultra-fast charging stations in Europe

Chinese car manufacturer BYD wants to build a network of ultra-fast charging stations for electric vehicles, known as ‘flash chargers’, in Europe. Executive vice president Stella Li announced this during a conversation

3 weeks ago

Innovations

The Illusion Is Over: Why the Istanbul Format Has Failed – and What the World Must Do Now

Once hailed as a glimmer of hope during the darkest days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the so-called Istanbul Format of negotiations has now fully collapsed. But the reasons go deeper than just

3 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

Aedifica and Cofinimmo agree to merge, creating Europe’s largest healthcare real estate group

Belgian healthcare real estate firms Aedifica and Cofinimmo have agreed to merge, forming the largest healthcare property company in Europe. The combined portfolio will be worth €12.1 billion, making the group the fourth-largest globally.

3 weeks ago

Business

Sharp rise in long-term depression and burnout cases in Belgium, especially among youth

The number of Belgians unable to work for over a year due to depression or burnout has surged by 44 per cent in five years, according to new figures from the National

3 weeks ago

Opinion

Brussels government formation: Flemish socialists and greens ask MR for another approach

Flemish socialist party Vooruit and the Flemish greens of Groen are both asking MR to take a different approach to break the political deadlock in Brussels. French-speaking liberal party MR last week

3 weeks ago

Politics

New campaign to strengthen language skills in Flemish primary education

Flemish education minister Zuhal Demir and the Flemish Language Platform have on Monday launched the new Klim in Taal campaign at the primary school Klim-Op in Sint-Truiden. On a new website, primary

3 weeks ago

Society

27 Belgian wines receive award at Gault&Millau guide presentation

The third edition of the Gault&Millau Wine Guide Belgium and the Belgian Wine Awards 2025 have revealed that the main wine estates in Belgium are located in the provinces of Limburg and

3 weeks ago

Innovations·Society

Flanders and France agree on how to deal with floods in border region

Flanders and France have made an agreement on how to deal with future floods in the border region of De Moeren. Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele signed the agreement in Lille on Monday.

3 weeks ago

Earth & Climate

Ukraine and Russia meet in Istanbul for second round of talks

New direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine began in Istanbul on Monday afternoon, one day after Ukraine launched an unprecedented drone attack on Russian warplanes. TV footage showed delegations from both sides

3 weeks ago

Politics·World

Belgian foreign minister launches strategic partnership with Qatar in Doha

Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot has on Monday in Doha launched a strategic partnership between Belgium and Qatar in areas such as politics, economics, energy, security and humanitarian aid. During his visit,

3 weeks ago

World

Haribo recalls sweets in Belgium due to possible presence of cannabis

Candy maker Haribo has recalled a batch of sweets in Belgium after traces of cannabis were found in some products sold in the Netherlands. There have been no reports of people falling

3 weeks ago

Business

Artist Wim Delvoye acquitted of breach of trust and theft

Artist Wim Delvoye, who was accused of selling a work of art to two different buyers, was acquitted of breach of trust and theft on Monday. The charges against Delvoye were found

3 weeks ago

Arts & Entertainment

Youth care workers oppose duty to report bill in open letter

In an open letter, youth care associations and citizens spoke out against a bill that would oblige care workers to report certain crimes against children and young people, La Libre Belgique reported

3 weeks ago

Opinion

Operation “Web”: Ukraine Launches Devastating Drone Strike on Russian Airbases

June 1, 2025 marked a dramatic shift in modern warfare. In one of the boldest and most technologically advanced operations of the war, Ukraine carried out a massive drone attack on key Russian strategic aviation

3 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

Dutch pianist Nikola Meeuwsen makes history at the Queen Elisabeth Competition; Belgian Valère Burnon claims third place

On Saturday evening, Nikola Meeuwsen from the Netherlands won the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition for piano at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. He is the first Dutch pianist to ever take

3 weeks ago

Society

Zelensky confirms Ukrainian participation in talks with Russia in Istanbul as clashes continue

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine will send representatives to a new round of direct talks with Russia in Istanbul on Monday. Zelensky announced on Sunday via X that Defence

3 weeks ago

World

Nationalist Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election

Karol Nawrocki won the second and decisive round of Poland’s presidential election, official results showed Monday morning. The right-wing nationalist candidate narrowly beat his pro-European challenger, Rafał Trzaskowski. Nawrocki received 50.89 per

3 weeks ago

Politics·World

Cultural Compass: Victorious pianists, modern take on Carmen and experiential artwork

Every Sunday, Belga English picks its favourite events from the cultural agenda. This week: Winners of the Queen Elisabeth Competition for piano take to the stage one final time, Carmen finds herself

3 weeks ago

Arts & Entertainment

The Myth of Ukraine’s Defeat as a Tool of Russian Propaganda: A Geopolitical Analysis of U.S. Senators’ Statements

Amid the ongoing war initiated by Russia against Ukraine, narratives suggesting Ukraine’s “inevitable” defeat are becoming increasingly frequent. However, leading U.S. politicians — notably Republican Senator Lindsey Graham — firmly reject these

3 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

Senator Lindsey Graham: “Ukraine Will Not Lose This War – It’s Russian Propaganda”

The belief that Ukraine will not lose the war is not just the official position of its leadership — it is a conviction shared by influential global leaders, including representatives of the United

3 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

Three Years of War: Global Implications and the Call for Unified Western Action

For three years, the world has been living under the shadow of the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine — a conflict that has deeply reshaped the landscape of global political dynamics. Despite Ukraine’s declared

3 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

Belgian soil research firm ABO-Group secures €10m contract for French naval base

Ghent-based environmental engineering firm ABO-Group has secured a €10 million contract with the French Navy for soil research linked to the reinforcement of the Toulon naval base, De Tijd reports. That base

3 weeks ago

Business·Society

Over fifty Belgian children conceived using sperm donor with cancer-causing gene

Fifty-two children conceived at fertility clinics in Belgium may carry a hereditary gene mutation linked to cancer, officials confirmed this week. The revelation was made by Belgian health minister Frank Vandenbroucke and

3 weeks ago

Society

Flemish frozen fries giant Clarebout eyes deal with US food titan

Clarebout Potatoes, one of Belgium’s largest frozen potato producers, is reportedly close to striking a major deal with US agri-food giant J.R. Simplot, De Standaard reports. Industry insiders suggest the agreement, potentially

3 weeks ago

Business

Truce on Paper, Bullets on the Front: Why Ukraine Demands a Memorandum from Russia Before Peace Talks Begin

As the war in Ukraine rages on, the battlefield remains engulfed in smoke, with artillery echoing through the day. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are once again at a stalemate. A highly anticipated peace meeting in Istanbul

3 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

Brussels has second-highest number of working students in Belgium

The sun is starting to peak through the clouds more often and the days are getting shorter. In Brussels, that means only one thing: the terrace season has started. In this period,

3 weeks ago

Opinion

Trump wins temporary reprieve as he fights against court block on tariffs

US president rails against judges who ruled against him as appeals court grants pause until challenge is heard The Trump administration is racing to halt a major blow to the president’s sweeping tariffs after a US

3 weeks ago

Politics·World

Why this leading AI CEO is warning the tech could cause mass unemployment

The chief executive of one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence labs is warning that the technology could cause a dramatic spike in unemployment in the very near future. He says policymakers

3 weeks ago

Innovations

Court of International Trade Halts Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs in Stinging Legal Defeat

As President Donald Trump embarks on his second term, the velocity of policy shifts emerging from Washington has alarmed, confused, and polarized observers across the Atlantic. Many transatlantic analysts continue to frame

3 weeks ago

Business·World

40 years Heysel Stadium disaster: Darkest day in Belgian football history commemorated

The Heysel Stadium disaster, the biggest tragedy in Belgian football history, has been commemorated on Thursday. Exactly 40 years ago, 39 people died and 600 others were injured in the crowd in

3 weeks ago

Society

Procession of the Holy Blood passes through the streets of Bruges

Like every year, the Procession of the Holy Blood passes through the city centre of Bruges on Ascension Day. Nearly 1,900 re-enactors take part, almost a hundred more than last year.  During

3 weeks ago

Arts & Entertainment·Opinion

Stocks push higher after a federal court halted Trump’s tariffs

Stock futures gained Thursday after a federal court ruled late Wednesday that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority to impose sweeping tariffs, throwing into chaos the administration’s core trade policy that has threatened to

3 weeks ago

Business·World

Germany Commits Record €5 Billion Aid to Ukraine in First Meeting Between Zelensky and Chancellor Merz

A powerful diplomatic handshake in Berlin On May 28, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, in Berlin — and the outcome was nothing short of historic. In a strong show

3 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

Does Jordan support Israel or Palestine? Gaza war changed everything

In the case of the Israeli-Gaza conflict that started in October 2023, Jordan’s interests are as much threatened as they were when the country lost the West Bank in 1967. The public demonstrations following

3 weeks ago

World

These countries don’t fluoridate their water – here’s why

With water fluoridation of drinking water under the spotlight in the US, we look at why some countries choose not to add the mineral to supplies while others have repealed the practice.

3 weeks ago

Society

EU proposes scale-up fund to retain promising tech startups

The European Commission has unveiled plans to launch a large-scale investment fund aimed at preventing promising tech startups from relocating outside the EU. The Scaleup Europe Fund, expected to launch in 2026,

3 weeks ago

Business·World

1,000km bike ride for cancer research kicks off in Mechelen

The fourteenth edition of the 1,000km bike ride for cancer charity Kom op tegen Kanker (Stand up to Cancer) has kicked off in Mechelen on Thursday morning. For four days, thousands of

3 weeks ago

Sport

CMB.Tech acquires Norwegian shipping company Golden Ocean

The Antwerp-based maritime group CMB.Tech, formerly known as Euronav, is acquiring the Norwegian dry bulk shipping company Golden Ocean Group. The merger will create one of the largest diversified listed maritime groups

3 weeks ago

Business

Antwerp and Charleroi face off for final European spot

The curtain will fall on the Belgian football season Thursday evening as Royal Antwerp host Sporting Charleroi in a decisive play-off for the country’s final European ticket. At stake is a place

3 weeks ago

Sport

Belgian finance minister’s aide under fire for sharing tax reform details at paid lecture

A senior aide to Belgian finance minister Jan Jambon is facing growing criticism after giving a paid lecture that included details of the government’s tax reform plans. Some information had reportedly not

3 weeks ago

Politics

Campine chooses French expansion amid booming antimony profits

The Belgian metal recycling group Campine has announced plans to acquire three industrial sites in France, including two dedicated to battery recycling. This strategic move comes at the expense of expanding its

4 weeks ago

Business·Innovations

World on track for new heat record as climate disasters set to increase

According to a new report published on Wednesday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is a very high likelihood that the world will break the 2024 global heat record within the

4 weeks ago

Earth & Climate

Flagship Belgian research vessel stuck in port amid legal dispute

The Belgica, Belgium’s flagship oceanographic research vessel, has been docked and out of action for a year. The reason is an ongoing legal dispute between the Belgian government and the French company

4 weeks ago

Society

Antwerp Art Weekend showcases contemporary art across the city

Antwerp Art Weekend begins on Thursday, with four days of contemporary art across the city. More than 70 venues will showcase a vibrant programme of exhibitions, events, performances and parties, highlighting the

4 weeks ago

Arts & Entertainment

Foundation invests 280m euros in climate action and workplace mental health

The Helios Foundation, the successor to the Vinçotte Foundation, will invest the 280 million euros it gained from selling the inspection group Vinçotte into tackling two urgent issues: reducing CO2 emissions and

4 weeks ago

Earth & Climate

Geopolitical turmoil brings chaos to Antwerp and other European ports

Ports across Europe, including Antwerp, are experiencing acute congestion as a result of mounting geopolitical tensions, climate-related disruptions and shifting global trade dynamics. De Tijd reports that the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a

4 weeks ago

Business·World

Von der Leyen: Israel’s military escalation in Gaza ‘cannot be justified’

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen spoke out against Israel’s renewed offensive in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. She did so during a telephone conversation with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, of

4 weeks ago

Politics·World

Coast guard flights at risk due to environmental permit error

The operational readiness of Belgium’s coast guard aircraft is under pressure due to fuel supply issues linked to environmental permits. “If there is an incident now, we may not be able to

4 weeks ago

Earth & Climate

Brussels public transport reached over one million daily users in 2024

In 2024, Brussels’ public transport operator STIB-MIVB recorded more than one million daily passengers for the first time, marking a 7% increase in ridership compared to the previous year.  According to its

4 weeks ago

Opinion

Belgian savings among the best protected in Europe

Belgium’s deposit guarantee fund is two to three times larger than comparable schemes in most other European countries, according to figures published on Tuesday by L’Echo, based on data from the European

4 weeks ago

Business

New KU Leuven spin-off targets root cause of rare bleeding disorder

Hemastatx, a recently established spin-off from KU Leuven, has developed a revolutionary therapy that addresses the underlying cause of a severe bleeding disorder. It is the first company to propose a treatment

4 weeks ago

Society

Stricter rules in Flanders following surge in home schooling

According to the Flemish education inspectorate, the number of children being home-schooled in Flanders has almost doubled since the start of the pandemic. The number increased from 3,186 in the 2019–2020 school

4 weeks ago

Opinion

Euro could become alternative to dollar, says ECB president

European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde sees a unique opportunity for the euro to expand its global influence. Speaking at the Hertie School in Berlin on Monday, Lagarde argued that recent global

4 weeks ago

Business·Politics

EU assembles firefighting teams to support countries at risk of wildfires

The European Union has assembled teams of firefighters to assist European countries struggling with forest fires. A wildfire support team will also be established at the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre, the

4 weeks ago

Earth & Climate

Flemish government wants to make disability care more accessible

The Flemish government aims to ensure that all people with disabilities can access care services by the end of its current legislative term. To reach that goal, it plans to expand directly

4 weeks ago

Society

Belgian customs and defence join forces to monitor suspicious private flights

Belgian customs will work together with the country’s defence sector to monitor private aircraft that may be used for criminal activities. This was announced at a joint press conference at Charleroi Airport

4 weeks ago

Society

Final round of Queen Elisabeth piano competition begins in Brussels

The final round of the 2025 Queen Elisabeth piano competition kicks off Monday evening at the Palace of Fine Arts in Brussels. Twelve pianists, seven men and five women, will compete throughout

4 weeks ago

Arts & Entertainment·Society

Potato waste now fuels Belgian gas network

Belgian renewable energy company Green Logix has begun injecting biomethane directly into the country’s gas grid. At its facility in Lommel, Flanders, the gas is sent directly into the high-pressure network of

4 weeks ago

Innovations

Flanders gains appeal as tourist destination, survey finds

Flanders has become significantly more attractive to international tourists, according to a new reputation survey commissioned by Visit Flanders. The study, conducted among 13,000 travellers from 12 European countries and the US,

4 weeks ago

Opinion

Trump delays EU tariff hike following call with von der Leyen

US president Donald Trump has agreed to postpone a planned tariff increase on European Union goods until 9 July, following a call with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Trump had threatened

4 weeks ago

Business·World

Poll confirms deep crisis for Flemish liberals

A new poll confirms the collapse of Open VLD’s support, reinforcing its disastrous 2024 election result. It is placing party chair Eva De Bleeker under intensifying pressure. The annual De Stemming survey shows the

4 weeks ago

Politics

Trump says he’s ‘not looking for a deal’ with the EU after threatening a 50% tariff

President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union, citing a lack of progress in current trade negotiations. “Their powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate

4 weeks ago

Business·World

Union Sint-Gillis clinch first Belgian title since 1935

Union Sint-Gillis were crowned Belgian national champions for the twelfth time, and the first since 1935, on Sunday evening, following a decisive 3-1 victory over KAA Gent at the Dudenpark on the

4 weeks ago

Sport

Belgium presses for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza

“Belgium is actively considering all possible options to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza as quickly as possible. Our priority is clear: to ensure that the Palestinian population has access to

4 weeks ago

World

Belgium’s 2025 summer music festivals: A season of sound and celebration

Belgium’s summer of 2025 promises a compelling lineup of music festivals, catering to diverse musical tastes and offering unforgettable experiences across the country. From rock and pop to electronic, jazz and reggae,

4 weeks ago

Arts & Entertainment·Opinion

Cultural Compass: Wozzeck hits the stage, magical realism captivates and abstract trailblazing

Every Sunday, Belga English picks its favourite events from the cultural agenda. This week: Wozzeck shakes society awake, looking to the future through magical realism and the connective tissue in art between

4 weeks ago

Arts & Entertainment

Russia Launches Largest Aerial Assault of the War, Killing Civilians and Undermining Peace

Russia has carried out its most massive aerial attack since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launching an unprecedented 367 drones and missiles in a single wave. This escalation signals a deliberate and total rejection

4 weeks ago

Ukraine·World

VDAB prepares for incoming unemployment reform

The Flemish Employment Agency (VDAB) is preparing for the implementation of the first phase of the federal government’s plan to limit temporary unemployment benefits, set to begin on 1 January. The agency

4 weeks ago

Society

Protests across Flanders this weekend urge solidarity with Gaza

The international solidarity organisation 11.11.11 will hold a series of protests across Flanders this weekend to express support for Gaza and call for concrete political action from Belgian leaders. Under the banner

4 weeks ago

World

Birth house of Father Damien reopens after renovation

The birth house of Jozef De Veuster, better known as Father Damien, reopens this weekend after a thorough renovation in Tremelo, Flemish Brabant province. A new permanent exhibition amongst others brings his

4 weeks ago

Arts & Entertainment

Government launches plan to strengthen Belgian industry

The federal government has on Friday launched the “Make 2025-2030” competitiveness plan, a strategic plan to strengthen the Belgian industry. The plan provides for close cooperation between the federal and regional levels.

4 weeks ago

Innovations·Politics

US president Trump threatens EU with 50% tariffs from June

US president Donald Trump has threatened on his social media channel Truth Social to impose 50 per cent import tariffs on goods from the European Union from 1 June. The announcement made

1 month ago

World