Opinion

Slovakia’s NATO Loyalty Tested as PM Fico Threatens to Walk Away Over Defense Spending

In a move that stunned political analysts and diplomats alike, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has openly suggested that Slovakia could exit NATO if the country is forced to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP

4 months ago

Opinion·World

House and apartment prices rise sharply in Belgium

A reduction in registration fees for home purchases has pushed up house and apartment prices in Belgium, according to figures published by the statistics agency Statbel on Thursday. The price hikes are

4 months ago

Business·Opinion

Defence to invest 550m euros in new Charleroi military district

The defence ministry is set to invest 550 million euros in a new military district in Charleroi, L’Echo reported on Thursday. Plans for the creation of two new military districts — one

4 months ago

Opinion

Natural killer cells may block cancer immunotherapy, Belgian study finds

Scientists at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology have discovered that natural killer (NK) cells can obstruct the immune response in patients who do not benefit from checkpoint immunotherapy. The findings,

4 months ago

Innovations·Opinion

King Philippe responds to questions sent in by Belgians in video

On the occasion of his 65th birthday in April, King Philippe of Belgium invited the public to submit questions they had always wanted to ask him. In a video published on Tuesday,

4 months ago

Opinion

National food study: too much alcohol, too little fruit and veg

Belgians don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables and drink excessive alcohol, according to the national Food Consumption Survey conducted by health institute Sciensano.  The study shows that consumption of vegetables, fruit, water,

4 months ago

Opinion

Man stabbed to death on De Lijn bus in Antwerp, suspect arrested

On Monday afternoon, an elderly man was killed after being stabbed on a De Lijn bus in Antwerp. The police were able to arrest a suspect quickly. The transport union ABVV-BTB points

4 months ago

Opinion

French investment group to take majority stake in Flemish defence firm ScioTeq

French investment firm Tikehau Capital is set to acquire a majority stake in the Flemish defence company ScioTeq, according to a press release issued on Monday. The financial details of the transaction

4 months ago

Business·Opinion

What is Antwerp’s Bonapartedok offering this swimming season?

Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Free open-air swimming at Bonapartedok, near MAS in Antwerp, runs every weekend (12:00–19:30) until Sept 14, 2025. Led by Sportoase, with lifeguards, 100 swimmers per half-hour. €200,000 invested.

4 months ago

Opinion

Cultural Compass: A Mozart masterpiece, science fiction comes to life and environmental art

Every Sunday, Belga English picks its favourite events from the cultural agenda. This week: Brussels ushers in summer with one of Mozart’s playful and scintillating operas, the legendary science fiction worlds of

4 months ago

Arts & Entertainment·Opinion

Coastal lifeguards open bathing season with focus on prevention and safety

The official bathing season along Belgium’s coast opened on Friday, with lifeguards bracing for a long, hot summer and the increased risks that come with it. As they prepare for larger crowds,

4 months ago

Opinion

Three Belgian projects win European heritage award

Three Belgian projects have received the prestigious 2025 European Heritage Award/Europa Nostra Award, an initiative supported by the European Union that recognises outstanding achievements in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage

4 months ago

Arts & Entertainment·Opinion

National strike: No departing flights at Brussels Airport on 25 June

No departing passenger flights will take place at Brussels Airport in Zaventem on Wednesday 25 June due to a nationwide day of strike. In a press release on Thursday, the airport announced

4 months ago

Opinion

Ostend sets up first protection zone for seals on the coast

To ensure peace and safety for seals that rest on the Klein Strand shores in Ostend, the city has decided to install a permanent fence, as many beachgoers have been disturbing the

4 months ago

Opinion

Red Cross Flanders seeks 25,000 new plasma donors to boost self-sufficiency

Red Cross Flanders is aiming to recruit 25,000 additional plasma donors in the coming years to make Belgium self-sufficient in plasma supplies. Plasma is a critical component in medications used to treat

4 months ago

Opinion

Grid operator sees faster-than-expected industrial electrification in Flanders

The Belgian grid operator Fluvius expects to invest an additional 200 million euros in its medium-voltage grids in the coming years. This is due to Flemish industry electrifying faster than anticipated, according

4 months ago

Opinion

Aviation police director resigns after border controls controversy at Brussels Airport

The head of Belgium’s aviation police is stepping down following controversy over the improper relaxation of border controls at Brussels Airport. The federal police confirmed the resignation on Tuesday after several sources

4 months ago

Opinion

Violence and arrests in Brussels amid weekend protests

A weekend of protests in Brussels descended into chaos as police used rubber bullets during a march for Fabian, an 11-year-old boy who died during a police chase, and made several arrests

4 months ago

Opinion·World

Concerns voiced over passenger rights

MEPs have voiced concern about air passenger rights amid fresh talks on the issue by transport Ministers of EU Member States. The fear, say Euro deputies, is that ministers might potentially agree to

4 months ago

Opinion

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

4 months ago

Opinion

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

4 months 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.

4 months ago

Innovations·Opinion

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

4 months ago

Opinion

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

4 months ago

Opinion

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

4 months ago

Opinion

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

4 months ago

Opinion

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,

4 months ago

Opinion

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

4 months ago

Arts & Entertainment·Opinion

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 months ago

Opinion

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 months ago

Opinion

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,

5 months ago

Opinion

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,

5 months ago

Arts & Entertainment·Opinion

Non-profit sector takes to the streets en masse for more investment in the sector

Employees from across Belgium’s non-profit sector will take to the streets of Brussels once again on Thursday to demand greater investment in healthcare and welfare. The demonstration calls on all levels of

5 months ago

Opinion

Rise in euthanasia due to ageing population, study shows

A recent study shows that the increase in euthanasia cases in Belgium is mainly due to the country’s ageing population, De Standaard reported on Tuesday. The growing numbers are not the result

5 months ago

Opinion

Boeing XF8B: The Ultimate Multirole Fighter that Never Took FlightBoeing XF8B

Boeing developed the XF8B as a single-seat, carrier-based aircraft for World War II. It could serve multiple functions, such as air superiority or bombings, but also escort and superiority. Despite this, only

5 months ago

Opinion

Despite long waiting list, over 8,000 social homes stand empty

The waiting list for social housing in Flanders has never been longer. Still, more than 8,000 properties stood empty in 2023, reports Het Nieuwsblad on Monday. This is almost four times the

5 months ago

Opinion

National strike to disrupt public transport on Tuesday

Train services across Belgium will be reduced on Monday evening and Tuesday due to a national strike by public sector workers. Other public transport services are also expected to be severely disrupted,

5 months ago

Opinion

Cultural Compass: Free outdoor festival, creative delirium and Brussels’ roaring past

Every Sunday, Belga English picks its favourite events from the cultural agenda. This week: A chance to be outdoors to enjoy music and dance in Bruges, Miet Warlop’s latest stroke of chaotic

5 months ago

Arts & Entertainment·Opinion

Criminal network of international arms dealers rounded up in Limburg

The Federal Judicial Police (FJP) of Limburg province has rounded up a criminal network of international arms dealers. Seven suspects, including two Austrians, are in pre-trial detention following their arrest on 9

5 months ago

Opinion

Thousands more people set to lose unemployment benefits under new cap

More than 113,000 people will lose their entitlement to unemployment benefits next year under the new two-year cap, many more than the 100,000 people initially estimated, De Morgen reports. The federal government

5 months ago

Opinion

Suicides in Flanders at lowest level in 25 years

The suicide rate in Flanders is at its lowest in 25 years, the Flemish Expertise Centre for Suicide Prevention (VLESP) reports. In 2023, 887 people died by suicide, of whom 652 were

5 months ago

Opinion

Bruges urges tourists to stop stealing cobblestones

Cobblestones are increasingly being stolen from the historic centre of Bruges. Councillor Franky Demon suspects tourists have been taking the stones as souvenirs and has urged people to leave the stones where

5 months ago

Opinion

Drug arrests in Antwerp Port surge, with juvenile involvement doubling

Just four months into 2025, the number of drug-related arrests at the Port of Antwerp has already surpassed last year’s total. The Port Police have detained 131 people, mostly ‘extractors’ who remove

5 months ago

Business·Opinion

Doctor files complaint over poor prison healthcare

A general practitioner has filed a formal complaint with the Order of Physicians, denouncing serious deficiencies in medical care at Haren prison. Le Soir reported the news on Monday; both VRT and

5 months ago

Opinion

Education minister unveils new knowledge-rich curriculum for Flemish primary education

Flemish education minister Zuhal Demir has introduced new knowledge-rich minimum goals for primary and nursery education. The new curriculum aims to raise standards by adopting a more content-focused approach, inspired by the

5 months ago

Opinion

Habemus papam: Robert Francis Prevost elected new Pope

The American Robert Francis Prevost has been elected Pope. At 19:24 local time, he stepped onto the balcony of St Peter’s to greet the faithful for the first time as Leo XIV.

5 months ago

Opinion·World

EU Parliament votes to weaken wolf protection

The European Parliament has voted to downgrade the legal protection status of the wolf, paving the way for more liberalised population control measures by national governments. The decision moves the species from

5 months ago

Opinion

US embassy asks Flemish universities about diversity policy

The US embassy has sent a survey to several Flemish universities asking about their diversity policies, Flemish Education minister Zuhal Demir told the Education Committee on Thursday. The survey also asks about

5 months ago

Opinion·World

Flanders launches campaign to limit spread of tiger mosquito

The Flemish Department of Public Health has launched a new campaign to minimise the spread of the tiger mosquito. Under the slogan “Leg de tijgermug droog” (Dry out the tiger mosquito), people

5 months ago

Opinion

Road deaths in Belgium fell to historic low in 2024

The number of road deaths in Belgium fell by 6 per cent last year compared to 2023, to 455 fatalities. This is the lowest number recorded in the official figures, which date

5 months ago

Opinion

People in Flanders are afraid to serve tap water to guests

More than eight out of ten people in Flanders drink tap water at home. Yet almost half of them are afraid to serve it to guests, according to a recent survey by

5 months ago

Opinion

Flanders sees rapid rise in measles cases

In April, 48 cases of measles were reported in Flanders, the Flemish Department of Public Health reported in a press release. That’s more than in the first three months of 2025 combined.

5 months ago

Opinion

Ten arrests and nearly 1.5m seized in Brussels money laundering case

Ten people have been arrested and nearly 1.5 million euros seized in a Brussels money laundering case, reported the Brussels public prosecutor’s office. In the case, drug money was passed on to

5 months ago

Opinion

Press freedom at an all-time low, warns Reporters Without Borders

Press freedom around the world is under greater threat than ever before, according to the latest report from Reporters Without Borders (RSF). For the first time in history, its World Press Freedom

5 months ago

Opinion

Protest marches and political rallies mark Labour Day

Protestors marched against the federal government and political parties held rallies on Thursday, Labour Day.  In Brussels, some 300 people gathered at Place Poelaert, organised by the socialist public sector union CGSP,

5 months ago

Opinion

Hasselt “Burns winter welcomes spring” at May evening event

Hasselt burns in the true literal sense at the yearly May event as they create a massive bonfire. Householders ceremonially burn winter’s symbolism while beckoning spring through dance performances along with theatrical

5 months ago

Opinion

EU approves €321 million German aid for condor restructuring

The European Commission announced on Monday that it has approved €321.2 million in restructuring aid provided by Germany for Condor, in accordance with EU State aid regulations. Why was the previous 2021

5 months ago

Opinion

Socialist union ACOD calls for national strike over public sector cuts on 20 May

The socialist trade union ACOD has called for a national strike in the public sector on Tuesday, 20 May. The action is aimed at protesting what the union describes as the “disastrous

5 months ago

Opinion

Brussels Airlines remains confident for a profitable 2025 despite first-Quarter loss

Brussels Airlines reported an adjusted operating loss (EBIT) of 53 million EUR in the first quarter of 2025. The company announced this on Tuesday morning. While still in the red, the result

5 months ago

Opinion

Up to six years prison for foiled attack on PM De Wever

The Court of Appeal in Antwerp has handed down prison sentences of up to six years for the foiled assassination attempt on Belgium’s current prime minister, Bart De Wever. The group’s leader

6 months ago

Opinion

Flemish journalists’ association expresses concern over editorial merger at Mediahuis

The Flemish Association of Journalists (VVJ) has expressed its concern about the growing media concentration in Flanders. The reaction follows the decision by the Mediahuis to place Het Nieuwsblad/De Gentenaar and Gazet

6 months ago

Opinion

Girls seek mental health help more often, but suicide rates remain higher among boys

An increasing number of young girls are seeking help for mental health issues, while boys are doing so less frequently, even though men remain significantly more likely to die by suicide than

6 months ago

Opinion

Antwerp police warn of UK visa scam targeting Belgian travellers

Antwerp police have issued a warning about a scam linked to the new UK entry requirements. Since 2 April, Belgian travellers must have both an international passport and an Electronic Travel Authorisation

6 months ago

Opinion

Red Cross Flanders uses pharmacy signs to promote blood donation

Twenty pharmacies in Flanders will soon display the region’s current blood supply. This is an initiative of Red Cross Flanders to raise awareness about blood donation. By the end of the year,

6 months ago

Opinion

European stock markets open with heavy losses

European stock markets opened on Monday with heavy losses. The German DAX briefly fell 10 per cent while in Brussels, the Bel20 lost more than 6 per cent. US president Donald Trump’s

6 months ago

Opinion

Military intelligence service plans major expansion amid rising threats

Belgium’s military intelligence service, GISS, plans to double its workforce by 2040 to counter growing cyber threats, foreign interference, and espionage. Its latest annual report highlights a surge in Russian disinformation and

6 months ago

Opinion

Empty chairs at Antwerp’s central square symbolise toll of colorectal cancer

The non-profit organisation Stop Darmkanker (Stop Colorectal Cancer) has on Monday morning filled Antwerp’s Grote Markt, the city’s central square, with 248 empty white chairs. Each chair symbolises someone who died in

6 months ago

Opinion

Belgium and Vietnam strengthen ties with first state visit since 1973

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, together with a delegation of officials, will pay a state visit to Vietnam next week, from Tuesday 1 to Thursday 3 April. This is the

6 months ago

Opinion

Flemish power grid not strong enough to fully connect all businesses

The electricity grid in Flanders is not strong enough to immediately and fully connect companies that require large amounts of electricity. Grid operators Elia and Fluvius are working on temporary solutions until

7 months ago

Opinion

Singapore’s president begins state visit to Belgium

Singapore’s president, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, has arrived in Belgium for a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. The visit begins with a formal welcome from

7 months ago

Opinion

KU Leuven and UCLouvain award honorary doctorate to United Nations

The KU Leuven and UCLouvain universities have on Friday awarded an honorary doctorate to the United Nations (UN). Secretary-General António Guterres came to receive the recognition in person. The universities initially wanted

7 months ago

Opinion