Belgium

Who was King Leopold II and why do some want his statues removed?

Activists want statues of King Leopold II removed from Belgian cities. Here's why.

08/06/2020

Europe News

Belgian petition to remove statues of colonial king gathers pace

The movement is gaining traction as Europe grapples with its own race issues alongside the Black Lives Matter protests in the USA.

05/06/2020

Europe News

Pop-up study centre as empty Belgian attraction aids cramming students

A tourist hot spot in Belgium, empty amid the COVID-19 restrictions, has become a pop-up study centre, helping students cramming for exams and with nowhere quiet to revise.

04/06/2020

Europe News

COVID-19: Freelance EU interpreters out of work and demanding support

Since the pandemic, freelance interpreters working for the institutions say they have been left 'without work from one day to the next' and are calling on the EU to 'practise what they preach' and offer emergency financial support.

04/06/2020

Europe News

Be my guest: Belgian town among first to allow weddings with invitees

Yolanda Nauwelaers and Timothy Dekeyser are thought to be one of the first couples in Europe to wed in the presence of invitees since lockdown was imposed in March.

03/06/2020

Europe News

Belgian Jews fear the scaling back of counter-terror patrols

Belgium is considering winding down soldiers' counter-terror patrols. At the height of the terror threat, thousands of soldiers paced the streets. Authorities are weighing up the cost of such security measures against the concerns over future threats.

29/05/2020

World News

UK lorry deaths investigation makes 26 arrests in Belgium and France

The suspected smugglers were arrested in simultaneous early morning raids carried out in France and Belgium. They face up to 15 years in jail and a fine of up to €150,000 per victim.

28/05/2020

Belgium

Health care workers turn their backs on Belgian prime minister

Belgium's Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes was given a frosty reception by some health care workers as she visited a hospital in the capital Brussels.

17/05/2020

Europe News

Belgians allowed to socialise again - but only with same four people

Small social gatherings are allowed again in Belgium after an easing of the country's COVID-19 lockdown rules. But there is a caveat - it has to be with the same four people for the time being.

12/05/2020

Europe News

Chefs lay down their whites to kick up a fuss over lockdown impact

They were highlighting the plight of eateries, cafes and other parts of the hospitality industry hit during the COVID-19 lockdown.

07/05/2020

Europe News

COVID-19: Belgium's overcrowded prisons a 'powder keg' for infections

"Since 23 April, I wash myself with water. I had to wash my cell by myself with just water. I picked up the dirt of the prisoner before. What more can I say? The situation here is very bad."

30/04/2020

Europe News

Belgium to hire 2,000 call centre staff to track COVID-19 cases

The investigators will work the phones and connect the dots of who could be spreading coronavirus.

30/04/2020

Belgium

Belgians to receive free masks as part of lockdown exit strategy

The Belgian government has laid out its #Covid-19 lockdown exit strategy, which includes compulsory mask on public transport and ban of mass gatherings until September.

25/04/2020

Europe News

Belgium's Muslim community prepares for Ramadan under lockdown

With lockdown measures in place until at least 3 May, day-long Ramadan fasts will be broken in isolation.

23/04/2020

Belgium

Analysis: Can we trust Belgium's COVID-19 death statistics?

Belgium is facing an unusual problem, our political editor Darren McCaffrey writes. It's being accused of being “too honest” and overestimating the country’s death toll.

22/04/2020

Europe News

Balkan Trafik Festival: Brussels music extravaganza to go ahead online

The cult festival has moved online after the coronavirus lockdown caused the physical event to be postponed.

22/04/2020

Europe News

EU steps up pressure on online sellers over coronavirus scams

EU institutions want to keep people safe online as well as off, when it comes to low-quality products, high prices and scams.

17/04/2020

Europe News

Belgian potato chief appeals for government to chip in amid crisis

Most Belgian potatoes are exported but with travel bans and restaurants closed, the industry is facing huge losses.

15/04/2020

Europe News

Brussels bear hunt as parents bid to amuse children during lockdown

If you go down into Brussels today, you're in for a big surprise...

08/04/2020

Belgium

Classic European cycling race to be held virtually this year

Thirteen cycling professionals will cycle more like hamsters on wheels than riders on their bikes in a virtual race.

04/04/2020