The Brussels Times

King Philippe voices concern for 'increasingly violent' drug crime in Belgium

The opportunity to reform through the constitution is gone, said De Wever. He proposed an “extra-legal reform, as happened at various times in our national history.”

Brussels City Hall, now empty, to open as museum

Ever wondered why the right wing of the building is shorter than the left? Or why the entrance is asymmetrical? Find out on a new tour.

Grave of Flemish Nazi collaborator destroyed for second time in six months

After World War II, August Borms was convicted of collaboration with the Nazi occupiers and executed by firing squad by the Belgian State in 1946.

UK only major economy to shrink in 2023, says IMF

Remarkably, the IMF predicts that the UK economy will fare even worse this year than sanction-hit Russia, which it estimates will grow by 0.3%.

Belgium Unlocked

Becoming Belgian: Who is eligible for citizenship, and how to apply

Have you been living in Belgium for several years and want to become a Belgian, but does the application process scare you? Here's what y...

An introduction to 'rallyes', Belgium's most selective soirées

Belgium's old aristocracy and wealthy bourgeoisie throw parties for their children to create networks and meet romantic partners from the...

Negotiations between Ryanair and cabin crew to restart

The low-cost airline has assented to pressure from air stewards, who threatened monthly two-day strikes over "unsatisfactory" wage proposals.

'Laughing gas' capsules cause explosions in waste incinerators

While it is illegal for minors to buy NOS in shops in Belgium, it is easy to find online. But the capsules can wreak havoc on waste incinerators.

Court steps up investigation into Wallonia Parliament finances

Investigators have not dismissed the possibility of carrying out searches at the offices of the parliament.

Schuman metro stabbing: Suspect investigated for attempted murder

The assailant's motive is not yet clear but there is currently not thought to be extremism or terrorism-related.

PromotedCRYSTAL: a breakthrough ice experience

Hidden Belgium

Postbar

Bestselling author Derek Blyth picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets of Belgium every day

Horta Metro Station

On 30 January 1964, Le Soir newspaper announced that the Maison du Peuple ‘is definitely condemned.’ It was the end of a long battle to save Victor Horta’s 1890s masterpiece, possibly the world’s greatest Art Nouveau building.

The Brussels lane that no one knows

It’s just off the Sablon square in Brussels. But almost no one ever walks down the narrow cobbled lane called Rue des Six Jeunes Hommes, The Street of the Six Young Boys.

Librebook

Head to Librebook in Brussels’ Matonge district to discover the exceptional richness of European fiction, art and political thought.

Sam Morgan

Behind the Scenes: Back on track?

Train travel could enjoy a vintage year, if governments get their acts together.

Le Chou

Has the Russo-Ukrainian war killed the doux commerce thesis?

Belgium in Brief: The occupational hazards of public service

Politicians in Belgium are increasingly finding themselves the target of ominous threats. With more officials under police protection, where will it end?

Mega to offer fixed-rate energy contract again

The fixed-rate contract will be about 10% more expensive than a variable one, but consumers will have certainty about their monthly bill.

'Kill them all': Walloon politicians receive death threats over municipality merger

The threats were made over the proposed merger between the municipalities of Bastogne and Bertogne.

Belgian Justice Minister to propose automatic €1,000 fine for cocaine users

A spokesperson for the minister revealed that the measure is part of a government push towards stricter sanctions for drug use.

Inflation in Belgium falls for third month in a row

"Conclusion of this month: the energy crisis seems to have become a food crisis with food prices still out of control."

EU Tracker

On the agenda

Today - Qatargate fallout
MEPs on the transport committee interview Commission officials about the ratification of the EU-Qatar aviation deal. Details here.
Tomorrow - Hungary's NATO vote
The Hungarian parliament is supposed to vote in February on Finland and Sweden’s bids to join NATO. Hungary is the only European country that has not yet given its seal of approval.
3 February - Ukraine summit
The annual EU-Ukraine summit will take place in Kyiv on 3 February.
5 February - Cyprus ballot
Cypriots will go to the polls to elect a new president.
7 February - Clean energy talks
EU negotiators meet for another round of talks on the renewable energy directive update.
9 February - Special EUCO
A special European Council summit is on the cards for 9 and 10 February. Details here.
9 February - Buildings vote
Energy committee MEPs are due to vote on a compromise energy performance of buildings directive.
14 February - Trucks reform
The European Commission will propose a reform of heavy vehicle CO2 standards (TBC).
1 March - Look before you cross
The Commission will publish a new road safety package (TBC).
5 March - Estonia votes
Estonians will vote on the makeup of a new national parliament.
8 March - Critical materials
The European Commission will reportedly publish its anticipated Critical Raw Materials Act on 8 March (TBC).
10 March - Anglo-French summit
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet for a France-UK summit on a number of political and policy issues.
14 March - Pill proposal
The Commission’s pharmaceutical strategy is due to be published.
16 March - Environment summit
An environment council is scheduled for 16 March. Details here.
23 March - EUCO I
The first regularly scheduled EUCO summit of the year kicks off on 23 March.
1 April - Greeks vote
Greece will hold its first national ballot under a new system in the spring, date to be confirmed.
2 April - Bulgaria votes (again)
Bulgarians will go to the polls for yet another election after political parties failed to put together a working government.
2 April - Finns vote
Finland organises its general election to vote for a new parliament.
1 May - Latvians vote
Latvia will vote in May for a new president.
13 May - Eurovision time
The Eurovision song contest final from Liverpool will be held.
14 May - Turkish elections
Turks will vote for a new parliament and president.
1 June - EPC meeting II
The European Political Community’s second-ever meeting will take place in Moldova on 1 June.
21 June - Space and defence
The Commission’s space and defence package, which will include an EU space strategy, is due to launch on 21 June (TBC).
1 July - Viva Espana
Sweden will hand over the reins of the EU presidency to Spain.
30 September - Slovakians vote
Slovakia’s general election will be held (TBC).
31 December - It's coming home
Spain will hand over the EU presidency to Belgium.