The Brussels Times

Delhaize strikes: Belgium's Labour Minister appoints mediator to reconcile parties

As the third and last extraordinary works council on Tuesday ended in failure, Labour Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne appointed a mediator to resolve the social conflict.

Belgian man dies by suicide following exchanges with chatbot

"While the possibilities of ChatGPT are endless, the dangers of its use are also a reality that must be considered."

Eight people arrested in Belgium over alleged terrorist plot

The suspects, arrested on Monday night in Brussels and Antwerp, "seemed determined to carry out a terrorist attack."

Bicycle ferries to be made free across the Meuse over spring and summer

Flemish Mobility Minister Lydia Peters is hopeful that this will increase tourism in the area and help with bicycle traffic.

Brussels to renovate iconic Hotel Continental on Place de Brouckère next year

The well-known Coca-Cola billboard – on the roof since 1952 – is no longer part of the plans, meaning it will likely be removed.

Belgium Unlocked

Today in History: Atomium construction ends ahead of Expo 58

On this day, 25 March 1958, construction of the Atomium in Brussels was completed. The building survived demolition to become the landmar...

What to do in Brussels this weekend: 24 - 26 March

No excuses to stay indoors in Brussels this weekend, as we have an extra-long list of activities and events for young and old.

European women becoming mothers increasingly late in life

This figure has risen consistently since 2013 when the average age of a first-time mother was 28.8.

Demonstration in Brussels calls for the same rights in Israel as in the EU

“We are gathered in the heart of the EU quarter because we’re scared."

Flanders fulfilled: Flemish people rate their lives as 'above average'

Flemish women were discovered to be slightly happier than men, while older Flemish people were found to be happier on average than younger Flemish people.

Belgium in Brief: The terrorist threat is not gone

Eight people who "seemed determined to carry out a terrorist attack" were arrested yesterday. This is Belgium in Brief.

PromotedBodyPump: a quick introduction to the ultimate workout

Hidden Belgium

Petit Mercado

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

De Achtersikkel

The massive stone houses in this dark lane date from that violent period when wealthy families lived in houses that were built like fortresses.

De Pelgrim

De Pelgrim is an old Antwerp cafe opposite the De Koninck brewery. So you know to ask for a bolleke.

Huset

"Huset is a place where anything can happen."

Le Chou

Le Chou News: 'You're Lucky I Even Let You Retire,' Says Macron

Macron vs Pensioners | Czechia's 'Dangerous' Hunk President | Serbia Is Now Hungary

Sam Morgan

Behind the Scenes: 'Up and atom!'

'Right to disconnect': Staff allowed to be unreachable after work from April

The right to disconnect is the legal right to be offline or unreachable outside working hours, so people can literally disconnect from their job or employer.

Global population could peak in 2040, then drop to 6 billion by 2100

The lower forecasts would make it easier to tackle the many environmental crises faced by society today, but could also pose serious problems with pensions and healthcare.

Hundreds of protestors gather outside Delhaize headquarters after failed talks

"It's blocked. Management only listens to itself...They say there is no room for negotiation and see no need for it."

Belgium is at the heart of illegal tropical wood trade

The Belgian Government has not been able to criminally convict a single timber importer since it was prohibited in 2013.

Three elite Belgian police officers suspended over alcohol-fuelled sex parties

At two parties held in October 2022 and February this year, members of Belgium's elite DSU police unit are alleged to have gotten drunk, taken drugs, and engaged in various sexual acts, including one threesome.

EU Tracker

On the agenda

Today - Final RED?
A final round of talks on renewable energy updates is scheduled.
Today - Pill proposal
The Commission’s pharmaceutical strategy is due to be published.
2 April - Finns vote
Finland organises its general election to vote for a new parliament.
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.
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.
17 May - Microplastics
The Commission will publish new guidelines on how to reduce the release of microplastics into the environment.
21 May - Greeks vote
Greece will hold its first national ballot under a new system.
30 May - Trade and Tech Council
The next edition of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council is pencilled in for 30-31 May.
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).
30 June - Energy and climate plans
EU governments have an end of June deadline to update their national energy and climate plans (NECP), which show how countries are going to meet all of the bloc’s energy and climate laws. The Commission will assess their contributions to check that it all adds up to the right result.
1 July - Viva Espana
Sweden will hand over the reins of the EU presidency to Spain.
11 July - NATO summit
NATO members meet in Vilnius for 2023’s summit
30 September - Slovakians vote
Slovakia’s general election will be held (TBC).
2 October - Spain's energy summit
Spain will co-host a major climate summit with the International Energy Agency in a warm-up act ahead of COP28 later in the year.
31 December - It's coming home
Spain will hand over the EU presidency to Belgium.