Belgium's federal government has prolonged internal Schengen entry checks until at least July 31, 2026, to address irregular migration and enhance security. The measures, initiated in July 2025, involve targeted inspections on transport routes and flights from high-pressure migration areas.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has revealed 'Operation Steamboat,' an investigation into customs fraud, corruption, and forgery at the Port of Antwerp. Three individuals, including a customs official, were arrested on January 20, 2026, following seven searches, with estimated losses exceeding €11.3 million in import duties.
European lawmakers, bishops, and civil organizations are intensifying calls for the EU to appoint a special envoy for religious freedom and a coordinator for anti-Christian hatred. This follows reports of a significant rise in persecution and hate crimes against Christians both globally and within Europe, highlighting concerns over the long-vacant envoy position.
European lawmakers, bishops, and civil organizations are intensifying calls for the European Union to appoint a special envoy for religious freedom and a coordinator to combat anti-Christian hatred. This comes amidst reports detailing a significant rise in violence and persecution targeting Christians both globally and within Europe, with the EU's special envoy position having been vacant for extended periods.
European Union leaders gathered in Brussels, Belgium, to assess the implications of US President Donald Trump's recent decision to withdraw specific tariff threats against European nations, marking a de-escalation in transatlantic trade tensions.
Belgium's Kim Meylemans has clinched her first career overall World Cup women's skeleton title, making history as the first Belgian to do so. She secured the title in Altenberg, Germany, on January 16, 2026, finishing third in the final race of the season.
Belgium has launched the Odin Project, a €3.6 billion, ten-year initiative aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of advanced military technologies. Led by Defense Minister Theo Francken, the project focuses on AI, drones, and cyber defense to prepare for future warfare.
Wintry conditions have significantly impacted the Cyclo-cross National Championships held this weekend in Beringen, Belgium, and Huijbergen, Netherlands. While Belgium saw initial schedule adjustments due to snow and ice, races in the Netherlands proceeded on largely clear courses. Thibau Nys, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, and Tibor Del Grosso emerged as elite champions.
Belgium's Minister for Migration and Asylum, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, has urged the European Union to link development aid and visa policies to cooperation on migrant returns. The proposal aims to enhance the effectiveness of return mechanisms for individuals whose asylum applications have been denied, reflecting a broader shift in EU migration discussions.
The Council of Europe's anti-corruption body, GRECO, has published two new assessments on Belgium's progress in preventing corruption. Released on January 6, 2026, the reports indicate that while improvements have been made concerning judges and prosecutors, significant shortcomings persist, particularly regarding parliamentarians, central government, and certain aspects of law enforcement. Belgium has been urged to accelerate its efforts to implement outstanding recommendations.
Seven winter sports centers in Belgium's East Cantons, located in the east of Liège province, have officially opened their doors as of January 4, 2026. Recent snowfall has provided 10 to 15 cm of powder snow, enabling various trails for cross-country skiing and sledging for enthusiasts.
Ryanair is set to cut one million seats, remove five aircraft, and cancel 20 routes from its Belgian operations for the winter 2026/2027 season. The airline attributes these significant reductions to increased federal and municipal air passenger taxes, warning of Belgium's diminished competitiveness.
Belgian rail unions, including CGSP-Cheminots/ACOD-Spoor and ACV-Transcom, have declared a five-day strike from January 26 to 30, 2026. The action protests government reforms impacting civil-service status for new recruits, pension changes, and a €675 million funding cut for railway operators SNCB/NMBS and Infrabel. The strike is expected to severely disrupt national rail services.
Belgium has commenced a significant reform of its unemployment benefit system, limiting the duration of benefits to a maximum of two years. The phased implementation began on January 1, 2026, marking a departure from the previous unlimited entitlement and aiming to encourage re-entry into the workforce.
Belgium formally intervened in South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice on December 23, 2025. Invoking Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, Belgium aims to clarify the legal interpretation of 'specific intent' under the Genocide Convention, emphasizing that armed conflict does not negate genocidal intent.
Belgian-American startup Aidoptation has successfully raised €20 million in additional financing. This funding will accelerate the development and industrialization of its advanced AI-driven autonomous systems, particularly its EdgeDrive technology, for dual-use applications in commercial automotive, police, first-responder, and defense sectors. The company, a spin-off of the Indy Autonomous Challenge, is headquartered at DronePort in Sint-Truiden, Belgium.
The lifeless body of 21-year-old Brieg Luz, who had been missing since December 27, was discovered today in Denée, Anhée, Belgium. A large-scale search operation involving police, tracker dogs, and a helicopter had been underway. An investigation into the cause of death has been launched by the Namur Public Prosecutor's Office.
Plans to deploy troops on Brussels streets for New Year's Eve 2025-2026 have been cancelled due to a political standoff within Belgium's federal coalition. Disagreements between the liberal MR party and the Flemish Christian Democrats CD&V over public security measures and persistent prison overcrowding led to the decision, leaving key issues unresolved.
The Belgian government has officially approved a comprehensive package of new tax measures, confirmed by Finance Minister Jan Jambon. These reforms, part of a broader budget agreement, aim to significantly reduce the nation's substantial debt, which stands as the fourth highest in the EU. Changes include VAT adjustments, new financial asset taxes, and modifications to personal and corporate taxation.
Belgium, alongside other European nations, has strongly condemned the recent US sanctions imposed on two International Criminal Court (ICC) judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze and Erdenebalsuren Damdin. Brussels reaffirmed its unwavering support for the court's independence and its crucial role in international justice.
