Belgium's human rights record is under scrutiny at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. As part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, member states are evaluating the country's progress on human rights commitments, addressing key areas such as anti-discrimination, judicial efficiency, and the rights of vulnerable populations.
The European Commission has proposed €2 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers to assist 803 former employees of the Belgian car-glass manufacturer Soliver, which declared bankruptcy in 2024.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has formally urged the European Union to consider tougher sanctions against Israel. The proposal includes a potential partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing concerns over the humanitarian situation and adherence to international law in the ongoing conflict.
Liberal MR party leader Georges-Louis Bouchez has intensified calls for the Belgian government to implement significant public spending cuts and tax reductions. As budget negotiations continue, Bouchez argues that structural reforms are essential to stabilize the economy, highlighting ongoing political tensions within the federal coalition regarding fiscal policy.
Veerle Hegge, wife of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, has publicly detailed her past struggle with a near-fatal eating disorder in her new book. The memoir provides an intimate look at her recovery journey and the impact of anorexia, aiming to raise awareness about the condition and offer support to others facing similar challenges.
Belgian Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt is conducting an official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mission focuses on strengthening cooperation regarding migration management, including discussions on the return of asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected, as part of Belgium's broader strategy to manage migration flows.
The United States women's tennis team travels to the Coretec Dome in Ostend, Belgium, to compete against the Belgian national team in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers. The winner of this tie secures a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, marking a pivotal moment in the international team competition as both nations vie for advancement.
Belgian director Lukas Dhont has received an official selection for his latest project, the First World War drama 'Coward,' at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. The film, which explores themes of conflict and personal struggle, marks a significant addition to the festival's prestigious lineup, highlighting Dhont's continued impact on international cinema.
Belgian telecommunications leader Proximus has officially launched its 5G Standalone (5G SA) network, initially targeting business customers. This technological upgrade promises enhanced network performance, lower latency, and increased reliability, marking a significant step forward in the country's digital infrastructure and industrial connectivity capabilities.
A fire occurred in an illegally occupied apartment building in the Forest municipality of Brussels. Emergency services responded to the scene, and while one flat was rendered uninhabitable, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding building safety and unauthorized occupancy in the region.
Belgian farmers are facing severe financial pressure as fertilizer prices surge, driven by global supply chain disruptions and energy market volatility linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The rising input costs are threatening the profitability of agricultural operations across the country, prompting concerns about long-term food security and sector sustainability.
Belgian officials have expressed openness to deploying naval minehunters to the Strait of Hormuz as part of an international maritime security coalition. The potential mission, aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation, remains contingent upon the stabilization of regional conditions and formal parliamentary approval.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that a Belgian communal tax imposed on non-residents owning secondary residences is discriminatory. The court found the tax violates the principle of free movement of persons, as it disproportionately affects individuals from other EU member states who own property in Belgium but do not reside there permanently.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has officially condemned the recent Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting Israel. In a formal statement, Prévot expressed deep concern over the escalation and urged all involved parties to exercise maximum military restraint to prevent a wider regional conflict.
The Belgian Federal Pensions Service has issued a formal apology after it was revealed that pension payments for survivors of the 2016 Brussels bombings were incorrectly reduced. The agency is now working to rectify the errors and reimburse affected individuals who were wrongly subjected to pension deductions.
The Royal Belgian Football Association has launched a new away kit for the national team, paying tribute to iconic Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte. The design, created in partnership with Adidas, features a color palette inspired by one of Magritte's most famous paintings and serves as a cultural homage to the artist's legacy.
Exail Technologies has reached a key milestone by delivering the first operational mine countermeasures (MCM) toolbox to the Belgian and Dutch navies. This advanced, fully autonomous drone system is designed to enhance maritime security and safety by removing personnel from hazardous mine-clearing operations, marking a significant shift in naval warfare technology.
Exail Technologies has reached a key milestone by delivering the first operational mine countermeasures (MCM) toolbox to the Belgian and Dutch navies. This advanced, fully autonomous drone system is designed to enhance maritime security and safety by removing personnel from hazardous mine-clearing operations, marking a significant shift in naval warfare technology.
The official draw for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup has taken place in Amsterdam, setting the stage for the tournament co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. National teams now know their opponents for the group stage of this premier international field hockey event.
Belgium-based flight training organization Air Academy New CAG has received official certification for its second ALSIM AL42 flight simulator. This milestone enables the academy to operate two simulators simultaneously, significantly increasing its capacity to provide high-quality instrument rating and multi-engine training to student pilots in Belgium.
