Author: Grace Johnson

Residents have been evacuated after a major fire broke out at a textile warehouse in Tubize, a town southwest of Brussels in Belgium, amid fears that stored gas canisters inside the building could trigger explosions. Local authorities moved quickly to clear nearby streets after emergency services warned of a serious risk to surrounding homes. Officials said the presence of pressurised gas containers inside the burning warehouse made the situation particularly dangerous. Tubize Mayor Samuel d’Orazio Samuel d’Orazio confirmed that residents living closest to the site were ordered to leave immediately as firefighters worked to control the blaze and reduce the…

Brussels has begun a major effort to remove thousands of concrete blocks placed across the city over the past decade. The move is part of a wider plan to improve public spaces and reshape the urban landscape. Officials say the project will gradually dismantle around 3,000 blocks placed in streets, intersections, and public areas. The first symbolic removal took place on Avenue de la Toison d’Or near Porte de Namur, on the border between Ixelles and the City of Brussels. The event was attended by President Boris Dilliès of the Reformist Movement (MR), Secretary of State for Urban Planning Audrey…

A rainy night on the outskirts of Charleroi sets the scene for a job that most people only see in films. A woman sits alone inside an unmarked car, watching quietly as strangers pass by. When police stop to check on her, she calmly shows her licence. Moments later, they leave. She is not a spy or bodyguard, but a private investigator working in Belgium. The investigator, Roxane, now runs her own agency called RB Investigations. Before entering the profession, she spent 15 years working in real estate. She later decided to change careers after selling her business stake and…

The European Union is considering a plan to reduce natural gas demand by around 15 billion cubic metres this year as officials warn that global instability, including renewed conflict in the Middle East, is once again testing Europe’s energy security. The proposal reflects a broader shift in European energy strategy since the crisis that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While the bloc has successfully reduced its reliance on Russian pipeline gas, officials now say long-term resilience will depend not only on new suppliers but also on lower overall consumption. European Commission estimates that improved energy efficiency measures across…

European Union leaders are preparing to discuss major changes to the bloc’s Russia sanctions system, including a proposal to extend renewal periods from six months to one year. The proposal is expected to be discussed during a summit in Brussels in mid-June as officials continue efforts to strengthen pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine. The debate over EU Russia sanctions renewal comes after major political changes in Hungary, where longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently lost power after 16 years in office. According to officials familiar with the talks, diplomats from several Northern European countries raised the idea…

Thousands of people filled the streets of Brussels last weekend as liberals from across Belgium and Europe joined together for the annual Pride celebrations under the banner of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party. The event turned the Belgian capital into a vibrant display of rainbow colours, music, and political messages supporting equality and personal freedom. Members of Mouvement Réformateur, Jeunes MR, Anders, Jongliberalen, and European Liberal Youth marched side by side throughout the city center. The annual celebration of diversity and inclusion took place just before the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. That timing…

Belgium is facing a growing prison crisis as inmate numbers rise sharply and overcrowding reaches critical levels, according to a new report from the Central Prison Monitoring Council (CCSP). The watchdog says the situation has now become severe enough to raise humanitarian concerns. Between 2023 and 2025, Belgium’s prison population increased by 21%. The number of inmates rose from 11,053 to 13,363 during this period. At the same time, prison capacity has not grown at a similar pace, creating mounting pressure across the correctional system. The CCSP report, published on Monday, says the overcrowding rate reached 19.27% by the end…

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Brussels on Sunday in a large demonstration organized by pro-Palestinian groups, trade unions, and civil society organisations. The protest focused on the ongoing war in Gaza and called for stronger political action from Belgium and the European Union. The march began in the early afternoon at Brussels-North station and moved toward Central Station. Participants carried Palestinian flags and banners demanding an end to what organisers described as the “war on Gaza” and calling for sanctions against Israel. Many signs at the demonstration also called for the suspension of the European Union’s association…

The European Union’s internal structure under Ursula von der Leyen is facing growing criticism from campaigners who say it has become harder to influence policy, especially on climate and equality issues. Green groups and civil society organisations say the current setup inside the European Commission has made it more difficult to identify who is responsible for key policy decisions. They argue that the restructuring of portfolios under von der Leyen’s second term has created confusion over which departments handle specific legislative areas. Advocates say this has made lobbying and policy engagement more complex, particularly for environmental and human rights organisations…

Belgium is facing growing political pressure after a new review raised concerns about sickness benefit payments. The findings suggest that a significant number of long-term health claims may have been extended without proper medical justification. The review was carried out by Belgium’s national health insurance institute, known as RIZIV/INAMI. A sample of 2,000 cases from 2025 was examined, focusing mainly on younger workers and people with mental health conditions. According to the findings, around one in four people who had been on sick leave for more than a year were receiving benefits for longer than necessary. In many cases, officials…