Author: Grace Johnson

A new high-speed rail link between Brussels and Basel is set to begin in July 2027, marking an important step in expanding rail travel between Belgium, France, and Switzerland. The service will be operated as a pilot project to test passenger demand on this international route. The new connection will extend the current TGV Inoui service that already runs between Brussels and Strasbourg. It is jointly operated by France’s national rail company SNCF and Belgium’s rail operator SNCB, with cooperation from Switzerland’s rail operator SBB. Under the new plan, the train will run to Basel on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.…

The EU migration policy is facing strong criticism across Europe. A new wave of debate has started over stricter asylum rules and new cooperation plans with outside countries. Critics say the direction of policy shows a major shift in how Europe handles migration and human rights. Some observers recall earlier promises from former EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson, who once called for a balanced approach to migration with “care and fairness.” Today, however, many say the tone has changed. Governments across Europe are now moving toward tougher border control and faster deportation systems. The upcoming EU migration and asylum…

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Brussels on Monday to protest alleged police violence and planned budget cuts affecting education. The demonstration drew large crowds, with protesters carrying banners calling for an end to what they described as excessive force by authorities. Many signs read messages such as “My teachers, my heroes” and “Violence is not democracy.” The slogans reflected growing anger over how police handled recent demonstrations linked to proposed spending reductions. Protesters said they were defending public services, especially schools in French-speaking regions of Belgium. The march took place in the capital city of Brussels, where…

The EU chemicals industry crisis is pushing European policymakers toward urgent intervention as a surge of low-cost imports from China places significant pressure on domestic manufacturers across the bloc. The European Commission is now preparing possible measures aimed at stabilising the sector, which industry leaders say is facing severe financial strain due to global overcapacity and rising import competition. EU leaders are expected to discuss the issue at a summit later this month. Industry representatives warn that the situation is becoming critical. Some companies say production sites are being shut down or placed under restructuring as margins collapse under pressure…

Work has officially begun on a new Brussels Airport cargo facility, marking a major step in the airport’s long-term plan to expand and modernise its logistics infrastructure. The project is located in the eastern section of the airport’s cargo zone and is expected to be completed by 2027. The new development is being built on a 14,000 square metre site that became available after the demolition of an outdated building. Airport officials say the project is designed to improve efficiency and support growing demand in air cargo operations. The Brussels Airport cargo facility will support two long-standing partners, Yusen Logistics…

Brussels Airlines has reported a sharp decline in annual profit for 2025, even as the airline recorded higher passenger numbers and expanded its flight operations. The Brussels Airlines profit drop highlights how operational disruptions and rising costs outweighed strong demand growth across the airline’s network. The Belgian carrier remained profitable for the third consecutive year, but its adjusted operating profit (EBIT) fell by 50% compared with 2024, dropping to €28 million. Despite the decline in earnings, the airline expanded its operations as planned. It completed more than 68,500 flights during the year, an increase of 11% compared to the previous…

Brussels lobbying events are facing growing scrutiny as media-hosted gatherings increasingly connect corporate sponsors with top EU decision-makers. A new investigation highlights how informal dinners, conferences, and gala events have become a key channel of influence in EU politics. Meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are usually tightly controlled and difficult to secure. However, at a high-profile media gala in Brussels, corporate executives were able to interact with her in informal settings that are not always recorded in official transparency disclosures. The issue centers on how lobbying activity is defined under EU rules. Lobbyists must register most…

The next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, known as the Ramstein format, is scheduled to take place on June 18 in Brussels, according to reports citing informed sources. The upcoming gathering will bring together defense officials from Ukraine and allied countries to discuss ongoing military support and strategic coordination as the war continues. The meeting is set to be held shortly before the NATO defense ministers’ meeting, which is also scheduled to take place in Brussels. The timing highlights the close coordination between NATO structures and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The Ramstein format has become a key…

Financial technology company Wise has confirmed that it is cooperating with the Brussels prosecutor’s office after being asked to respond to questions about its business operations, according to a company statement. The London-listed firm said it is working with authorities but stressed that no specific findings have been presented so far and that the inquiry remains at an early stage. It added that any speculation about potential allegations would be premature. Wise Group PLC, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker Wise, said the engagement with Belgian authorities is part of standard procedures that apply to…

The European Union has stepped up its response to violence and settlement activity in the occupied West Bank by introducing new EU West Bank sanctions against individuals and organisations it says are linked to abuse and coercion against الفلسطيني communities. The move signals a stronger and more structured approach from Brussels, using its global human rights sanctions system to apply direct pressure. The latest package includes restrictive measures against four settler organisations and three individuals. The groups listed are Nachala Settlement Movement, Regavim, Hashomer Yosh, and Amana. The individuals named in the sanctions are Daniella Weiss, Meir Deutsch, and Avichai…