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Belgium’s financial sector is facing a new set of challenges as banks and policymakers monitor economic conditions, according to National Bank of Belgium Governor Pierre Wunsch. Wunsch discussed the country’s financial situation in a recent interview highlighted by The Brussels Times on September 23. His comments come as Belgium deals with pressure on public finances, changing interest rates and wider economic uncertainty. The National Bank of Belgium plays a major role in monitoring financial stability. Its work includes assessing risks affecting banks, households and the wider economy. Financial stability is important because problems in one part of the economy can…
Belgium and Rwanda have agreed to restore diplomatic relations after an 18-month break caused by a dispute connected to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The decision was announced after talks between Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and his Rwandan counterpart. The two governments said they had held frank discussions before agreeing to rebuild formal relations. Belgium broke diplomatic ties with Rwanda after relations deteriorated over accusations connected to Rwanda’s role in the conflict in eastern Congo. Rwanda has repeatedly rejected accusations that it supports armed groups operating in eastern Congo, while the issue has created serious tensions…
The Brussels Parliament has opened its new parliamentary session with Bertin Mampaka Mankamba re-elected as president of the regional assembly. The session began on Monday, September 21, as members returned to parliamentary work after the summer period. Mampaka was confirmed in the presidency, a position he has held since the 2024 regional elections. The Brussels Parliament is responsible for regional matters affecting the Brussels-Capital Region. Its work covers areas such as transport, housing, the environment and economic development. The opening of the new session also brought changes to the parliament’s bureau, which is responsible for organizing the assembly’s daily administrative…
Belgium is facing a new record diesel price from Tuesday, September 22, as the maximum price of standard B7 diesel rises to €2.501 per litre. The new price is 3.3 cents higher than the previous day’s maximum and also passes the earlier record of €2.489 per litre, which was set in April. The increase is putting additional pressure on drivers and transport companies across Belgium, with diesel widely used by trucks, delivery vehicles and other commercial transport services. The higher price comes during a period of strong pressure on global energy markets. Disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East…
Brussels is receiving fresh attention for its chocolate industry after a new guide highlighted leading chocolatiers across Belgium and Luxembourg. The guide selected 145 chocolatiers for its latest edition. A Brussels chocolatier was among those receiving recognition. Belgium has long been closely linked with chocolate. Brussels, in particular, has become an important destination for people looking for handmade chocolate and traditional Belgian products. The latest guide adds new attention to the sector as chocolatiers continue to develop new products while protecting traditional methods. Chocolate makers in Belgium work with different styles and ingredients. Some focus on classic pralines, while others…
Brussels became the center of a major car-free movement across Belgium as cities opened roads to pedestrians and cyclists during the annual Car-Free Sunday event. The initiative was held on September 20, but fresh reports on September 21 highlighted the growing number of Belgian cities taking part. The Brussels-led event saw streets across the capital closed to private cars for several hours. Other cities also joined the wider campaign. Cities taking part included Aalst, Antwerp, Bruges, Ypres, Kortrijk, Leuven, Lier, Ostend, Roeselare, Tienen and Vilvoorde. The event is designed to show how urban streets can be used when fewer cars…
Eurostar has unveiled new details of a future double-decker train fleet designed to carry more passengers and offer new features on international European routes. The announcement was highlighted in Brussels on Sunday, September 20, as the company looks toward the next stage of high-speed rail travel between Belgium, France, Britain and other destinations. The new trains are designed around higher passenger capacity. A double-decker layout allows an operator to place more seats in a single train while continuing to use existing rail paths. Eurostar has also presented a two-storey bar concept, giving the planned trains a distinctive feature aimed at…
Brussels is going largely car-free on Sunday, September 20, as the capital holds its annual Car Free Sunday during European Mobility Week. Most roads in the Brussels Capital Region are closed to private cars from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., creating one of the largest car-free urban areas in Europe for the day. The event gives residents and visitors the chance to travel around Brussels on foot, by bicycle, scooter and public transport. STIB has made its metro, tram and bus services free during the event, while services have been increased to help people move around the capital without private…
Belgium plans to turn diners into unpaid tax inspectors. A new lottery will be built around the humble till receipt. It will be run by the National Lottery from next year. The aim is to cut tax fraud in bars, cafes and hotels. Customers will have a reason to ask for proper paperwork. The idea is simple. A customer pays for a meal and asks for an official VAT receipt. That receipt carries a code. The customer scans the code with a phone app. The app then shows whether the receipt has won a prize. The trick lies in what…
Brussels will close its streets to cars on Sunday for its yearly car free day. The ban runs from half past nine in the morning until seven in the evening. It covers all 19 districts of the Brussels Capital Region. For those hours the city becomes the largest car free zone in Europe. Only a short list of vehicles may drive. The event is the high point of Mobility Week. That week runs from 16 to 22 September across Europe. Its aim is to get people to try other ways to travel. Cities take part in their own way. Brussels…
