This week in Belgium
Belgium is grappling with significant political and social challenges this week, including a social housing scandal in Anderlecht prompting calls for an alderman's suspension and a heated budget crisis in the Walloon Parliament. Public safety remains a concern, with a survey indicating over 40% of Flemish residents feel unsafe, especially on public transport, alongside reports of LGBTQIA+-phobic violence and a study on young people's attitudes towards transgender individuals. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have launched an investigation into alleged Belgian involvement in 'Sarajevo sniper safaris'.
About Belgium
Belgium, a compact nation at the crossroads of Western Europe, is notable for its rich cultural heritage, diverse linguistic landscape, and its pivotal role as the de facto capital of the European Union. Its society and media are distinctly shaped by its three official languages, Dutch, French, and German, reflecting a unique blend of Germanic and Romance influences. This multilingual environment fosters a vibrant, yet regionally segmented, news ecosystem.
Visiting Belgium
Media landscape
Belgium's media market is characterized by a free press with both public and private outlets, operating across its French and Dutch-speaking regions. Media ownership is concentrated among a few major groups in each linguistic area, influencing content and reach.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Belgian news, it is advisable to consult both Dutch and French language outlets, as they often reflect regional perspectives.
Sources we track 2
State of Emergency in Venezuela After Two Major Earthquakes, High Casualties Feared
- Northern Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes within a minute, causing buildings to collapse in and around the capital, Caracas. - The government has declared a state of emergency, with feโฆ
Fake QR codes on parking meters in Ypres lead to fraud site
- Fake QR codes were found on parking meters in Ypres, Belgium, leading to a fraudulent payment site. - The fake codes directed users to a site charging 10 euros for parking, significantly higher thanโฆ
60 million stars in unseen detail: European telescope creates largest photo ever of Milky Way center
- The European space telescope Euclid has captured the largest and most detailed photo of the Milky Way's center. - The image contains over 60 million stars, nebulae, and star clusters. - Scientists wโฆ
Kestrel rescued after three days trapped under car hood in Belgium
- A kestrel was found alive but weakened after being trapped under a car hood for three days. - The bird was discovered when the car owner noticed a strange smell and took the vehicle to a mechanic. -โฆ
4 years prison for man who set partner's home ablaze out of jealousy
- A 38-year-old man received a 4-year prison sentence for setting his partner's home on fire out of jealousy. - The incident occurred in January after an argument involving the man, his partner, and aโฆ
Wendy's Stock Price Surges 42% in Potential Meme Stock Event
- Wendy's stock price surged by up to 42% without an immediate apparent cause. - Analysts suggest the stock's rapid rise may resemble the GameStop phenomenon of 2021. - The surge occurred despite no cโฆ
Belgium hospital reform to include exemptions for Walloon facilities, no forced closures
- Belgian health ministers have agreed on the main principles of a hospital reform, including eased requirements for Walloon facilities. - The reform aims to reorganize the hospital landscape to betteโฆ
Sweden to Imprison Teenagers from Age 15 to Combat Gang Violence
- Sweden is introducing stricter penalties for young offenders, allowing individuals aged 15 and older to be imprisoned in adult facilities. - This measure aims to combat rising gang violence, where cโฆ
Luc Appermont Backs Sven de Leijer as 'Blokken' Host: 'Best Replacement Possible'
- Luc Appermont believes Sven de Leijer is an ideal replacement for Ben Crabbรฉ as the host of the quiz show 'Blokken'. - De Leijer is praised for his ability to handle both the quiz mechanics and inteโฆ
Ghent saves bus line 16 from cancellation with city funding
- Bus line 16 in Ghent will continue to run after the city intervened to prevent its cancellation due to budget cuts. - The city of Ghent will cover half of the operational costs for the bus line, whiโฆ
Hasselt Art School PXL-MAD to Collaborate with Top New York Institute Parsons
- Hasselt's PXL-MAD School of Arts is partnering with New York's prestigious Parsons School of Design. - The collaboration, named 'Arts & Craft and Digital,' will explore combining traditional craftsmโฆ
Belgian Cinemas Offer Cool Retreat for Schools During Heatwave
- Belgian cinemas UGC Turnhout and Lommel are offering their air-conditioned screening rooms to schools during hot weather. - Schools can use the facilities free of charge during the mornings on Thursโฆ
Antwerp Tram Services Crippled by Defective Tram and Overhead Line Damage
- Tram services in Antwerp are severely disrupted due to a defective tram on Turnhoutsebaan. - The issue involves a broken overhead line, halting all tram traffic on the affected route. - De Lijn repoโฆ
Up to 10 Years Prison Sought for Ring Exploiting Over 300 Chinese Women in Belgium
- Prosecutors are seeking up to 10-year prison sentences for 38 individuals accused of sexually exploiting over 1,000 Chinese women in Belgium. - The network allegedly lured women with promises of higโฆ
Ghent Installs Mobile Air Conditioners in Daycares to Protect Young Children from Heat
- The city of Ghent has installed 33 mobile air conditioning units in its daycare centers to combat rising temperatures. - The initiative prioritizes young children, especially those in older buildingโฆ
Ghent residents book hotel rooms with air conditioning as homes become too hot
- Residents in Ghent are booking hotel rooms with air conditioning because their own homes are too hot to sleep in due to the heatwave. - Several hotels in the city are experiencing an unusual influx โฆ
Dutch Woman Dies in Severe Chalet Fire in Belgium
- A 52-year-old Dutch woman died in a severe chalet fire in Maaseik, Belgium. - The fire broke out early yesterday morning in a chalet located in a wooded area. - The cause of the fire is currently unโฆ
Bill Gates' Testimony on Epstein Relationship Released: "Possibly Been Near Victims"
- Bill Gates testified before a U.S. Congress committee regarding his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. - Gates maintained their interactions were strictly professional and denโฆ
First Belgian ant crickets discovered in Heusden-Zolder nature reserve
- A forest ranger in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium, has discovered the first-ever recorded sighting of ant crickets in the country. - The tiny, wingless insects were found living within ant nests in the Galโฆ
Belgian bioethics committee advises temporary donor data choice, opposing full anonymity abolition
- A Belgian advisory committee on bioethics recommends allowing donors of sperm, eggs, and embryos to temporarily choose whether to share identifiable data. - This recommendation contrasts with Healthโฆ
Hamme Businesses Close During Summer Fair Over Glass Ban
- Several food and beverage businesses in Hamme will close during the town's summer fair due to a ban on glass and porcelain. - The municipality requires the use of only cups and paper plates, which bโฆ
Lier Summer Fair Canceled Due to Extreme Heat
- The city of Lier has canceled its summer fair, scheduled for June 27-28, due to extreme heat forecasts. - Several animators and vendors had already withdrawn due to the high temperatures, including โฆ
Walloon politicians must grasp Brussels is their economic engine, says MR leader Bouchez
- MR party leader Georges-Louis Bouchez advocates for a
Pop-up summer bar in Langemark shut down early after fight and mass turnout
- A pop-up summer bar organized by Chiro in Langemark was prematurely shut down due to overcrowding and escalating incidents, despite having a permit until 2 a.m. - An estimated 500 to 800 young peoplโฆ
'De dokter Bea show' returns after 10 years with new episodes addressing modern childhood
- Belgian broadcaster Ketnet is reviving "De dokter Bea show" with new episodes after a 10-year hiatus. - The show features Doctor Bea answering children's questions about puberty and sexuality. - Actโฆ
Cycle taxis in Ghent see usage quadruple, with city planning further expansion
- The use of cycle taxis in Ghent has more than quadrupled in four years, reaching 8,702 rides last year. - Cycle taxis offer mobility for less mobile individuals within the city, with rides costing 3โฆ
Gillette's 'Shaving Foam Stunt' to Bypass FIFA Ad Ban Was Just a Social Media Joke
- Belgian media reported that Gillette used shaving foam to cover its logo in Gillette Stadium, circumventing FIFA's advertising ban during the World Cup. - The widely circulated image is not real; itโฆ
Belgian Trial Uncovers Vast Network Exploiting Over 1,000 Chinese Women
- A major human trafficking trial, known as the Lotus process, has begun in Ghent, Belgium, involving over 1,000 exploited Chinese women. - The investigation started in 2019 after police noticed a surโฆ
German train traffic halted nationwide due to communications system failure
- Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national railway company, has halted all train services across the country due to a communications system failure. - The disruption is caused by an issue with the GSM-R digiโฆ
Woman, 76, dies after self-driving Tesla crashes into Texas home
- A 76-year-old woman died in Texas after a self-driving Tesla crashed into her daughter's home at high speed. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a special investigation iโฆ
UPS Plans to Cut Up to 525 Jobs in Belgium, Unions Criticize Timing
- UPS plans to cut up to 525 jobs in Belgium, potentially affecting over half its workforce. - The proposed layoffs include drivers, package sorters, and customs clearance employees. - Unions criticizโฆ
From France to Italy: Europe swelters in record-breaking heatwave
- Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in several countries, including France, Spain, Italy, the UK, and Germany. - Many regions are under red alertโฆ
Brussels water company Vivaqua sees rise in cyberattacks
- Brussels water company Vivaqua reported an increase in cyberattacks, including phishing attempts and DDoS attacks. - The company cited the current unstable geopolitical context and its location nearโฆ
Sint-Niklaas installs cameras in Sportkringpark to combat persistent nuisance, including from fatbikes
- Sint-Niklaas is installing three surveillance cameras in Sportkringpark to combat persistent nuisance, including from fatbikes. - The park, which opened just a month ago, has experienced vandalism aโฆ
Hasselt teen festival moves indoors due to predicted heat
- The 'We R Young' teen festival in Hasselt, Belgium, is moving activities indoors due to predicted high temperatures. - The festival, now in its 9th edition, will utilize indoor spaces with air condiโฆ
Live is Live cancels Fleddy Melculy's opening act for Iron Maiden: 'Band needs empty stage for setup'
- The "Live is Live" festival in Antwerp canceled the opening act by Flemish metal band Fleddy Melculy. - Iron Maiden, the headliner, requires a clear stage for a later-than-planned setup due to unforโฆ
Belgian schoolchildren place temporary nameplates on damaged military graves
- Children from a school in Houthulst, Belgium, placed handmade nameplates on damaged military graves. - Approximately 140 graves were vandalized in late May, with perpetrators attempting to steal broโฆ
Former Greek Eurocrat Suspected in Qatargate Corruption Scandal
- Greek authorities are investigating former European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos for alleged involvement in the Qatargate corruption scandal. - Avramopoulos, who served as EU Commissioner for โฆ
Unions Protest University of Antwerp Savings Plan Amid Transparency Concerns
- Unions at the University of Antwerp are protesting planned savings measures totaling 14 million euros by 2030. - Union representatives cite a lack of transparency regarding where the cuts will be maโฆ
Taliban arrive in Belgium for talks on forced return of Afghans: Controversial necessity or unacceptable deal?
- Taliban representatives arrived in Brussels for talks on the forced return of Afghans. - Several EU member states, including Belgium, are considering agreements with the Taliban on deportations. - Hโฆ
Names of 25,843 WWII deportees from Kazerne Dossin recorded in 'Every Name Counts' project
- Kazerne Dossin in Mechelen has completed a project to record the names of all 25,843 people deported during WWII. - The project, 'Every Name Counts,' aimed to give a voice back to Holocaust victims โฆ
Belgium's heatwave peak shifts to weekend, potentially reaching 39C
- Belgium is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius this weekend. - Meteorologists attribute the prolonged and intensifying heat to a persistent high-pressure โฆ
Flemish-Brabant combats giant balsam along Molenbeek stream in Meise
- Flemish-Brabant province is combating the invasive giant balsam plant along the Molenbeek stream in Meise. - The plant outcompetes native species, disrupting the local ecosystem and potentially causโฆ
European Parliament Advances Digital Euro, Eyeing Independence from US Payment Giants
- The European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs approved a law enabling the introduction of a digital euro. - The digital euro aims to reduce Europe's reliance on U.S. payment sโฆ
Drug Lab Discovered in Barn Near Westvleteren Abbey
- A drug laboratory was discovered in a barn near the Westvleteren Abbey in Belgium. - The lab, which was reportedly not active, contained numerous barrels and products. - An investigation is underwayโฆ
Residents Protest Wind Turbines on Hespense Berg: 'Impact on Wider Area'
- Residents from nine villages in Landen and Linter are protesting the planned construction of three wind turbines on Hespense Berg. - The action committee 'Bescherm de Hespense Berg' argues that the โฆ
Alken school sports days canceled due to heatwave
- Annual school sports days in Alken, Belgium, were canceled due to extreme heat. - The municipality initially planned indoor alternatives, but rising temperatures up to 36 degrees Celsius made these โฆ
Olivia Rodrigo Organizes All-Female Music Festival 'Daisy Chain Field'
- American singer Olivia Rodrigo is organizing a music festival called "Daisy Chain Field" featuring only female artists. - The festival, inspired by the 1990s Lilith Fair, aims to counter sexism in tโฆ
Belgian Party Demands More Public Swimming Spots Amid Heatwave
- The Belgian opposition party Groen demands more public swimming spots as temperatures rise, citing the right to cooling as a basic necessity. - Groen urges the Flemish minister to immediately open eโฆ
Washington D.C.'s Reflecting Pool to be drained for repairs after recent renovation issues
- The Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C. will be drained to repair damage that has appeared shortly after its recent renovation. - Issues include paint peeling from the bottom and green algae growth, โฆ
Brussels public service unions protest austerity with day of action
- Public service unions in Brussels are protesting austerity measures and staff shortages with a day of action. - Disruptions are expected in waste collection and municipal services in Molenbeek, thouโฆ
Bruges students to serve Japanese imperial couple at state banquet: "It's almost like a symphony orchestra"
- Eighty students from the Ter Groene Poorte hotel school in Bruges will serve at a state banquet for the Japanese imperial couple at the Castle of Laeken. - The students, in their fifth year of seconโฆ
Italian Roots Flourish in Limburg 80 Years After Labor Deal
- Eighty years after a labor agreement between Belgium and Italy, the Italian community remains a vibrant part of Limburg's identity. - The deal brought around 50,000 Italian guest workers to Belgium'โฆ
'A Miner for a Bag of Coal': 80 Years Since Belgium-Italy Labor Deal Reshaped Limburg
- Eighty years ago, Belgium and Italy signed a labor deal where Italy sent 50,000 workers to Belgian coal mines in exchange for coal. - The first Italian migrants endured inhumane living conditions inโฆ
Vince Staples' 'Cry baby' Offers a Raw Critique of America
- Vince Staples releases his new album 'Cry baby,' described as a politically charged and critical look at America. - The album explores themes of systemic poverty, police brutality, and media manipulโฆ
Antwerp Charity Seeks 100 Volunteers for Rickshaw Service for Less Mobile
- A non-profit organization in Antwerp, Belgium, is seeking 100 additional volunteers to operate rickshaws for less mobile individuals. - The organization, RiksjaRijden, is overwhelmed by demand and cโฆ
Teenager Critically Injured in Antwerp Park Stabbing
- A 19-year-old man is in critical condition after being stabbed in the Rivierenhof park in Antwerp. - The incident occurred Monday evening following an argument with a group. - Police are investigatiโฆ
Three dead in shooting in Montreal's Jewish quarter
- Three people, including a police officer and the shooter, died in a shooting in Montreal's Cรดte-des-Neiges neighborhood. - A female officer was injured but is not in life-threatening condition. - Auโฆ
Our schools were not designed to withstand extreme heat
- Many school buildings in Belgium are not designed to withstand high temperatures, leading to classrooms becoming excessively hot during heatwaves. - Older buildings often lack solar protection and aโฆ
With the heatwave, schools turn into saunas
- Belgian teachers report unbearable heat in classrooms, with temperatures reaching up to 36ยฐC. - Schools lack adequate protection against the sun, forcing educators to adapt lessons and activities. -โฆ
Ghent city schools remain open during heatwave, with adjusted activities
Ghent's city schools will remain open throughout the ongoing heatwave despite the orange code alert for high temperatures. Schools will adapt activities to ensure students can rest sufficiently and sโฆ
Huldenberg Town Square Renovated: Spring Water Flows Again to IJse River
- Huldenberg's town square has been completely renovated, transforming it into a green public space. - The project involved removing impermeable surfaces and restoring the flow of spring water throughโฆ
Antwerp river dike breached for new park project
- Antwerp is creating a new park called Het Schijn along the city's Ring Road. - As part of the project, a controlled breach was made in the dike of the Groot Schijn river to create a new riverbed. - โฆ
US military strike kills two in Caribbean Sea; rights groups condemn actions
- The U.S. military conducted a lethal strike in the Caribbean Sea, killing two individuals identified as "narco-terrorists." - The strike targeted a vessel operated by "designated terrorist organizatโฆ
'King of the North' Andy Burnham Declares Candidacy for UK Labour Leadership
- Andy Burnham has declared his candidacy to become the next leader of the UK's Labour Party. - He is seen as the frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation. - Burnham has a loโฆ
Footballer Nainggolan drives through red light while banned, narrowly avoids police
- Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan ignored a red light in Ranst while driving with a suspended license. - He narrowly avoided a collision with an unmarked police vehicle. - This incident adds to Naโฆ
Heatwave hits Halse bakery Brock financially: 'People don't eat pastries in this weather'
- Belgian bakery Brock is reducing production of bread and pastries due to extreme heat, risking significant waste. - Owner Nancy Demol states that customers buy less in hot weather, impacting sales. โฆ
Telenet to build new headquarters in Mechelen, moving by 2030
- Telenet Group has agreed to build a new headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium, where it has been based for 30 years. - Construction is set to begin next year, with the company planning to move into the โฆ
"You are the most deceitful woman I have ever met": How Annelies Verlinden is becoming the most targeted minister in the government
- Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden is facing significant criticism from coalition partners. - She is accused of acting unilaterally on abortion legislation, particularly regarding the proposed exteโฆ
Belgian Festival Implements Heat Measures for Vulnerable Attendees
- Rock for Specials in Evergem is implementing heat measures for its vulnerable attendees. - The festival, catering to individuals with intellectual disabilities, faces predicted temperatures of 37 deโฆ
Concrete blocks fall from ceiling in Belgian administrative building; union blames poor maintenance
- Concrete blocks fell from the ceiling of a restroom in the Rijksadministratief Centrum (RAC) in Hasselt, Belgium. - No injuries were reported, but a section of the building has been closed as a precโฆ
AI Chatbot Claude to Require Selfie and ID for Age Verification from July 8
- AI company Anthropic will require users to verify their age with a live selfie and ID starting July 8 to prevent minors from using its chatbot Claude. - The verification process involves comparing aโฆ
Crystal Meth Lab Discovered and Dismantled in Halle Warehouse
- Police discovered and dismantled a crystal meth drug lab in a warehouse in Halle, Belgium. - The lab was producing the highly addictive hard drug, with both finished product and raw materials found.โฆ
Torhout Mayor Defends Cancellation of 'Nacht van Vlaanderen' Due to Storm Risk
- The mayor of Torhout defended the cancellation of the Nacht van Vlaanderen event due to predicted thunderstorms. - Despite the storm not being severe in Torhout, the decision was made based on weathโฆ
Maasmechelen housing project gets permit, but developer is bankrupt
- The province of Limburg has granted a permit for the first phase of the large-scale Willemskaai housing project in Maasmechelen. - The first phase includes 5 buildings with 121 housing units, but thโฆ
Belgium seeks buyer for 20% stake in state bank Belfius to cut national debt
- The Belgian government is seeking to sell 20% of its shares in the state-owned bank Belfius. - Belfius was created in 2011 after the government intervened to save Dexia bank during the financial criโฆ
Belgian Municipalities Fight Pension Aid Rule Favoring Large Cities
- Around 60 Belgian municipalities are challenging a federal regulation that provides financial aid for pension costs only to cities with over 100,000 residents. - The municipalities argue the regulatโฆ
Brussels Public Sector Unions Call for Strike, Citing Unacceptable Conditions
- A public sector strike is planned for Tuesday in Brussels, involving various service workers. - Unions cite structural understaffing, workload increases, and declining job attractiveness as key issuโฆ
Disappointment felt at Belgian World Cup screening after draw with Iran
- Supporters gathered in Zottegem and Wetteren, Belgium, to watch the Red Devils' second World Cup match. - An 18-year-old Iranian refugee, Taha, supported the Belgian team while displaying an old Iraโฆ
Eeklo Opposition Seeks No-Confidence Vote Over Staff Morale Issues
- Opposition parties in Eeklo, Belgium, are demanding a vote of no confidence in the city council. - They cite a staff well-being survey revealing poor morale, cross-border behavior, and political intโฆ
Breast Cancer Clinics' Uncertain Future: 'Fighting a Decision Against Common Sense'
- Belgium faces a critical decision regarding 22 breast cancer clinics, with 11 in Wallonia, that may cease operations by January 2027. - Dr. Ysabel Struye warns of the potential consequences, callingโฆ
Manu Van Acker Revives 'Hello Goodbye' at Brussels Airport
- A new Flemish version of the television program 'Hello Goodbye' is being filmed at Brussels Airport, hosted by Manu Van Acker. - The show will feature personal stories from travelers and their lovedโฆ
Fiery, Melodic, and With a Tank on Stage: Sabaton Closes Graspop Metal Meeting 2024
- Swedish power metal band Sabaton closed the Graspop Metal Meeting 2024 with a spectacular show featuring war symbolism and pyrotechnics. - Known for their historical themes and energetic performanceโฆ
Ramiro Valdรฉs, key figure in Cuban Revolution and right-hand man to the Castros, dies
- Ramiro Valdรฉs, a key figure in the Cuban Revolution and a close associate of Fidel and Raรบl Castro, has died at the age of 94. - President Miguel Dรญaz-Canel announced his death, remembering Valdรฉs aโฆ
Jens breaks nose in mosh pit at Graspop Metal Meeting: what is it and why do people dive in?
- Jens broke his nose during a mosh pit at the Graspop Metal Meeting festival while watching the band Knocked Loose. - Mosh pits, characterized by a chaotic, energetic crowd pushing and jumping, are aโฆ
Six dead in military plane crash in Bolivia
- A military aircraft crashed in Bolivia, killing four soldiers and two civilians. - The crash occurred during a severe political crisis marked by over 50 days of protests and road blockades. - Presidโฆ
Teachers' unions slam Belgian minister's heatwave circular
- Belgian teachers' unions criticize a circular on exceptional circumstances, arguing it forces classes to continue in inhumane heat. - The circular outlines school organization for heatwaves based onโฆ
'Toy Story 5' Earns 272 Million Euros in Opening Weekend, Second-Highest Pixar Debut
- 'Toy Story 5' grossed 272 million euros globally in its opening weekend, making it the second-highest-grossing Pixar film opening ever. - The film earned 139.5 million euros in the United States, suโฆ
Species weekend in Westhoek a success: 'Nearly twice as many species of plants and animals counted as expected'
- Over 170 experts and volunteers inventoried nearly 2,000 species of plants and animals during a 1,000-species weekend in Belgium's Westhoek region. - The event, organized by Regionaal Landschap Westโฆ
Bishop serves drinks at Namur music festival, opening church doors
- A Belgian bishop celebrated the Fรชtes de la Musique by hosting a festival in the grounds of his residence, opening the church to the community. - Bishop Fabien Lejeusne organized a mass and invited โฆ
13-year-old raises funds for Children's Cancer Fund for third time
- 13-year-old Alexandre from Laarne is raising money for the Children's Cancer Fund for the third consecutive year. - He is selling handmade flower pots made with a 3D printer. - Alexandre hopes to raโฆ
Graspop Metal Meeting organizer learns lessons from hot edition: 'More shade spots next year'
- The organizer of the Graspop Metal Meeting festival plans to add more shaded areas for next year's event. - This decision comes after this year's festival experienced extremely high temperatures. - โฆ
Police find illegal e-cigarettes, cannabis, and undeclared work in business checks
- Police in Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht discovered illegal e-cigarettes, cannabis, and undeclared labor during business inspections. - The operation involved multiple inspection services, including sโฆ
Dutch PM apologizes for historical injustice against Moluccans
- Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten offered apologies on behalf of the government to the first generation of Moluccans who came to the Netherlands 75 years ago. - Jetten acknowledged the "historical injโฆ
Dokano volunteers rescue man from Ghent's Houtdok
- Four volunteers from the Dokano social watersports association rescued a man from the Houtdok in Ghent. - The man fell into the water while trying to retrieve a ball and could not swim. - The voluntโฆ
New bicycle and pedestrian bridge opens in Wijnegem
- Wijnegem, Belgium, celebrated the opening of a new, comfortable bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Albert Canal. - The new bridge replaces a temporary "rattle bridge" that had drawn criticism foโฆ
Three young people die in Italy after their car ends up in a canal; in Germany, a van with young footballers hits a traffic jam
- Three young people died in Italy when their car, carrying nine occupants, crashed into a canal; the driver was intoxicated. - In Germany, a chain collision involving a bus carrying young footballersโฆ
India uses military escorts, Telegram ban to prevent exam fraud in re-test
- India is holding a do-over for its medical entrance exam after the original results were invalidated due to alleged question leaks. - Authorities have implemented strict measures, including banning โฆ
50 Toddlers Compete in Balance Bike World Championship in Belgium
- A second annual world championship for balance bikes took place in Vlissegem, Belgium, attracting 50 young participants aged 1.5 to 5. - The event featured children in helmets and race numbers, withโฆ
Record number of weddings in Brecht on June 20, 2026: "Special date because 20 + 6 is 26 in the year 26"
- Brecht, Belgium, set a record on June 20, 2026, with eight couples getting married on the same day. - The date was chosen by couples for its numerical significance: 20 + 6 equals 26, in the year '26โฆ