Opticians in Belgium have signed a new code of conduct that aims for clearer pricing and fewer surprises for customers. The agreement, which was overseen by economy and consumer affairs minister Kris Peeters, comes after a 2015 investigation by consumer rights group Test-Achats found a lack of...

The Atomium suffered a 30% drop in visitor numbers in 2016 - and the Musical Instrument Museum nearly 50% - as a result of the 22 March terror attacks. Management at the Atomium said 430,774 people visited last year, down from 622,396 in 2015. The worst month was April, immediately after the...

On-street parking will be free in central Brussels this Tuesday and Saturday, as part of a series of measures to encourage shoppers to attend the start of the January sales. Marion Lemesre, the Brussels city councillor responsible for economic affairs, said drivers would not need to pay at parking...

Despite record low interest rates, Belgians are still choosing to put money away in savings accounts, new figures out this week show. BNP Paribas Fortis has reported a 2% increase in savings reserves over the past year, at €61.6 billion. Belfius is looking after €35.2 billion of savers' money, up 7...

Go back just a few years and the markets for energy and telecoms were dominated by incumbent operators, a situation which long-term expats bemoan for its lack of choice and tear-inducing customer service. But the good news is that times are changing, so it’s worth shopping around for the best...

In the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, thousands of flights were cancelled or redirected to other airports. For weeks, travellers remained uncertain of their plans, with many trips called off at the last minute. In retrospect, Konstantina Karadimitropoulu is glad she opted...

As the line between work and personal life becomes increasingly blurred, consider spending a day, weekend or longer off the grid and possibly without wifi, TV or phone reception. From remote camping to relaxation centres, here are some suggestions for places to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors...

Kasia’s story “In everyone’s life, there comes a moment when you really feel you should try something new,” says Kasia Chudzińska, who arrived in Brussels six years ago from Poland on an Erasmus exchange. Looking for work alongside her studies, she passed the exam to become an assistant in the...

The city of Leuven said it will appeal against the latest urban planning permit for the shopping and leisure complex Uplace. The complex, to be built in Machelen, just outside of Brussels, also faces opposition from the municipal authorities in Mechelen and Vilvoorde. Over the weekend, Uplace...

Brussels' New Year Eve fireworks party will be going ahead "until further notice", mayor Yvan Mayeur's office confirmed on Tuesday. The city hall is in ongoing contact with Belgium's terror threat analysis body, OCAM, and will follow its recommendations. The festivities in the pedestrian zone -...