Flanders’ diamond industry narrowly missed a record year of business in 2013, with $55 (€40.3) billion in trade, just short of the 2011 record of $56.5 (€41.4) billion. The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), which represents the diamond trade, released its annual figures yesterday. Rough diamond...

The Brussels taxi-share scheme Collecto carried a record number of passengers in 2013, according to the region’s transport minister Brigitte Grouwels. The night taxis were used by 142,000 people in 2013, compared to 116,000 in 2012, an increase of 21%. The Collecto project was set up in 2008 to...

The ski slopes of Botrange and Mount Rigi in Belgium’s south were opened for the first time Sunday, as temperatures finally reached winter-like conditions. Operators were able to welcome the public after an overnight snow frosting of 13cm. Although it’s not known as a ski destination, Belgium does...

Flanders’ mobility minister Hilde Crevits wants to begin talks on lowering the drink-driving limit in Belgium from 0.5 mg to 0.2mg alcohol per 1,000 millilitres. “Alcohol plays a role in one in three accidents,” said a spokesperson for the minister. “Too many people refuse to respect the current...

With seasonal temperatures continuing to drop, the combination of overnight rain showers and cold is once again making for a dangerous morning commute. Motorists are being advised to take caution due to icy conditions along some of the country’s major routes and smaller roads. The dangerous mix of...

The curtain closed on the 92nd edition of the Brussels Motor Show Sunday night, bringing to an end 10 days of showcasing the latest vehicles to hit the market. The final tally saw 585,000 visitors move through the gates, slightly less than last year’s event, but 23,500 more than in 2012. Organisers...

More than 300 artworks stolen by the Nazis from Belgians during the Second World War and never returned to their original owners or their descendants are now in the possession of local museums, including the Fine Arts Museums of Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent, according to an investigation by De...

Do powerful and luxurious cars make up your ultimate fantasy? You’re not alone, and the Brussels Motor Show Hall 12 has what it takes make your dreams come true. That is, until these dreams are abruptly torn away by a “no public access” sign in front of the luxury car stands. Frustration Who has...

March is turning out to be the month of first presidential visits to Belgium. On the heels of American President Obama’s announcement of his first foray into Brussels, China’s President Xi Jinping has confirmed he will also arrive in March. According to a Chinese official, Xi’s travel plans have...

The wait may almost be over for Europeans waiting to finally experience the highly anticipated online entertainment streaming giant Netflix. According to reports, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings (pictured) is said to be planning a major 2014 expansion into Europe, which may include France, Germany, and...