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Happy New Year text messages going out of style

Wishing others a happy New Year by text message appears to be heading the way of the DoDo bird. Three of Belgium’s mobile phone providers are reporting fewer messages sent to bring in 2014 than in year’s past. The fall maybe a sign that sending texts has given way to other methods of social media,...

Drivers still nabbed drinking and driving despite warnings

It was no secret in Belgium this holiday season that taking the wheel after drinking would not be tolerated, and that efforts would be stepped-up to make the roads safer. However, despite the communications push, 5.6% of drivers tested were above the legal limit. New Year’s Eve saw 1,183 drivers...

Heightened New Year’s security amid threats of terrorism

The federal prosecutors office has launched a full investigation and Belgian police will be stepping up their presence around the country tonight amid various terrorism threats recently made on social media sites. The threats have suggested Antwerp's Central Station and Brussels famous monument the...

Wallonia officials will be on the hunt for unpaid car taxes in 2014

Special license plate search teams will be hitting the roads of Wallonia in 2014, on the hunt for residents who haven’t properly paid their vehicle circulation tax. Starting January 1st, twenty squads of 40 officials in vehicles sporting “Brigade Willonia” and “Taxes” logos will begin stopping...

Wage Watchers: How much does a freelance translator earn?

What do you do? I started work as a translator at an agency since 2001, and in 2005 I became a freelancer in addition to my regular job. I translate mainly French and German texts into Dutch. I get all kinds of texts: technical papers, legal files, press articles. I also edit the work of other...

Eric to batter Belgium until the weekend

The wet and windy holiday weather is set to continue in full force, as a new storm will soak the country until Saturday. The latest winter storm, Eric, began gusting into Belgium Friday morning with winds expected to hit up to 75 and 85 km/h along the north coast. The blustery conditions have...

Culture beat – December 26

For a cultural fix and reminder of the country’s home-grown talent, take advantage of Belgian Bonanza , a New Year promotion by Bozar that showcases the best of Belgian film, music and theatre. The offer (€89) provides nine concerts (January 5 to February 13), theatre productions, entrance to the...

WWII bomb dampens the holiday spirit in Ghent

It was not Christmas as usual in Ghent, but one that many will remember after an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered in a residential garden. The Christmas Eve surprise forced around a hundred people within 300 metres of the explosive device to put their festivities on hold and vacate...

Long lineups for cash as card payment system crashes

The stress of last minute shopping got even worse Monday when all card payments in Belgium went dormant. The electronic payment system shut down or operated at a snail’s pace during the afternoon’s Christmas shopping rush. Frustrated shoppers were turned away from cashiers, forced onto the streets...

Belgians can expect smaller mobile phone bills in 2014

Call it an early gift for many Belgians this year as mobile phone bills are set to drop. Consumer Affairs Minister Johan Vande Lanotte has announced an agreement with Belgium’s four major mobile phone companies that will see fees drop for many customers. The deal has the telecom giants set to offer...

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