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Getting smart about short-stay rentals

Hennen ( pictured ) arrived in Brussels from Liège to practice European competition law in 2007 but soon decided to take a break and start his own business. He launched Smartflats with business partner (and fellow Liège native) Alexandre Szmaj in 2012. They began with one apartment in the happening...

Belgium's Holocaust museum nominated for European Museum of the Year

The Kazerne Dossin Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre on Holocaust and Human Rights has been nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) for 2014. The annual prize is awarded to a new or renovated museum from anywhere in Europe. Mechelen’s Holocaust museum opened in November...

Circuses stopped from using wild animals

Wild animals will no longer be able to be part of circus performances in Belgium, the federal parliament has voted. Members of parliament supported a proposal to create a white list of animals allowed in circuses performing in the country. The list includes mostly domesticated animals such as...

Unions take to Brussels' streets in protest

Driving throughout the Belgian capital today and tomorrow will be an even greater challenge as protesting labour unions converge with the start of the European Summit. Commuters will have to test their patience and find new routes to work as an expected 10,000 protesters with the D19-20 Alliance...

Belgium naturalisations drop with new law in 2013

It appears as though Belgium will finish the year without having naturalised any newly arrived foreigners. Due to a law that came into effect 1 January of this year, applicants face much stricter rules making it more difficult to become a citizen if they aren't long-term residents. The new rules...

European Commission HQ sold to private investors

The European Commission’s landmark Berlaymont Building has been sold by the Belgian government for a reported €640 million to BNP-Paribas Fortis bank and AG Insurance. The Commission’s headquarters in Brussels’ Schuman area is the centerpiece of many EU institutions and EU-related organisations...

Culture beat - December 18

The International Festival of Ice Sculptures comes to Brussels for the first time. Ice Magic features dozens of comic strip-inspired ice sculptures created by twenty international artists. All of your favourite characters are here from Asterix to the Smurfs to Lucky Luke. Dress warmly as the...

Snow leopard on the loose in Belgium shot

Authorities near the Belgian city of Liege were forced to shoot and kill a snow leopard that escaped a zoo Tuesday night. The news comes as a sad ending for the animal that arrived from Austria only two weeks ago. The leopard escaped through a window Tuesday morning at the Monde Sauvage safari park...

Brussels set to add schools and crèches

Finding a seat in a Brussels’ classroom or day care for your child will soon get a bit easier. The city’s new mayor, Yvan Mayeur, has announced that 2014 will see an increase of funds dedicated to building new schools, day care and sports centres. Brussels is planning on investing up to 116 million...

Belgian Army to continue presence in Afghanistan

Belgium has committed to continue its military assistance in Afghanistan until the end of NATO’s long-time mission. The decision will see the army maintain its operations until late 2014 when the international military presence plans to withdraw forces. Belgium has also promised additional support...

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