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Concern over asbestos in Brussels’ public buildings

The Socialist trade union has asked other public services in the capital about the presence of asbestos in their buildings. The union’s health and safety expert, Marc Duplessis, says that many public services were unable to provide an inventory of asbestos present in their buildings, despite this...

Fossils found in Belgium provide invaluable information

The fossils belong to a common ancestor of dogs, cats, bears and other carnivores. With 250 fossilised teeth, scientists were able to map the full dental structure of the Dormaalocyon latouri . This predecessor of cats and dogs, one of the so-called “carnivoraforms”, lived about 55 million years...

Government reaches consensus on Belgacom CEO

The sudden and unplanned departure of Bellens left Belgacom – which is still state-controlled, with the government holding 50% of the shares plus one – somewhat rudderless, coinciding with the arrival of brand-new chair Stefaan De Clerck. US-based headhunters Russell Reynolds were brought in...

Belgian athlete, 95, undergoes euthanasia

Pauwels’ son Eddy said that he “agreed 110% with Father” to end his life when prospects offered no hope. In Belgium, euthanasia is legal for adults and is set to soon become the second country in the world to allow it to minors. More than 1,400 people a year choose the option. Last year Pauwels won...

Rising number of fines on Brussels’ buskers

An increasing number of buskers and beggars on public transport in Brussels are being fined and ejected from the vehicle. New figures show that last year the number of people being fined for busking on the network rocketed from just 12 in 2012 to 128. An Van Hamme, spokesperson for Brussels’...

Regional taxes in a slump despite population boom

Despite a growing population, regional tax in Belgium has levelled off in Brussels. Officials are trying to understand why, with an increase of nearly 20,000 housing units between 2009 and 2013 there exists a drop in tax revenues from the regional budget. Each household pays a flat fee of 89 Euros...

Education ministers hold first interministerial conference

Education ministers from the three Belgian language communities held their first “interministerial conference” this week, in the presence of King Philippe. The ministers will continue to meet, though without the king’s presence, twice a year. The first conference led to an agreement on measures to...

Dashcam recording forces road rage driver to turn himself in

A man filmed carrying out dangerous manoeuvres in a BMW on the E314 on New Year’s Eve has turned himself in to police, amid a debate on the legality of dashcam footage used to identify him. The 49-year-old man from Sint-Genesius-Rode, just outside of Brussels, was filmed repeatedly braking suddenly...

Dutch bitcoin exchange Bitplaats coming to Belgium

Forget about issues with the Euro, Belgians are about to get an alternative currency to exchange at home. The Dutch bitcoin exchange Bitplaats has announced its plans to expand business into Belgium. Belgian bitcoin users will now be able to trade the digital currency using the Bancontact/Mister...

Belgium looking to adjust film industry tax breaks

Belgian cinema’s “Tax Shelter” is undergoing a review to ensure rules are not abused in the future. Belgium’s Finance Minister Koen Geens says that he intends on making adjustments to the film industry’s beneficial tax structure that will continue aiding in the production of movies, but he wants to...

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