Brussels has one public swimming pool for every 68,000 residents, compared with one for every 22,000 residents in Flanders, according to new figures. Residents in the capital also face high costs for access to limited swimming spots and secondary school students are receiving fewer swimming lessons...

The Brussels municipality of Uccle is taking bankrupt fire-extinguisher company Sicli to court over permanent PFAS contamination. “PFAS are persistent pollutants, and this is certainly not a harmless form of pollution,” said Maëlle De Brouwer (Ecolo), Uccle’s alderwoman for the environment. “The...

Belgium faced a new political crisis after prime minster Bart De Wever tendered his resignation to King Philippe on Monday morning following the collapse of his government’s budget negotiations. The Belgian monarch adopted a conciliatory role by not accepting his resignation, suspending it until...

A ban on smoking at outdoor cafe terraces will not come into force on 1 January after all, following concerns raised by Belgium’s Council of State. The smoking ban was laid out in the federal coalition agreement and also prohibits smoking rooms in publicly accessible establishments. The hospitality...

A Brussels court has ruled that the region is at fault for failing to make any sites available for travellers since 2018, and has ordered the capital to provide at least 60 equipped pitches for caravans within six months. Failure to do so will result in the region having to pay penalties. “When...

Just as with snow in the winter, Brussels residents are required to clear fallen leaves from the pavement in front of their home or face fines of up to €350. Fallen leaves on the pavement are the responsibility of the occupant of the property, whether they are a homeowner or a tenant. "The regional...

Higher charges for small parcels originating from outside the European Union, adjustments to professional withholding tax, changes in healthcare and new rules for burials in Wallonia — several measures came into effect from 1 November. Here is an overview of the key changes and their implications,...

The first festival in Belgium entirely devoted to artisan breadmaking is being staged at Tour & Taxis’ sustainable hub Be-Here on 9 November. Open to both professionals and baking enthusiasts, Bread Fest includes tastings, workshops and an inaugural competition to find Belgium’s best baguette,...

World-renowned Belarus-born sculptor and artist Ossip Zadkine (1888-1967), whose works have graced famous buildings and squares all over Europe, would not have enjoyed his success without the contribution of ‘le plat pays’. That is the message of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KSMKA) in its...

Brussels fashion and textile designer Julie Menuge was selected to represent Belgium for the Amazing Thailand Global Thai Silk Exhibition in Bangkok. The designer, who specialises in “upcycling vintage and artisanal textiles from all cultures,” created a unique dress that combined Thai silk with...