I’m happy to say that I no longer have to argue defensively for recognition of Simenon’s genius. In the four years since I wrote this piece a lot has happened to justify my championing him as one of the major writers of our time. The handsome maroon and gold Pléiade volumes have appeared and,...

A pan-industry general strike will bring widespread disruption to public services and transport on Friday (10 March), bringing to an end a week of industrial action in Belgium. After Tuesday's strike by paramedics and firefighters, which led to clashes with police outside the European Commission's...

Belgium’s federal mobility minister wants to create new fines and punishments for people who film themselves speeding or otherwise driving recklessly. Concerned both about safety and that such videos on social media promote dangerous behaviours, Georges Gilkinet is calling for a crackdown that...

The Belgian branch of food aid organisation Les Restos du Coeur has announced a "sad milestone" of a record number of meals served to needy families last year. More than 1.3 million meals were distributed in 2022. In the fourth quarter of the year, this represented an increase of 32% on the...

The life and work of bestselling Belgian author Georges Simenon is showcased at the Liège festival Spring Simenon from 8 to 11 March, in celebration of his 120th anniversary. It's a sweeping homage to the literary giant who was born in the city in 1903 and became one of the 20th century’s most...

British wit meets Indian charm in two nights of unique laughter at comedy shows in Antwerp on 17 March and Brussels on 18 March . After completing successful solo runs at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022, Thomas Henry and Ram Arrangi teamed up to form the comedy duo British Indian Buddies (BIB). Since...

A year-long exhibition by Franco-Burkinabè artist Blaise Patrix at the Hilton Grand Place represents the second collaboration between the hotel and an artist based in the capital. Exhibition 2023 Retrospective consists of some 30 works spanning three decades in a career that has been defined by...

Belgian wine’s popularity is on the rise along with its production: 3 million litres were produced by the country’s 254 winegrowers in 2022, reports RTBF. Last year was an exceptional one for wine growing. While the weather conditions were more than optimal, the local industry was boosted by the...

Brussels-based French street artist Anthea Missy is painting a fresco at Bockstael station in Laeken from 6 to 10 March to mark International Women’s Day on Wednesday. The collaborative art project was inspired by discussions with station users and workshops with neighbourhood children and local...

A special "hospital" for teddy bears in Brussels is celebrating its 10th edition this year. The unique clinic allows four- to seven-year-old children to bring their stuffed animals (such as a teddy bear) in for "treatment" in order to learn about a hospital environment through play. "Children are...