The Brussels Times
@brusselstimes.com
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Local and global news from the capital of Europe
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In an exclusive interview with The Brussels Times, US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White shared his thoughts on Belgian culture, tackling crime and what makes his friend Donald Trump tick.
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US Ambassador to Belgium: ‘Most of the stories in Europe about President Trump are negative – and I don’t like it’
US Ambassador to Belgium: 'Most of the stories in Europe about President Trump are negative - and I don’t like it'
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1884419/us-ambassador-to-belgium-most-of-the-stories-in-europe-about-president-trump-are-negative-and-i-dont-like-it/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1765946561
11 days ago
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Following an outcry over costly tickets, FIFA has announced a new batch of cut-price tickets for all matches up to the final.
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How much will attending the World Cup cost Belgium fans?
How much will attending the World Cup cost Belgium fans?
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1886937/how-much-will-attending-the-world-cup-cost-belgium-fans/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766907723
about 2 hours ago
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Outcry over low-flying aircraft in Brussels as furtive routes spark concern
Outcry over low-flying aircraft in Brussels as furtive routes spark concern
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896031/outcry-over-low-flying-aircraft-in-brussels-as-furtive-routes-spark-concern/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766898137
about 3 hours ago
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If you hop on the metro in Brussels and travel eastwards all the way to the end of line 1, you will find yourself in one of the city’s most charming and coveted suburbs.
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The foodie haven with a show-stopping fresco at the end of Metro Line 1
The foodie haven with a show-stopping fresco at the end of Metro Line 1
https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/1895527/the-foodie-haven-with-a-bustling-high-street-at-the-end-of-metro-line-1/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766896390
about 4 hours ago
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Have you ever wondered why storms have names and how exactly those are chosen?
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How are storms named in Belgium?
How are storms named in Belgium?
https://www.brusselstimes.com/world/1893915/how-are-storms-named-in-belgium/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766897051
about 5 hours ago
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This marks the first fine increase in over a decade for the transport operator De Lijn.
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De Lijn to increase fines for fare dodgers
De Lijn to increase fines for fare dodgers
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1892043/de-lijn-to-increase-fines-for-fare-dodgers/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766878322
about 10 hours ago
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The polonaise, recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, is a lively group dance performed in a procession.
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Six hundred people dance the ‘polonaise’ in Sint-Truiden, new Guinness record
Six hundred people dance the 'polonaise' in Sint-Truiden, new Guinness record
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896586/six-hundred-people-dance-the-polonaise-in-sint-truiden-new-guinness-record/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766856166
about 15 hours ago
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Single people without children will be able to leave up to 100,000 euros to a heir of their choice at a reduced tax rate starting next year.
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Flanders reduces inheritance tax
Flanders reduces inheritance tax
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896595/flanders-reduces-inheritance-tax/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766857108
about 15 hours ago
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Brussels water rates rise 12.5% on 1 January, which supplier claim is due to unpaid bills, adding €41.50 to the average annual bill.
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Water prices to rise by 12.5% in Brussels Region
Water prices to rise by 12.5% in Brussels Region
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896571/water-prices-to-rise-by-12-5-in-brussels-region/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766853345
about 16 hours ago
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The document reportedly proposes freezing the current front line of the conflict but leaves Russia’s territorial claims — occupying over 19% of Ukraine — unaddressed.
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Zelensky ‘gets nothing until I agree,’ Trump warns
Zelensky 'gets nothing until I agree,' Trump warns
https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1896524/zelensky-gets-nothing-until-i-agree-trump-warns/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766848405
about 17 hours ago
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Beyond the money itself, this word captures a very Belgian mix of warmth, modesty, and down-to-earth pragmatism.
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Belgian word of the day: Une dringuelle
Belgian word of the day: Une dringuelle
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium-word-of-the-day/1758427/belgian-word-of-the-day-une-dringuelle/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766849880
about 17 hours ago
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Flanders removes certain professions from the fast-track list on 1 January, requiring employers to first search within the EU market.
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Flanders tightens rules for non-EU worker migrants
Flanders tightens rules for non-EU worker migrants
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896521/flanders-tightens-rules-for-non-eu-worker-migrants/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766848406
about 18 hours ago
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From 1 January, the new bonus will apply only to those working beyond the legal retirement age, replacing the previous scheme.
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Belgium to tighten pension bonus rules
Belgium to tighten pension bonus rules
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896494/belgium-to-tighten-pension-bonus-rules/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766847546
about 19 hours ago
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This adjustment, known as indexation, is lower than the 3.58% increase employees received in January 2025 but represents the fourth highest indexation in the past 12 years.
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Salaries of over half a million employees in Belgium indexed by 2.21%.
Salaries of over half a million employees in Belgium indexed by 2.21%
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896446/salaries-of-over-half-a-million-employees-in-belgium-indexed-by-2-21/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766843054
about 20 hours ago
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Tariffs will rise by €1 to €4 on 1 January for most services, a move the company blames on higher salary and material costs.
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Proximus increases most of its tariffs on 1 January
Proximus increases most of its tariffs on 1 January
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896419/proximus-increases-most-of-its-tariffs-on-1-january/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766839239
about 21 hours ago
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Beijing froze assets of 20 firms and banned executives after Washington approved the largest arms package since 2001.
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China sanctions 20 US companies in retaliation for massive arms sale to Taiwan
China sanctions 20 US companies in retaliation for massive arms sale to Taiwan
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896416/china-sanctions-20-us-companies-in-retaliation-for-massive-arms-sale-to-taiwan/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766838333
about 21 hours ago
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Individuals who still require an exemption for medical reasons must submit a new application.
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Old exemptions from compulsory seatbelt wearing expire on 1 January
Old exemptions from compulsory seatbelt wearing expire on 1 January
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896397/old-exemptions-from-compulsory-seatbelt-wearing-expire-on-1-january/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766837226
about 22 hours ago
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The eurozone expands to 21 members on 1 January as Bulgaria officially adopts the single currency.
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Bulgaria joins euro zone
Bulgaria joins euro zone
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896370/bulgaria-joins-euro-zone/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766831488
about 22 hours ago
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The government is aiming to save €9.2 billion over its mandated period to meet financial targets and reduce its budgetary deficits and mounting debts.
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Belgium introduces capital gain tax from the sale of stocks and cryptocurrencies
Belgium introduces capital gain tax from the sale of stocks and cryptocurrencies
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896362/belgium-introduces-capital-gain-tax-from-the-sale-of-stocks-and-cryptocurrencies/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766834009
about 23 hours ago
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The bill seeks to ban sales to under -18s and prohibit advertising on motorways, in hospitals and night shops.
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Francophone Christian democrats propose bill to ban sale of alcohol to minors
Francophone Christian democrats propose bill to ban sale of alcohol to minors
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896346/francophone-christian-democrats-propose-bill-to-ban-sale-of-alcohol-to-minors/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766831489
about 23 hours ago
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Enforcement starts with warning letters, with fines following for repeat offences after a three-month grace period.
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Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol cars ban is now enforced in Brussels
Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol cars ban is now enforced in Brussels
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896342/euro-5-diesel-and-euro-2-petrol-cars-are-now-banned-in-brussels/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766830463
about 23 hours ago
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The centre becomes operational on 1 January to counter unauthorised Russian drone activity and protect strategic sites.
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Belgium launches National Airspace Security Center, dedicated to countering drones
Belgium launches National Airspace Security Center, dedicated to countering drones
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896327/belgium-launches-national-airspace-security-center-dedicated-to-countering-drones/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766827075
1 day ago
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The RMI issued a yellow warning for slippery conditions in Brussels, Flanders and parts of Wallonia until midnight.
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Belgian meteorologists issue yellow warning for slippery conditions
Belgian meteorologists issue yellow warning for slippery conditions
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1896308/belgian-meteorologists-issue-yellow-warning-for-slippery-conditions/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766827075
1 day ago
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"Most people in the world dream of living in New York, Paris, Dubai, Shanghai...they don't dream of living in Brussels. But when you get here, you get hooked."
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The Spanish tourists who came to Brussels and never left
The Spanish tourists who came to Brussels and never left
https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels-2/1892807/the-tourists-who-came-to-brussels-and-never-left/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766819831
1 day ago
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For now, there is no clear timeline for when, or even if, the military deployment proposal will return to the government's agenda.
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No troops on the streets of Brussels by New Year after all – here is why
No troops on the streets of Brussels by New Year after all – here is why
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1895418/no-troops-on-the-streets-of-brussels-here-is-why/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766812363
1 day ago
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Brussels’ tiniest commune, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, may lack space for the living, but its cemetery in nearby Schaerbeek is rich in stories of the dead.
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The stories buried in Saint-Josse’s cemetery
The stories buried in Saint-Josse’s cemetery
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1891960/the-stories-buried-in-saint-josses-cemetery/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766811520
1 day ago
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Are you celebrating New Year’s Eve in Brussels and feel like going out?
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Best clubbing parties in Brussels on New Years’ Eve
Best clubbing parties in Brussels on New Years' Eve
https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/1882668/best-clubbing-parties-in-brussels-on-new-years-eve/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766811519
1 day ago
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“We received thousands of people in buses from all over the country.”
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The pride of Dendermonde and one of Belgium’s hidden winter beers
The pride of Dendermonde and one of Belgium’s hidden winter beers
https://www.brusselstimes.com/art-culture/1895770/the-pride-of-dendermonde-and-one-of-belgiums-hidden-winter-beers/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766810095
1 day ago
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Flanders is investing €138 million in 151 projects to reduce wastewater flowing into streams and rivers.
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Flemish municipalities start pilot project on wastewater treatment
Flemish municipalities start pilot project on wastewater treatment
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1892075/flemish-municipalities-start-pilot-project-on-wastewater-treatment/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766792082
1 day ago
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A Netflix series linked to an arrest has spotlighted the manosphere, driving its rise in Dutch-language media. Meanwhile, "greedflation," once ubiquitous, sees a sharp decline.
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‘Manosphere’ chosen as emerging Dutch word of 2025
'Manosphere' chosen as emerging Dutch word of 2025
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1890484/manosphere-chosen-as-emerging-dutch-word-of-2025/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766767867
1 day ago
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EU begins review of single-use plastics laws with public survey
EU begins review of single-use plastics laws with public survey
https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1895524/eu-begins-review-of-single-use-plastics-laws-with-public-survey/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766760798
1 day ago
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EU extends Ireland’s nitrate regulation exemption
EU extends Ireland's nitrate regulation exemption
https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1895520/eu-extends-irelands-nitrate-regulation-exemption/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766760798
1 day ago
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Recycled plastics make up just 12% of EU materials. New measures setting standards and improving market access could change this — but industry challenges persist.
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EU unveils new measures to boost plastic recycling, circular economy
EU unveils new measures to boost plastic recycling, circular economy
https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1895516/eu-unveils-new-measures-to-boost-plastic-recycling-circular-economy/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766760797
1 day ago
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As detainee release talks stall in Yemen, the EU condemns tensions and urges swift action to prevent deepening instability.
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EU urges de-escalation, detainee release in Yemen’s civil war
EU urges de-escalation, detainee release in Yemen's civil war
https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1895512/eu-urges-de-escalation-detainee-release-in-yemens-civil-war/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766760799
1 day ago
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Surveillance camera footage from the area will be reviewed as part of the inquiry.
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Police targeted by fireworks in Ganshoren
Police targeted by fireworks in Ganshoren
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1895687/police-targeted-by-fireworks-in-ganshoren/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766764721
1 day ago
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Police were alerted around 5.30 pm on Tuesday about a man armed with a knife on Avenue des Anciens Combattants in Kraainem.
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Arrest warrant issued for man who attacked police officers with a knife in Kraainem
Arrest warrant issued for man who attacked police officers with a knife in Kraainem
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1895710/arrest-warrant-issued-for-man-who-attacked-police-officers-with-a-knife-in-kraainem/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766764720
1 day ago
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Families facing displacement, harsh winters, and economic struggles after Iraq floods. EU boosts humanitarian response with €100,000 aid for emergency relief programmes.
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EU provides humanitarian aid after floods hit northern Iraq
EU provides humanitarian aid after floods hit northern Iraq
https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1895508/eu-provides-humanitarian-aid-after-floods-hit-northern-iraq/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766760797
2 days ago
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Solar energy production in Belgium increased by 21% in 2025, surpassing previous records and bringing renewable energy’s share of the electricity mix to 34%.
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Belgian renewable energy production matches its nuclear power plants
Belgian renewable energy production matches its nuclear power plants
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1895598/belgian-renewable-energy-production-matches-its-nuclear-power-plants/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766760040
2 days ago
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Following Honduras’s elections, the EU signals enhanced collaboration with the new government as broad voter turnout marked the country's political shift.
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EU prepared to collaborate with newly elected president of Honduras
EU prepared to collaborate with newly elected president of Honduras
https://www.brusselstimes.com/eu-affairs/1895498/eu-prepared-to-collaborate-with-newly-elected-president-of-honduras/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766760041
2 days ago
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Belgium’s secret networks may emerge as the greatest intelligence asset to the Allies during the two World Wars.
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Behind enemy lines: How Belgian agents helped win two World Wars
Behind enemy lines: How Belgian agents helped win two World Wars
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1885711/behind-enemy-lines-how-belgian-agents-helped-win-two-world-wars/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766747457
2 days ago
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Powerball winners can choose to receive the full amount over a 30-year period or opt for a lump sum payment.
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American wins almost two billion dollars in lottery, second-largest jackpot in history
American wins almost two billion dollars in lottery, second-largest jackpot in history
https://www.brusselstimes.com/world/1895439/american-wins-almost-two-billion-dollars-in-lottery-second-largest-jackpot-in-history/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766747456
2 days ago
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“Each day of strike action represents a loss of €25 million for our economy. But above all, in the long term, it simply damages perceptions of the reliability of our airport.”
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2,400 flights cancelled due to strikes at Brussels Airport this year, 330,000 passengers affected
2,400 flights cancelled due to strikes at Brussels Airport this year, 330,000 passengers affected
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1895382/2400-flights-cancelled-due-to-strikes-at-brussels-airport-this-year-330000-passengers-affected/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766743527
2 days ago
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Statistics show that every day in France, over three women are victims of femicides or attempted femicides in domestic settings.
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Belgian woman found dead in Lille, partner arrested
Belgian woman found dead in Lille, partner arrested
https://www.brusselstimes.com/world/1895408/belgian-woman-found-dead-in-lille-partner-arrested/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766745881
2 days ago
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The victim, who was severely injured, is no longer in critical condition.
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Suspect arrested after night stabbing in Brussels city centre
Suspect arrested after night stabbing in Brussels city centre
https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/1895405/suspect-arrested-after-night-stabbing-in-brussels-city-centre/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766744971
2 days ago
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Brussels-Capital Region has still not managed to form a government, putting on hold new policy and budgetary decisions.
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Employment and transport top the list of priorities for Brussels public and private sectors
Employment and transport top priority for Brussels public and private sectors
https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/1895339/employment-and-transport-top-the-list-of-priorities-for-brussels-public-and-private-sectors/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766740768
2 days ago
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In Brussels, this tradition is less common, as only 34% of SMEs plan to gift their workforce.
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One in two SMEs in Belgium offers end-of-year gifts
One in two SMEs in Belgium offers end-of-year gifts
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1895320/one-in-two-smes-in-belgium-offers-end-of-year-gifts/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766737498
2 days ago
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Police urge the public to avoid entering the sea.
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Two men missing at sea after Christmas swim in England
Two men missing at sea after Christmas swim in England
https://www.brusselstimes.com/world/1895327/two-men-missing-at-sea-after-christmas-swim-in-england/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766738465
2 days ago
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Belgian helicopter operator NHV, founded in 1997, will be acquired by Irish leasing firm GDHF in a deal finalised for 2026. NHV operates 30 helicopters and employs over 400 people.
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Flemish helicopter company now in Irish hands
Flemish helicopter company now in Irish hands
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1890452/flemish-helicopter-company-now-in-irish-hands/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766735072
2 days ago
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Belgium braces for New Year’s Eve 2026 after past years chaos
Belgium braces for New Year's Eve 2026 after past years chaos
https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1895021/belgium-braces-for-new-years-eve-2026-after-past-years-chaos/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766727359
2 days ago
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From Ghent’s art-school funk to Liège’s dream-pop catharsis, a new generation of Belgian bands is mixing languages, styles and influences with bold originality.
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Small country, big sounds: The Belgian bands you need to hear now
Small country, big sounds: The Belgian bands you need to hear now
https://www.brusselstimes.com/art-culture/1891907/small-country-big-sounds-the-belgian-bands-you-need-to-hear-now/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766724778
2 days ago
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Looking for a way to fill the mid-holiday lull, or just need an excuse to get away from your family for a few hours? Why not explore somewhere new with one of these day trips?
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Best day trips from Brussels this holiday season
Best day trips from Brussels this holiday season
https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels-2/1893417/best-day-trips-from-brussels-this-holiday-season/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Bluesky#Echobox=1766724228
2 days ago
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