The Brussels Times
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Local and global news from the capital of Europe
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'We cannot continue like this – Brussels' status as the European capital is under pressure'
Left without a government for 600 days, Brussels residents voiced their thoughts during street interviews with The Brussels Times.
www.brusselstimes.com
The Brussels-Capital Region has been without a government for 600 days as of today, breaking all of the country's infamous records.
What do residents of the city stuck in a political limbo think about the political deadlock?
What do residents of the city stuck in a political limbo think about the political deadlock?
From energy interconnections to combating terrorism, Cyprus lays out its agenda for leading the EU until 2026, with migration and digital challenges in focus.
Cyprus outlines EU presidency focus: child protection, migration, water security
Cyprus outlines EU presidency focus: child protection, migration, water security
www.brusselstimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 10:24 AM
From energy interconnections to combating terrorism, Cyprus lays out its agenda for leading the EU until 2026, with migration and digital challenges in focus.
Over two-thirds of bus routes in Liège-Verviers remain suspended as strikes continue for a sixth day. Talks scheduled for Thursday could determine whether disruptions persist.
Bus drivers’ strike continues in Wallonia
Bus drivers' strike continues in Wallonia
www.brusselstimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 9:52 AM
Over two-thirds of bus routes in Liège-Verviers remain suspended as strikes continue for a sixth day. Talks scheduled for Thursday could determine whether disruptions persist.
National emergency systems often fail at EU borders, leaving responders disconnected. A new Europe-wide network aims to close these critical gaps.
EU plans cross-border emergency communication system
EU plans cross-border emergency communication system
www.brusselstimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 9:23 AM
National emergency systems often fail at EU borders, leaving responders disconnected. A new Europe-wide network aims to close these critical gaps.
Government guarantees climbed to 31% of GDP in the Netherlands, the highest in the EU. Finland and Italy saw levels of 17% and 14.6%, while Ireland, Czechia, and Bulgaria reported just 1% or less, Eurostat said.
Government guarantees hit record highs in Netherlands, Finland
Government guarantees hit record highs in Netherlands, Finland
www.brusselstimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 8:52 AM
Government guarantees climbed to 31% of GDP in the Netherlands, the highest in the EU. Finland and Italy saw levels of 17% and 14.6%, while Ireland, Czechia, and Bulgaria reported just 1% or less, Eurostat said.
Calls for accountability rise as a multimillion euro IT project for police hits major hurdles — questions of conflict now surround a former lawyer turned minister.
Minister Verlinden worked as lawyer for failed i-Police project
Minister Verlinden worked as lawyer for failed i-Police project
www.brusselstimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 8:26 AM
Calls for accountability rise as a multimillion euro IT project for police hits major hurdles — questions of conflict now surround a former lawyer turned minister.
Belgium continues to import large quantities of Russian liquefied gas via the port of Zeebrugge.
Belgium under pressure as EU gives final green light to ban Russian gas imports
Belgium under pressure as EU gives final green light to ban Russian gas imports
www.brusselstimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 7:50 AM
Belgium continues to import large quantities of Russian liquefied gas via the port of Zeebrugge.
Was your train cancelled or significantly delayed? Here is what to expect from rail operators.
What are your rights if your train is cancelled or delayed in Belgium?
What are your rights if your train is cancelled or delayed in Belgium?
www.brusselstimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 6:48 AM
Was your train cancelled or significantly delayed? Here is what to expect from rail operators.
The Brussels Times - News and analysis on politics, Brussels, EU Affairs, business, world, national news, and more.
Former Council president Charles Michel says Rutte should stop being ‘an American agent’ and unite NATO
The Brussels Times
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:04 PM
The Brussels Times - News and analysis on politics, Brussels, EU Affairs, business, world, national news, and more.
The Brussels Times - News and analysis on politics, Brussels, EU Affairs, business, world, national news, and more.
Queues surge for Harry Styles in Amsterdam as more tickets go on sale this afternoon
The Brussels Times
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 2:44 PM
The Brussels Times - News and analysis on politics, Brussels, EU Affairs, business, world, national news, and more.
A Brussels parlour triumphed at the prestigious Gelato World Cup in Italy: "With the talent we have in Belgium, winning it one day is absolutely possible."
Brussels ice cream parlour ranks among the world’s top 5
Brussels ice cream parlour ranks among the world’s top 5
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:36 PM
A Brussels parlour triumphed at the prestigious Gelato World Cup in Italy: "With the talent we have in Belgium, winning it one day is absolutely possible."
The Flemish nationalist mayor blames young people from Brussels for crime in the centre of Halle.
Flemish mayor under fire for calling Brussels an 'oil stain'
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:56 PM
The Flemish nationalist mayor blames young people from Brussels for crime in the centre of Halle.
Many shops still have large amounts of unsold stock at the end of January.
Why Belgium’s 2026 winter sales disappointed many shopkeepers?
Why Belgium's 2026 winter sales disappointed many shopkeepers
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:35 AM
Many shops still have large amounts of unsold stock at the end of January.
Check out the best upcoming gigs in Brussels for you and your friends not to miss.
The Brussels Times Gig Guide: What are the best concerts this February?
The Brussels Times Gig Guide: What are the best concerts this February?
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Check out the best upcoming gigs in Brussels for you and your friends not to miss.
"If we are invited to the table, we will certainly accept. But just because they invite us to dinner does not mean we have to eat whatever is served."
600 days with no Brussels Government: New hope on the horizon as citizens protest
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:42 AM
"If we are invited to the table, we will certainly accept. But just because they invite us to dinner does not mean we have to eat whatever is served."
The Brussels-Capital Region has been without a government for 600 days as of today, breaking all of the country's infamous records.
What do residents of the city stuck in a political limbo think about the political deadlock?
What do residents of the city stuck in a political limbo think about the political deadlock?
'We cannot continue like this – Brussels' status as the European capital is under pressure'
Left without a government for 600 days, Brussels residents voiced their thoughts during street interviews with The Brussels Times.
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:30 AM
The Brussels-Capital Region has been without a government for 600 days as of today, breaking all of the country's infamous records.
What do residents of the city stuck in a political limbo think about the political deadlock?
What do residents of the city stuck in a political limbo think about the political deadlock?
Speaking to POLITICO on Thursday, the official said that he was disappointed, but he accepts the decision of the Commission.
EU sacks senior official after accepting free Qatar Airways flights
EU sacks senior official after he accepts free Qatar Airways flights
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:18 AM
Speaking to POLITICO on Thursday, the official said that he was disappointed, but he accepts the decision of the Commission.
Interviewed by L’Avenir, S.M said she was "in shock" and is contesting the evidence against her.
Uccle woman fined €40,000 and banned from keeping animals after abuse conviction
Uccle woman fined €40,000 and banned from keeping animals after abuse conviction
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:42 AM
Interviewed by L’Avenir, S.M said she was "in shock" and is contesting the evidence against her.
The Flemish nationalist mayor blames young people from Brussels for a crime in the centre of Halle.
Flemish mayor under fire for calling Brussels an ‘oil stain’
Flemish mayor under fire for calling Brussels an 'oil stain'
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:19 AM
The Flemish nationalist mayor blames young people from Brussels for a crime in the centre of Halle.
The new law, introduced by Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V), changes both the terminology and the sentencing framework.
Belgian Parliament approves new offence of ‘traffic manslaughter’
Belgian Parliament approves new offence of ‘traffic manslaughter’
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:55 AM
The new law, introduced by Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V), changes both the terminology and the sentencing framework.
Flemish nationalist Jeroen Bergers welcomed the bill, arguing that it strengthens public safety and ensures most serious crimes get the ultimate consequences.
New bill gives power to strip Belgian citizenship for serious crimes
New bill gives power to strip Belgian citizenship for serious crimes
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:43 AM
Flemish nationalist Jeroen Bergers welcomed the bill, arguing that it strengthens public safety and ensures most serious crimes get the ultimate consequences.
The Brussels public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.
Fatal shooting in Saint-Josse on Thursday night
Fatal shooting in Saint-Josse on Thursday night
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:39 AM
The Brussels public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.
Left without a government for 600 days, Brussels' residents voice their thoughts in The Brussels Times street interview.
‘Really? 600 days?!’: Brussels residents share their reaction long lack of government
‘Really? 600 days?!’: Brussels residents share their reaction long lack of government
www.brusselstimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:05 AM
Left without a government for 600 days, Brussels' residents voice their thoughts in The Brussels Times street interview.
The EU appoints a new board with businesses and unions to drive skills reform and address labour gaps across member states.
Former Commissioner appointed to lead EU Skills High-Level Board
Former Commissioner appointed to lead EU Skills High-Level Board
www.brusselstimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:34 PM
The EU appoints a new board with businesses and unions to drive skills reform and address labour gaps across member states.
Award recognises cities supporting small businesses and vibrant city centres through sustainability, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.
Cities in Italy, Portugal, Spain named 2026 European capitals of small retail
Cities in Italy, Portugal, Spain named 2026 European capitals of small retail
www.brusselstimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Award recognises cities supporting small businesses and vibrant city centres through sustainability, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.