Stories from Belgium

The tea trade, facilitated by Shanxi merchants, opened up the 'Wanli Tea Road' and fostered commercial myths.

If the European Union continues its strategy of exclusively supporting Ukraine while being excluded from negotiations, it will be difficult to change the situation. The exclusion comes as preparations for potential strikes are being discussed.

The European Commission is urging platforms like Instagram to implement stricter security settings for teenagers. Under the proposal, users under 13 would be removed from platforms.

The United Arab Emirates is prepared to respond to potential United States threats of new tariffs on European vehicles. This follows a warning from the American president regarding additional tariffs of 25%.

Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder expressed anger in Brussels regarding the planned withdrawal of US Army troops from Bavaria. Söder called the situation annoying and dangerous during a Bavarian cabinet meeting.

Jan Dankaard has been reelected as the rector of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. He secured an absolute majority of votes from both staff and students. His new four-year term is scheduled to begin at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.

ING Bank has reached a 1.6 million euro settlement to conclude a Belgian judicial investigation into potential complicity in money laundering. The case involved the bank's role in investigations related to a former politician. ING Bank has agreed to pay 1.6 million euros to settle a money laundering investigation in Belgium. The bank is paying the amount to avoid further prosecution and a potential trial at the prosecutor's request. The case involves approximately 200,000 euros that has been described as being in a state of wandering for 22 years.

Ursula von der Leyen stated the European Union is focusing on the Trans-Caspian Corridor, also known as the Middle Corridor. This route aims to connect China to Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus.

The Belgian Constitutional Court ruled that a ban on cigarette sales in supermarkets larger than 400 square meters is discriminatory. The measure was challenged in court by a major tobacco company and Flemish retail representatives.

Dupuis was diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable tumor in late 2025. The decision follows his battle with the disease.