The Brussels Times
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Local and global news from the capital of Europe
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Venezuela exposes Europe’s dangerous naivety
Venezuela exposes Europe’s dangerous naivety
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"Von der Leyen, Metsola and Kallas seem to inhabit an alternate reality, where the US is more embarrassing rich uncle than strategic threat."
The Brussels-London route saw an increase of 5.8% in the number of passengers last year.
Eurostar has carried over 400 million passengers since its creation in 1994
Eurostar has carried over 400 million passengers since its creation in 1994
www.brusselstimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:36 AM
The Brussels-London route saw an increase of 5.8% in the number of passengers last year.
"We received tons of testimonies from Europeans in the same situation as us, who were desperate in the face of this Kafkaesque process."
Two Belgians become French nationals without knowing
Two Belgians become French nationals without knowing
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January 14, 2026 at 7:38 AM
"We received tons of testimonies from Europeans in the same situation as us, who were desperate in the face of this Kafkaesque process."
Changes to the STIB/MIVB transport network will result in the end of two bus lines across the Belgian capital.
Two bus lines to be scrapped in Brussels
Two bus lines to be scrapped in Brussels
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January 14, 2026 at 6:10 AM
Changes to the STIB/MIVB transport network will result in the end of two bus lines across the Belgian capital.
"Critical thinking and awareness of the risks are extremely important."
Computer says no? Belgians increasingly using AI, but concerns remain
Computer says no? Belgians increasingly using AI, but concerns remain
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January 14, 2026 at 5:46 AM
"Critical thinking and awareness of the risks are extremely important."
The EU must do more to stop the violent response against the uprising by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s security forces, says the National Council of Resistance of Iran.
Iranian exile urges decisive EU action against brutal crackdown
Iranian exile urges decisive EU action against brutal crackdown
www.brusselstimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:18 AM
The EU must do more to stop the violent response against the uprising by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s security forces, says the National Council of Resistance of Iran.
From locking your phone remotely to securing your accounts, swift action can limit the damage and give you a sense of control.
What to do if your mobile phone is stolen in Brussels
What to do if your mobile phone is stolen in Brussels
www.brusselstimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:58 AM
From locking your phone remotely to securing your accounts, swift action can limit the damage and give you a sense of control.
Amid rising EU-US tensions, a new report has accused Big Tech of courting far-right MEPs to weaken the EU's regulatory power on AI and data.
US tech giants allying with European far-right to strip back EU rules
US tech giants allying with European far-right to strip back EU rules
www.brusselstimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:37 AM
Amid rising EU-US tensions, a new report has accused Big Tech of courting far-right MEPs to weaken the EU's regulatory power on AI and data.
The medicines that are mainly used to prevent thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation.
More than 400,000 Belgians take blood thinners
More than 400,000 Belgians take blood thinners
www.brusselstimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:08 AM
The medicines that are mainly used to prevent thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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 January?
The Brussels Times Gig Guide: What are the best concerts this January?
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Check out the best upcoming gigs in Brussels for you and your friends not to miss.
The "free and high-speed Wi-Fi" access will be available using the Starlink satellite network from SpaceX.
Brussels Airlines to offer free Wi-Fi following deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink
Brussels Airlines to offer free Wi-Fi following deal with Elon Musk's Starlink
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:56 PM
The "free and high-speed Wi-Fi" access will be available using the Starlink satellite network from SpaceX.
Attila Steiner on Merkel, Magyar and MOL
Ep.120: Hungary’s Deepening Dependency on Russian Oil
Ep.120: Hungary’s Deepening Dependency on Russian Oil
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Attila Steiner on Merkel, Magyar and MOL
Leo Varadkar with a new warning for Europe.
Ep.122: Anti-LGBT as a Strategic Threat
Ep.122: Anti-LGBT as a Strategic Threat
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Leo Varadkar with a new warning for Europe.
The EU’s new digital system aims to curb illegal fishing by verifying seafood imports and ensuring they meet strict standards. 70% of seafood in Europe is imported.
EU introduces digital catch certificate system for seafood imports
EU introduces digital catch certificate system for seafood imports
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:35 PM
The EU’s new digital system aims to curb illegal fishing by verifying seafood imports and ensuring they meet strict standards. 70% of seafood in Europe is imported.
The EU invites public input on its ambitious European Ocean Act, designed to unify maritime policy while addressing climate and environmental goals. Deadline: February 2026.
EU seeks public input on new European Ocean Act
EU seeks public input on new European Ocean Act
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:19 PM
The EU invites public input on its ambitious European Ocean Act, designed to unify maritime policy while addressing climate and environmental goals. Deadline: February 2026.
Millions of recreational fishers across the EU will soon record their sea catches under new, harmonised reporting rules. A mobile app aims to simplify the process.
EU launches first major data system for recreational sea-fishing catches
EU launches first major data system for recreational sea-fishing catches
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Millions of recreational fishers across the EU will soon record their sea catches under new, harmonised reporting rules. A mobile app aims to simplify the process.
Croatia plans to increase defence spending, hitting NATO’s 2% target by 2025. The nation has already provided €300 million in military aid to Ukraine, NATO confirmed.
NATO chief praises Croatia’s contribution to alliance, support for Ukraine
NATO chief praises Croatia’s contribution to alliance, support for Ukraine
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Croatia plans to increase defence spending, hitting NATO’s 2% target by 2025. The nation has already provided €300 million in military aid to Ukraine, NATO confirmed.
New Eurostat data shows 65% of Europeans travelled in 2024, with 71% staying inside their countries. Foreign trips within the EU cost €1,053 on average, far outstripping domestic travel spending.
Most Europeans travel domestically, foreign trips cost thrice more
Most Europeans travel domestically, foreign trips cost thrice more
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:18 PM
New Eurostat data shows 65% of Europeans travelled in 2024, with 71% staying inside their countries. Foreign trips within the EU cost €1,053 on average, far outstripping domestic travel spending.
"Thousands of hours of consultancy have been invoiced, without any results."
Discontinued police project cost Belgium €75.8 million, says Interior Minister
Discontinued police project cost Belgium €75.8 million, says Interior Minister
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:58 PM
"Thousands of hours of consultancy have been invoiced, without any results."
PFAS pollution in European drinking water sparks first-ever systematic monitoring. EU launches strict new rules to combat contamination risks.
EU takes historic step to confront PFAS contamination in drinking water
EU takes historic step to confront PFAS contamination in drinking water
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:37 PM
PFAS pollution in European drinking water sparks first-ever systematic monitoring. EU launches strict new rules to combat contamination risks.
Stranded passengers stand to benefit as EU lawmakers push back against reducing compensation payouts and expand traveller rights for missed flights and delays.
EU lawmakers reject push to weaken air passenger rights
EU lawmakers reject push to weaken air passenger rights
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Stranded passengers stand to benefit as EU lawmakers push back against reducing compensation payouts and expand traveller rights for missed flights and delays.
Global central bank leaders unite, declaring the independence of their institutions as ‘essential’ for global economic and financial health.
ECB, other central banks rally behind US Fed in rare move
ECB, other central banks rally behind US Fed in rare move
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Global central bank leaders unite, declaring the independence of their institutions as ‘essential’ for global economic and financial health.
After Honduras’s electoral council confirmed Nasry Asfura as president-elect, the EU calls for respect of voter decisions and a peaceful political transition.
EU condemns Honduran election recount push amid tensions
EU condemns Honduran election recount push amid tensions
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:16 PM
After Honduras’s electoral council confirmed Nasry Asfura as president-elect, the EU calls for respect of voter decisions and a peaceful political transition.
“We have ensured the essentials: protection, shelter, and support, but the humanitarian emergency does not end with the closure of a centre."
Brussels’ emergency homeless shelter closes as Red Cross calls for solutions
Brussels' emergency homeless shelter closes as Red Cross calls for solutions
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:05 PM
“We have ensured the essentials: protection, shelter, and support, but the humanitarian emergency does not end with the closure of a centre."
Similar systems are already in place with countries such as Armenia, Georgia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Belgium to use digital platform to process cases of irregular Serbian migrants
Belgium to use digital platform to process cases of irregular Serbian migrants
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Similar systems are already in place with countries such as Armenia, Georgia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
"She lifted the child out of his cot by one arm and shouted at her boyfriend, 'If you leave me, I'll drop him!', after which she threw him onto the sofa."
Belgian woman convicted for abusing four-month-old baby
Belgian woman convicted for abusing four-month-old baby
www.brusselstimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:52 PM
"She lifted the child out of his cot by one arm and shouted at her boyfriend, 'If you leave me, I'll drop him!', after which she threw him onto the sofa."