The Syrian conflict is attracting scores of Belgian Islamists to leave home and join the fight. According to Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, roughly 200 mostly young men have left for Syria in the past few months, with 20 losing their lives. Official reports show that the majority of the fighters...

There are small signs of improvement for the world’s worst traffic city. The latest figures show that the number of cars on Brussels’ roads is falling, but that good news hasn’t translated into improved mobility. In the ten years between 2003 and 2013 road traffic has decreased 7%, a significant...

The influential rating agency Standard & Poor’s has maintained Brussels-Capital Region’s AA rating, while adding a warning that the outlook is negative. “We consider the Region of Brussels Capital to be benefitting from a sound financial management and a wealthy economy,” the agency said...

A religious community near the Italian city of Florence has refused to welcome Michelle Martin, the ex-wife of Belgian pedophile and child killer Marc Dutroux. Despite being paroled and given permission by Belgian Authorities to travel to Italy, Martin will have to seek shelter elsewhere. Since...

The government of Flanders plans to make “regular, large-scale checks” of drivers whose cars are equipped with foreign number plates, in an effort to detect those who are avoiding local registration and road taxes, finance minister Philippe Muyters told the Flemish parliament. An initial inspection...

To the passersby’ eye, house numbers 453 and 347 along avenue Louise don’t stand out from the rest. But a dark history exists beyond the doors and below surface, a history worth remembering. During the Second World War occupation of Brussels the building’s cellars were used by the German secret...

The very first Mamma Roma restaurant opened its doors at Place Flagey in Brussels in 2005. Before long, several more would sprout up across the capital. The concept combines a rotating menu of delicious pizza (soup, antipasti and desserts are also available) with the convenience of casual, walk-up...

What do you do? For 38 years I’ve been employed as a tax expert by the federal finance ministry, in the customs division. Once a week I’m at the reception, so I’m helping trade, moving the traffic of goods forward by signing the required certificates. The rest of the week I’m out in the field,...

Renting out guest rooms on a private basis in Brussels will become subject to stricter rules, according to new laws that impose a number of obligations on property owners. Non-compliance with the new rules risks a fine of between €250 and €25,000. More than 5,000 people are thought to be renting...

A Belgian court has ruled that Michelle Martin, the ex-wife and accomplice of Belgian child killer Marc Dutroux, will be allowed to travel abroad to find a new home. Martin ( pictured ) was arrested in 1996 for helping Dutroux kidnap and rape six girls. Dutroux killed two of them and left two...