As the rules-based international order fractures and democracy is under pressure from east and west, Spain‘s top ranking in ILGA-Europe‘s Rainbow Map of 49 countries on LGBTI human rights laws and policies stands as proof that political courage remains the most powerful answer. Belgium retains its score of 85% but falls to forth in the ranking,…
Tag: Belgium
GERMANY | Introducing Cologne
November and December 2017. During my solo trip to Taiwan – the vacation which was a catalyst to start Trip By Trip – I met Ugo. Fast forward to August 2025. Ugo is touring Europe and we decided to meet up. Showing him Antwerp was an option, but fitting the metropolis into his itinerary was…
UPDATE | NMBS / SNCB presents new rainbow-clad Siemens Desiro for IDAHOT and Pride
On Instagram, NMBS / SNCB showed of a new rainbow-clad Siemens Desiro for Brussels Pride and for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, aka IDAHOT or IDAHOBIT.
Switzerland – United Kingdom direct rail link moves closer as SBB-CFF-FFS, SNCF Voyageurs and Eurostar sign memorandum of understanding
A memorandum of understanding for a possible direct rail connection between Switzerland and London in the United Kingdom was signed today by SBB-CFF-FFS, SNCF Voyageurs and Eurostar. The agreement marks a significant step towards meeting the growing demand for international rail travel, with London being the most popular destination from Switzerland.
NETHERLANDS | The Hague aims to become Europe’s gateway with direct links to Brussels, Paris, and Berlin
The Hague, the Dutch seat of government and home to over 500 international organisations, is pushing to restore its direct rail connection to Brussels in Belgium by 2029. The city, which hosts institutions like the International Criminal Court, the United Nation’s International Court of Justice, and Europol, currently lacks a direct passenger link to the…
GoVolta to launch Amsterdam – Antwerp – Ghent – Paris route on 14 December as Berlin services expand and Hamburg link ends
Dutch train operator GoVolta has announced a major expansion of its cross-border services, with a new daily Amsterdam to Paris route set to launch on 14 December 2026. The company is also increasing its Berlin services to six times a week from July, while suspending its Hamburg link due to low passenger numbers.
COLOGNE | Belgisches Viertel or Belgian Quarter
November and December 2017. During my solo trip to Taiwan – the vacation which was a catalyst to start Trip By Trip – I met Ugo. Fast forward to August 2025. Ugo is touring Europe and we decided to meet up. Showing him Antwerp was an option, but fitting the metropolis into his itinerary was…
GoVolta to halt Amsterdam to Hamburg service and focus on trains to Berlin
Dutch private train operator GoVolta will stop running trains from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Hamburg in Germany, train spotter Martijn van Vulpen reports.
Brussels Pride 2026 marks 30 years of struggle, visibility, and celebration
Brussels “will shine brighter than ever” on Saturday 16 May 2026, as the city celebrates the 30th anniversary of Brussels Pride. This milestone edition, organised under the powerful theme ‘When times get darker, we shine brighter‘, is expected to draw around 200,000 people to the capital of Belgium.
PHOTOS | This is Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station in 2026
For the first time in more than four decades, trains are once again stopping on Antwerp’s Left Bank. The reopening of Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station on Saturday 2 May 2026 marks the return of rail services to a part of the city that has long depended almost entirely on trams, buses and tunnels for its connection…