Belgium has dropped from second to fourth place on the Rainbow Map & Index 2026, ILGA Europe’s annual ranking of LGBTQIA+ rights across the continent. The ranking, published on 12 May 2026, reveals a troubling trend: while Belgium has long been regarded as a pioneer in LGBTQIA+ rights, its failure to address critical gaps has…
Tag: Europe
RAINBOW EUROPE MAP AND INDEX 2026 | Spain breaks Malta’s decade-long hold on Europe’s LGBTQIA+ rights top spot
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,…
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…
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.
Antwerp remains the top conference destination in Flanders
Antwerp remains the top conference destination in Flanders – and the wider region – and continues to impress with strong experiences, accessibility and professional support. New large-scale research from Visit Flanders, conducted between September 2024 and July 2025, confirms the international appeal of Flemish conference cities including Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Leuven, Mechelen and Ostend.
Deutsche Bahn, DSB and Vy present direct Berlin – Oslo route, from summer 2028
Deutsche Bahn (DB) will launch a new daily direct connection between Berlin and Oslo via Hamburg, Copenhagen, Malmö, and Gothenburg from summer 2028. This initiative, in cooperation with the Danske Statsbaner (DSB) in Denmark and Vy in Norway, will be one of Europe’s longest rail routes.
European Rail Passengers Union: EU must act now to make cross-border rail travel seamless, fair, and green
Cross-border rail travel in Europe is at a crossroads, says the European Rail Passengers Union. While trains are the most sustainable option for connecting communities and meeting climate goals, passengers continue to face fragmented services, unclear rights, and a ticketing system that often feels designed to deter rather than encourage travel.
Brussels Airlines has fuel for at least next 4 to 6 weeks
Brussels Airlines has received assurances from its fuel suppliers that kerosene deliveries are secured for the next four to six weeks, CEO Dorothea von Boxberg announced on Wednesday. The airline has hedged 80% of its kerosene, locking in prices and shielding itself from recent price spikes. This strategy provides a competitive edge, particularly over United…
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…
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.