The European Commission wants to make international train travel in Europe much simpler. Its newly unveiled Passenger Package promises easier booking, stronger passenger rights and more seamless cross-border journeys. In theory, the reforms could finally bring European rail travel closer to the convenience passengers already expect from air travel.
Tag: Politics
Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies unhappy with EU Passenger Package
On Wednesday 13 May 2026, the European Commission proposed new rules to simplify train travel, enabling single-ticket booking across Europe. The move aims to boost sustainable travel and help the European Union meet its climate goals by making rail a more attractive alternative to short flights. Rail companies will have one year to adjust their…
ANTWERP | Middelheimmuseum presents ‘Monster Chetwynd. A Friends Making Machine’: first Belgian solo show and open-air exhibition for British artist
The Middelheimmuseum in Antwerp will present ‘Monster Chetwynd. A Friends Making Machine’, the British artist’s first museum solo exhibition in Belgium and her first-ever open-air show, from 16 May to 11 October 2026.
NS will not run EuroCity trains to and from Brussels to Eindhoven
The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) is not adopting Dutch train passengers union Rover‘s proposal to extend the EuroCity Brussels-South to Breda route to Eindhoven Central instead of Rotterdam Central, the organisation states.
ANTWERP | St James’ Church (Sint-Jacobskerk) fully reopens after seven years of restoration
After an extensive seven-year restoration, the monumental St James’ Church (Sint-Jacobskerk) in Antwerp will fully reopen its doors to the public. From Friday 15 May, visitors will once again be able to explore the church and its rich heritage in all its glory.
PASSENGER PACKAGE | European Union wants seamless rail travel with one ticket across Europe, but critics see major obstacles
On 13 May 2026, the European Commission has unveiled sweeping plans to make rail travel across Europe simpler and more integrated, promising easier booking, stronger passenger rights and smoother international journeys. But shortly after the proposals were published, railway experts, passenger organisations, and others argue the reforms risk becoming too rigid, too complex and ultimately…
Belgium slips to 4th in European LGBTQIA+ rights ranking: stagnation and unaddressed gaps
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…
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,…
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.