In 2025, the City of Antwerp has carried out an inventory of commercial activity in its shopping streets. This triennial study maps out various dynamics, including which shops, hospitality venues and services are active, and also examines vacancy levels. As Flanders’ leading shopping city, Antwerp closely monitors developments in its retail streets.
Tag: Politics
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.
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…
Belarus adopts sweeping anti-gay information law, joining global crackdown on queer rights, criminalises “promotion” of homosexuality, gender transition, and childlessness
Belarus has adopted a controversial law banning the “propaganda” of consensual same-sex relationships, gender reassignment, and voluntary childlessness, aligning itself with a growing number of nations that criminalise discussions and positive portrayals of LGBTQIA+ identities.
NMBS / SNCB considers demolition of Antwerp-Berchem Railway Station building from 2030
Antwerp-Berchem Railway Station no longer meets the standards of a modern transport hub, and NMBS / SNCB is now examining the possibility of demolishing the existing building and replacing it entirely. Rail infrastructure manager Infrabel has earmarked €37 million for a major overhaul of the station, while the federal government has decided that works will…
BELGIUM | Infrabel to upgrade Antwerp-Berchem and add second track between Mol and Neerpelt, amongst other major projects
Belgium’s Federal Government has approved an update to the performance contract of rail infrastructure manager Infrabel, paving the way for a series of new railway investment projects aimed at improving safety, reliability and capacity, particularly in port areas.
Antwerp refines Tree Plan: continued focus on Future Trees and green volume
The City of Antwerp is taking further steps to sustainably strengthen its urban greenery, with an update to the existing Tree Plan (Bomenplan). This includes concrete guidelines to place an even stronger emphasis on Future Trees and on the sustainable expansion of green volume across the city.
WEST FLANDERS | Westhoek World War I ‘Monuments & Moments’ theme year 2027-2028
From 16 June 2027 to 11 November 2028, the Province of West Flanders, together with Westtoer/Toerisme Westhoek, Toerisme Vlaanderen and local partners, will organise ‘Monuments & Moments‘, a new World War I theme year in the Westhoek region.
FLANDERS | Six heritage organisations receive new official recognition mark
In September 2025, he Flemish Minister of Culture, Caroline Gennez (Vooruit), has officially recognised six collection-managing organisations: Archief Lier, the University Archives of KU Leuven, Kunstenbibliotheek & Muziekbibliotheek in Ghent, Liberation Garden in Leopoldsburg (Bourg-Léopold) HEY Museum in Knokke-Heist and Kazerne Dossin in Mechelen (Malines, Mechlin)
Morocco records historic tourism year with 19.8 million visitors in 2025
The Kingdom of Morocco welcomed approximately 19.8 million visitors in 2025, marking the highest number of tourists ever recorded by the country. The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 14% compared with 2024 and brings the North African destination to the threshold of what the government has described as the “symbolic milestone” of 20 million…