Belgium and the Netherlands have taken a step towards improving cross-border rail connectivity, with a potential direct Brussels to Eindhoven train emerging as one of the most symbolic and politically significant projects in a newly signed joint declaration on rail cooperation.
Tag: Politics
ANTWERP | Premetro tunnel between Left and Right Banks to close for nearly a year for major renovation works
The premetro tunnel connecting Antwerp’s left and right banks will close for almost a year for extensive renovation works, starting on 4 May 2026 and lasting until at least mid-March 2027. During this period, no trams will run between the Park-and-Ride Melsele on Linkeroever (Left Bank) and the Astrid and Diamant premetro stations near Antwerp-Central…
BELGIUM | Defence Ministry sees Antwerp Airport as strategic asset as pilot training school expands despite uncertainty over Deurne’s future
The Belgian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Antwerp International Airport (also: Antwerp City Airport) in Deurne remains a strategic asset for military operations and training, with the armed forces carrying out more than 200 flight movements per year at the regional airport in recent years, Gazet van Antwerpen reports.
28 FEBRUARY | Brussels Pride 2026 looking for input from LGBTQIA+ community
Brussels Pride – In the Capital of Europe. That is the official name of Brussels Pride. The rebrand from Belgian Pride happened for the 2023 edition, as it is now organised by visit.brussels, the tourism board of the Brussels-Capital Region. This year, the pride parade will be held on Saturday 16 May. It will celebrate…
City of Antwerp seeks new concession holder for event venue beneath Antwerp-Central Railway Station
The City of Antwerp has launched a call for a new concession holder for the large shell space beneath the railway bridges of Antwerp-Central Railway Station, currently occupied by Club Ampère. The entrance to the venue is located at Simonsstraat 21, and the site forms part of the Kievit II urban development project that significantly…
BELGIUM | Access gates to be introduced in major railway stations, reversing earlier opposition
The Belgian Federal Government is moving ahead with the installation of access gates in major railway stations, despite earlier opposition from passenger groups, unions, and the railway operator itself, Gazet van Antwerpen, Het Nieuwsblad and De Standaard report.
ANTWERP | Concept for Meir redevelopment plan approved
The City of Antwerp has reached a new milestone in its plans to redevelop the Meir and the surrounding streets Leysstraat, Jezusstraat and Twaalfmaandenstraat. The concept design has been completed and approved by the city executive board, and will be submitted to the district executive board for approval on Monday (today).
Antwerp tourism breaks records again in 2025 with strong growth in day visitors, overnight stays and international events
Antwerp recorded another exceptional tourism year in 2025, welcoming a record number of visitors and confirming its position as one of Belgium’s leading city destinations. The city counted 16,271,561 day visitors, an increase of 3% compared with 2024, while stay tourism rose even more sharply.
Belgian Mobility Minister wants to revive direct train service to Switzerland
Belgium’s federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) wants to make a direct train connection between Belgium and Switzerland possible again, Gazet van Antwerpen and Het Nieuwsblad report. In his latest policy note, Minister Crucke argues that a direct rail link is necessary and says he intends to give instructions to prepare a relaunch of…
ANTWERP | New-build Technical Cluster North ready at the end of 2027
On the Havana site in the north of Antwerp, the City of Antwerp is constructing a new logistics centre. In the future, this large energy-neutral building will become the base of operations for 600 employees from various municipal operational services. It is scheduled to be taken into use at the end of 2027, if everything…