Belgium
The Kingdom of Belgium is located at the crossroads of Latin and Germanic Europe. The northern part of the country, loosely referred to as Flanders (Vlaanderen), has a predominantly Dutch (Flemish)-speaking population; in the southern region, known as Wallonia (Wallonie), the principal language is French. From these two peoples Belgium has derived a rich cultural heritage, as well as a tradition of sectional antagonism that is still very much a feature of its national life. Belgium is a constitutional monarchy in northwestern Europe. One of the Low Countries, it is bounded by the North Sea, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.
Interesting Facts on Belgium
Do you know Belgium is the only country in the world that brews 400 different flavors of beer? Here are a few interesting facts on Belgium. Read on…
Belgium: Brugge: Guide To Hotels of Brugge
Future travelers to Europe who are interested in a dry autumn vacation can go to the Internet for resources on the Belgian city of Brugge.
How Benelux is Tackling the Economic Crisis
Belgians strike in protest at falling living standards as French company takes over their biggest bank
The Cuisine of Belgium
It is said that Belgian food is served with the quantity of Germany and the quality of France. The Belgians invented „French" fries – in Flemish frieten and in French – frites.
The Grand Haven Musical Fountain and the Jeanneke Pis
Even after two decades however, the Jeanneke Pis Fountain has not been accepted by the city of Brussels. One can however, find her image on postcards and assorted keepsake items sold all through the city. The Jeanneke Pis Fountain is a demonstration to Brussels' relaxed European attitude - one of which greets guests from all over the planet with open arms and a gracious smile.
Crisis Talks As Row Threatens Break-up of Belgium
Gulf between Dutch-speaking majority in north and stagnating French-speaking south widens
New Political Crisis Threatens Belgian Break-up
Leaders hold urgent talks to resolve fresh dispute between Dutch-speaking Flemish majority and French-speaking minority
Belgium Goes to War With Itself
On Europe: The seemingly irreconcilable differences between the Flemish and the Walloons leads David Gow to ponder how globalisation could break Europe up into resentful, self-absorbed parts
Anheuser Formally Rejects Offer From Belgian Brewer
Anheuser-Busch flatly rejected a $46bn takeover offer from Belgium's InBev as "financially inadequate"
Belgian Brewer Inbev Issues $46bn Bid for Anheuser-busch
Anheuser this evening confirmed it had received a proposal priced at $65 a share in cash
Divided Belgians Draw Line at Divorce
Despite the cultural gap and a government crisis, most of the country is desperate to stay together
2008 - Christmas Activities And Sights In Belgium
Did you plan to travel to Belgium for Christmas? You've come to the right place!
Belgium's Survival in Question As 'next Pm' Quits the Battle
Belgium's chances of surviving as a single country suffered a significant blow last night when the man tipped to be the next Prime Minister abandoned almost six months of bad-tempered wrangling over a new government and threw in the towel
Bye Bye Belgium?
With deep divisions between its French and Dutch speakers, not to mention a ludicrously complex administrative system, it's a wonder Belgium has stayed united for so long. Now, after 156 days without a national government, the country is heading for meltdown. Jon Henley reports
'Belgium? Something That Does Not Exist' Political Fault Lines Divide Nation
Long-running crisis could lead to nation separating into Flanders and Wallonia.
Belgium Divided As Flanders Pushes for a Messy Divorce
On Tuesday, Belgium marks its first 100 days without a government. There is every reason to believe that the Belgians, and the rest of us, will have to get used to it. The questions now are how will the divorce of Flanders and Wallonia be consummated, and what will become of Brussels, home to the EU and Nato?
Belgian Prime Minister Fails to Win Third Term
The Belgian prime minister was drummed out of office last night in a general election likely to produce a new coalition led by Christian Democrats.
Belgian Pm Loses Vote After Two Terms
The prime minister of Belgium and one of Europe's longest-serving leaders, Guy Verhofstadt, was drummed out of office last night in a general election likely to produce a new coalition led by Christian Democrats.
Can We Have Our Chairs Back? Belgian Royal May See Different Court
Belgium's controversy-hit royal family is facing a new debacle over antique chairs.
Google Infringed Copyright, Belgian Court Rules
Google could face daily fines of €25,000 (£17,000) after losing a court battle with Belgian publishers over the scope of its Google News service.
Embassies and Public Duped By Belgian Tv Hoax
The main French language television station hoodwinked Belgium into thinking that it had split in two when it reported that Flanders had issued a unilateral declaration of independence.
Couple Found in Belgium After Vanishing From Ferry
A couple whose disappearance from a cross-Channel ferry sparked a seven-hour air and sea rescue operation covering hundreds of square miles were found in Belgium last night.
Far Right Strives to Disguise Its Roots in Bid for National Power
From the ashes of a party banned for inciting hatred, a new force is emerging in Belgium, reports Jason Burke in Antwerp.
Belgian Neo-nazis in 'terror Plot'
Belgian police yesterday arrested 17 alleged neo-Nazis, mostly serving soldiers, who were said to be planning to destabilise the country's institutions in a series of terrorist attacks.
Vodafone Sells Stake in Belgian Mobile Operator
Vodafone today sold its 25% stake the Belgian mobile operator Proximus for €2bn (£1.4bn), as the company focuses on its most profitable operations.
Autopsies Show Belgian Girls Were Strangled
The two Belgian schoolgirls who were found dead on Wednesday were strangled before their bodies were dumped beside a busy railway line, preliminary autopsy results revealed yesterday.
Police Find Bodies of Missing Belgian Girls
Belgian police searching for two schoolgirls who went missing earlier this month have found their bodies, it was confirmed today.
Belgium Faces Its Painful Past As Two Girls Go Missing
· Police hunt seven and 10-year-old 'disparues' · Posters remind Belgians of horrific paedophile case
Belgium Waits in Despair As Police Hunt for Missing Girls
In the atmosphere of despair that hangs over Liege, the biggest shock is to see children innocently enjoying themselves.
Child-killer Town in Fear Again 10 Years on
Thousands of 'missing' posters have been plastered across Belgium after two schoolgirls disappeared from the same town where the paedophile murderer, Marc Dutroux, struck 10 years ago.
Europe's Woman Suicide Bomber
Police in Belgium and France launched a series of raids yesterday against a suspected terrorist network after a Belgian-born convert to Islam blew herself up in Baghdad, becoming Europe's first woman suicide bomber.
Infamous Belgians
Behind its facade of prosperity and calm, Belgium refuses to face up to its dark past. Hywel Williams
Dutroux Gets Life in Prison
The Belgian paedophile Marc Dutroux was sentenced to life in prison today for kidnapping, raping and murdering young girls. A 12-member jury and three-judge panel returned the sentence, bringing to an end the trial in Arlon, south-east Belgium, which has horrified the nation and been...
Eight Years On, Belgian Child Killer Found Guilty
The most hated man in Belgium, Marc Dutroux, was finally convicted yesterday of a series of child rapes and murders that horrified the world.
Ryanair Appeals Against Loss of £3m Belgian Aid
Ryanair has begun a formal attempt to overturn the European commission's judgment that the low-fare carrier received illegal state aid in a cut-price deal to land at Belgium's Charleroi airport. In a case that marks a watershed in the development of low-cost air travel, the Irish company...
Survivor Faces Dutroux in Belgian Court
Victim of Belgium's most notorious child rapist asks her tormentor: 'Why did you not liquidate me?'
Survivor Confronts Dutroux in Court
Victim of Belgium's most notorious child rapist asks her tormentor: 'Why did you not liquidate me?'
Ryanair to Keep Hub at Charleroi
Ryanair has promised to explore basing additional aircraft at Belgium's Charleroi airport, under a deal to renegotiate its controversial package of landing incentives from the local authority. The Irish low-cost airline has agreed that its cut-price airport and handling charges will...
Handcuff Key 'found Near Dutroux Cell'
Police in Belgium were today investigating reports that a handcuff key had been found close to the cell housing alleged child killer and rapist Marc Dutroux. The key was reported to have been found in a jar of salt in a kitchen near the cell, and its discovery raised fears that Dutroux,...
Euan Ferguson on the Belgian Paedophile Trial
At last Marc Dutroux's sex crime trial has begun, and Belgium's cry for justice is embodied in a witness who, when a 12-year-old eight years ago, was raped 20 times. Euan Ferguson reports from Arlon.
Belgian Paedophilia Trial Begins
The long-awaited trial of an alleged child killer charged with kidnapping and abusing six girls aged from eight to 19, four of whom died, today began in Belgium. Four bodies were dug up, and two sexually abused girls rescued from cells in Marc Dutroux's basement in 1996 but the case, by...
Date Arrives for Trial of Belgian Child Killer
Suspicions of a wider network linger as date arrives for trial of Belgian child killer.
EU on Line to Prohibit Gm Oilseed Rape Crops
Greens hail an environmental victory for biodiversity as Belgium rejects Bayer application and urges all member states to follow suit.
Belgium Bans Cat, Dog And Seal Fur
Belgium has banned the import and trade of fur from dogs, cats and seals. The ban brings the number of EU nations that have outlawed the trade in cat and dog fur to five – Belgium now joining Italy, France, Greece and Denmark.
A Nightmare Revisited
Seven long years after his arrest, Belgium is to confront its demons and put paedophile Marc Dutroux on trial, writes Andrew Osborn.
Six Jailed for Killing of Belgian Minister
Twelve years after Belgium's former deputy prime minister, André Cools, was shot dead in cold blood, a court yesterday found six men guilty of masterminding the country's most sensational political killing.
Belgian Police Guilty of Deportation Death
Belgium suspended its policy of forcibly deporting failed asylum seekers until further notice yesterday after four police officers were found guilty of "involuntarily" suffocating a Nigerian woman to death.
Child Killer's Love Letters to Girl, 15
A fresh scandal over Belgium's handling of the paedophile Marc Dutroux erupted yesterday after it was revealed that he was for two years allowed to correspond romantically with a 15-year-old girl from his prison cell.
'What Shocks Me is the Lack of Humanity'
The violent death of an asylum seeker has forced Belgium to examine its collective conscience, says Andrew Osborn.
Bin Laden Disciple Jailed for 10 Years in Belgium
Tunisian-born former footballer plotted to blow up canteen at US air force base.
Belgium Fights Slick From Wreck
Belgium launched an emergency clean-up operation yesterday after a sunken cargo ship submerged in the North Sea leaked some 100 tonnes of heavy oil. The Tricolor, which sank carrying a cargo of luxury cars last year after colliding with another vessel in thick fog about 20 miles north of...
Belgium Caves in Over Grand Prix Tobacco Ads
British Formula One motor racing boss forces Belgian government to postpone law banning cigarette advertising.
Belgium to Scrap War Crimes Law
Human rights groups accused Belgium of caving in to the US yesterday after the country's centre-left government said it would scrap a war crimes law which has upset Washington and Tel Aviv. The 1993 law, which allowed Belgian courts to try cases of war crimes committed by anyone, anywhere...
Belgium Gives in to Us on War Crimes Law
Belgium has bowed to US pressure and agreed to limit the scope of its controversial war crimes law. American officials signalled that the changes might defuse a row which has led to the threatened boycott of Nato's Brussels headquarters and soured relations between the two countries...
US Threatens to Boycott Belgium Over War Crimes Law
The bitter dispute between the US and Europe over Iraq burst into the open again yesterday when the US threatened Belgium with a boycott and Germany and France registered protests at the UN about Washington's continued opposition to the international criminal court. The US defence...
Belgian Historians Examine Country's Role in Atrocities Against Jews
Government acts after 60 years of collusion as a taboo subject. More than 60 years after the first "death train" filled with Jews left Belgium for the gas chambers of Auschwitz an unprecedented investigation into the complicity of the Belgian authorities in the final solution is to be carried out.
Al-Qaida trial opens in Belgium
One of Europe's most significant terror trials since September 11 began in Belgium yesterday with prosecutors seeking to establish the guilt of 23 alleged Islamist extremists.
Let's Hear It for Belgium
An attempt to try Tommy Franks for war crimes in a Belgian court has outraged the US. Belgium is becoming an interesting country. In the course of a week, it has managed to upset both liberal opinion in Europe - by granting the far-right Vlaams Blok 18 parliamentary seats - and illiberal opinion in the US.
Belgian Far Right Poised for Breakthrough
Belgium's far-right Vlaams Blok party was on the brink of a historic breakthrough last night after initial results in the federal elections indicated it had increased its support by almost a third and achieved its best result in its 25-year history. Preliminary results showed it had...
Far right poised for big Belgian poll gains
The Belgian anti-immigration party Vlaams Blok is forecast to achieve its best result in 25 years in the general election tomorrow, giving a dramatic boost to the far-right movement in Europe.
Dog and Cat Fur 'farmed' in Belgium
Disturbing evidence suggesting that cats and dogs are being systematically "farmed" for their fur in Belgium and made into blankets, coats and gloves, was released yesterday. The evidence, which was gathered by undercover investigators working for the American campaign group Humane...
Dutroux faces trial with three others
A court in Belgium ruled yesterday that the suspected paedophile and child killer Marc Dutroux is to stand trial with three others.
Franks may face war crimes charge
Belgium is coming under pressure from the US to block a potentially explosive war crimes case against General Tommy Franks, commander of coalition forces in Iraq.
Soldier to Life's Battles
A story of a WW2 soldier and his love affair. 54th Battalion. 4th Division. Unit 984. Belgium. 1944. Crumble buildings. Strewn bodies. A growing fear. Boiling, uneasy groans. Seeing beyond the pale light of the war to the dim glimmer of death.
Belgium to legalise cannabis
The Belgian parliament has voted to legalise the personal use of cannabis, within certain guidelines, for anyone over the age of 18.
Compromising Justice
Belgium is poised to water down a controversial war crimes law that has caused the country no end of diplomatic embarrassment, writes Andrew Osborn.
Belgium's Far Right Resurgent
The Vlaams Blok party has emerged stronger than ever from a determined attempt to shut it down, writes Andrew Osborn.
Whistle Blown on Eurovision Singer Linked to Neo-nazis
Belgium's participation in this year's Eurovision song contest ignited controversy last night when the state security service accused a singer of having links with the country's neo-Nazi movement. Anxious to spare the nation's blushes, the Sûreté de l'Etat took the highly...
Israel scorns 'anti-semitic little Belgium'
Israel accused Belgium of anti-semitism yesterday following a court decision which could lead to the prosecution of Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister.
Belgium Asserts Right to Try Sharon
Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister, can be tried for genocide in Belgium once he has left office, the Belgian appeal court ruled last night. The judgment opens the way for survivors of a 1982 massacre of Palestinian refugees in Beirut to press their case against the Likud leader...
Dull Belgium wants to be as hip as Holland
The Netherlands has long been regarded as Europe's most permissive nation, but an unlikely interloper is staking a claim to that title: boring old Belgium.
Belgium May Revive Sharon War Crimes Case
Belgium is to make changes to its internationally contentious global war crimes legislation which risk resurrecting a politically sensitive case against the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon. Belgium gave itself the right in 1993 to try cases of war crimes committed by anyone, anywhere...
'Arab Malcolm X' poised to put a flame to Belgium's powder keg
A thick hail of stones lashes a passing car, the frightened driver is set upon by an angry mob and, minutes later, the ubiquitous sirens of the riot police resonate across the darkened city.
A nation searches its soul
Calls for an inquiry into Belgium's complicated wartime past are gathering pace, writes Andrew Osborn.
Inquiry into Belgium's Nazi record
Belgium may investigate the alleged complicity of its wartime authorities in the deportation and murder of some 25,000 Jews.
Girl of 11 Abused By 19 Belgian Villagers
Country still awaiting Dutroux trial shocked at father who prostituted child to doctor and tradesmen.
Belgian Minister Quits in Arms Row
Belgium's coalition government was shaken yesterday when a minister resigned in a row over arms exports and "ethical" foreign policy. Magda Aelvoet, a Green member of Guy Verhofstadt's coalition, said she was stepping down after confirmation that a shipment of weapons would go to Nepal,...
Arabic: a Language for Belgium?
A controversial Islamist activist has caused waves by demanding that a fourth official tongue be recognised, writes Andrew Osborn.
Pygmy Show at Zoo Sparks Disgust
Troubling memories of Belgium's cruel colonial past have been reawakened by an exhibition in which eight pygmies from Cameroon perform for tourists in a manner which campaigners have claimed is racist and neo-colonial. Although the exhibition in the grounds of a private zoo is ostensibly...
Separation Anxieties
July 15: Flanders' demands for independence from the rest of Belgium are becoming louder and increasingly hard to ignore, writes Andrew Osborn.
Belgium Exhumes Its Colonial Demons
More than a century after King Leopold II of Belgium claimed Congo as his personal colony, an unprecedented investigation into Belgium's murky colonial past and long-ignored allegations of genocide is to be held.
Brussels and the Civil Liberties Balance
June 7: Belgium's secret service chief has resigned following accusations that politicial correctness prevented her organisation from rooting out Islamist extremists, writes Ian Black.
Synagogues Firebombed in France and Belgium
Jewish leaders in France yesterday demanded urgent government action after an unprecedented wave of attacks on synagogues and Jewish-owned property around the country. A synagogue in Marseille, destroyed by fire along with its Torah scrolls and other sacred books on Sunday night, was the...
Sharon Cannot Be Tried in Belgium, Says Court
A controversial Belgian court case against the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon, appeared to be over before it had begun last night after the international court of justice ruled that past and present government leaders cannot be tried for war crimes by a foreign state. Mr Sharon has...
Belgium still haunted by paedophile scandal
He stands accused of committing the vilest of crimes - of raping, torturing and murdering young girls as young as eight for his own sexual gratification. And yet Marc Dutroux, already a convicted paedophile, has still not been brought to justice. Dutroux, Belgium's public enemy number...
Belgium's asymmetrical euro coins
Memo to all teams playing Belgium in the World Cup this year: don't let them use their own coins for the toss. Mathematicians say the coins issued in the eurozone's administrative heartland are more likely to land heads up than down. While the notes which began circulating in...
European monarchs hail the euro
Europe's final countdown to the single currency - which comes into circulation at midnight tonight - got off to a royal start yesterday when the monarchs of Belgium and Spain bid a joint farewell to francs and pesetas and hailed the advent of the euro. Trumpets heralded the arrival of...
Franc set to crash Belgium's euro party
In its short life the euro has been cast in many roles - a reserve currency to rival the dollar, a poor substitute for the mighty deutschmark, a symbol of European unity or a cause of division, to name but a few. It had however, avoided the tag of party pooper. Until now, that is...
Belgians strike in protest at falling living standards as French company takes over their biggest bank
The Cuisine of Belgium
It is said that Belgian food is served with the quantity of Germany and the quality of France. The Belgians invented „French" fries – in Flemish frieten and in French – frites.
The Grand Haven Musical Fountain and the Jeanneke Pis
Even after two decades however, the Jeanneke Pis Fountain has not been accepted by the city of Brussels. One can however, find her image on postcards and assorted keepsake items sold all through the city. The Jeanneke Pis Fountain is a demonstration to Brussels' relaxed European attitude - one of which greets guests from all over the planet with open arms and a gracious smile.
Crisis Talks As Row Threatens Break-up of Belgium
Gulf between Dutch-speaking majority in north and stagnating French-speaking south widens
New Political Crisis Threatens Belgian Break-up
Leaders hold urgent talks to resolve fresh dispute between Dutch-speaking Flemish majority and French-speaking minority
Belgium Goes to War With Itself
On Europe: The seemingly irreconcilable differences between the Flemish and the Walloons leads David Gow to ponder how globalisation could break Europe up into resentful, self-absorbed parts
Anheuser Formally Rejects Offer From Belgian Brewer
Anheuser-Busch flatly rejected a $46bn takeover offer from Belgium's InBev as "financially inadequate"
Belgian Brewer Inbev Issues $46bn Bid for Anheuser-busch
Anheuser this evening confirmed it had received a proposal priced at $65 a share in cash
Divided Belgians Draw Line at Divorce
Despite the cultural gap and a government crisis, most of the country is desperate to stay together
2008 - Christmas Activities And Sights In Belgium
Did you plan to travel to Belgium for Christmas? You've come to the right place!
Belgium's Survival in Question As 'next Pm' Quits the Battle
Belgium's chances of surviving as a single country suffered a significant blow last night when the man tipped to be the next Prime Minister abandoned almost six months of bad-tempered wrangling over a new government and threw in the towel
Bye Bye Belgium?
With deep divisions between its French and Dutch speakers, not to mention a ludicrously complex administrative system, it's a wonder Belgium has stayed united for so long. Now, after 156 days without a national government, the country is heading for meltdown. Jon Henley reports
'Belgium? Something That Does Not Exist' Political Fault Lines Divide Nation
Long-running crisis could lead to nation separating into Flanders and Wallonia.
Belgium Divided As Flanders Pushes for a Messy Divorce
On Tuesday, Belgium marks its first 100 days without a government. There is every reason to believe that the Belgians, and the rest of us, will have to get used to it. The questions now are how will the divorce of Flanders and Wallonia be consummated, and what will become of Brussels, home to the EU and Nato?
Belgian Prime Minister Fails to Win Third Term
The Belgian prime minister was drummed out of office last night in a general election likely to produce a new coalition led by Christian Democrats.
Belgian Pm Loses Vote After Two Terms
The prime minister of Belgium and one of Europe's longest-serving leaders, Guy Verhofstadt, was drummed out of office last night in a general election likely to produce a new coalition led by Christian Democrats.
Can We Have Our Chairs Back? Belgian Royal May See Different Court
Belgium's controversy-hit royal family is facing a new debacle over antique chairs.
Google Infringed Copyright, Belgian Court Rules
Google could face daily fines of €25,000 (£17,000) after losing a court battle with Belgian publishers over the scope of its Google News service.
Embassies and Public Duped By Belgian Tv Hoax
The main French language television station hoodwinked Belgium into thinking that it had split in two when it reported that Flanders had issued a unilateral declaration of independence.
Couple Found in Belgium After Vanishing From Ferry
A couple whose disappearance from a cross-Channel ferry sparked a seven-hour air and sea rescue operation covering hundreds of square miles were found in Belgium last night.
Far Right Strives to Disguise Its Roots in Bid for National Power
From the ashes of a party banned for inciting hatred, a new force is emerging in Belgium, reports Jason Burke in Antwerp.
Belgian Neo-nazis in 'terror Plot'
Belgian police yesterday arrested 17 alleged neo-Nazis, mostly serving soldiers, who were said to be planning to destabilise the country's institutions in a series of terrorist attacks.
Vodafone Sells Stake in Belgian Mobile Operator
Vodafone today sold its 25% stake the Belgian mobile operator Proximus for €2bn (£1.4bn), as the company focuses on its most profitable operations.
Autopsies Show Belgian Girls Were Strangled
The two Belgian schoolgirls who were found dead on Wednesday were strangled before their bodies were dumped beside a busy railway line, preliminary autopsy results revealed yesterday.
Police Find Bodies of Missing Belgian Girls
Belgian police searching for two schoolgirls who went missing earlier this month have found their bodies, it was confirmed today.
Belgium Faces Its Painful Past As Two Girls Go Missing
· Police hunt seven and 10-year-old 'disparues' · Posters remind Belgians of horrific paedophile case
Belgium Waits in Despair As Police Hunt for Missing Girls
In the atmosphere of despair that hangs over Liege, the biggest shock is to see children innocently enjoying themselves.
Child-killer Town in Fear Again 10 Years on
Thousands of 'missing' posters have been plastered across Belgium after two schoolgirls disappeared from the same town where the paedophile murderer, Marc Dutroux, struck 10 years ago.
Europe's Woman Suicide Bomber
Police in Belgium and France launched a series of raids yesterday against a suspected terrorist network after a Belgian-born convert to Islam blew herself up in Baghdad, becoming Europe's first woman suicide bomber.
Infamous Belgians
Behind its facade of prosperity and calm, Belgium refuses to face up to its dark past. Hywel Williams
Dutroux Gets Life in Prison
The Belgian paedophile Marc Dutroux was sentenced to life in prison today for kidnapping, raping and murdering young girls. A 12-member jury and three-judge panel returned the sentence, bringing to an end the trial in Arlon, south-east Belgium, which has horrified the nation and been...
Eight Years On, Belgian Child Killer Found Guilty
The most hated man in Belgium, Marc Dutroux, was finally convicted yesterday of a series of child rapes and murders that horrified the world.
Ryanair Appeals Against Loss of £3m Belgian Aid
Ryanair has begun a formal attempt to overturn the European commission's judgment that the low-fare carrier received illegal state aid in a cut-price deal to land at Belgium's Charleroi airport. In a case that marks a watershed in the development of low-cost air travel, the Irish company...
Survivor Faces Dutroux in Belgian Court
Victim of Belgium's most notorious child rapist asks her tormentor: 'Why did you not liquidate me?'
Survivor Confronts Dutroux in Court
Victim of Belgium's most notorious child rapist asks her tormentor: 'Why did you not liquidate me?'
Ryanair to Keep Hub at Charleroi
Ryanair has promised to explore basing additional aircraft at Belgium's Charleroi airport, under a deal to renegotiate its controversial package of landing incentives from the local authority. The Irish low-cost airline has agreed that its cut-price airport and handling charges will...
Handcuff Key 'found Near Dutroux Cell'
Police in Belgium were today investigating reports that a handcuff key had been found close to the cell housing alleged child killer and rapist Marc Dutroux. The key was reported to have been found in a jar of salt in a kitchen near the cell, and its discovery raised fears that Dutroux,...
Euan Ferguson on the Belgian Paedophile Trial
At last Marc Dutroux's sex crime trial has begun, and Belgium's cry for justice is embodied in a witness who, when a 12-year-old eight years ago, was raped 20 times. Euan Ferguson reports from Arlon.
Belgian Paedophilia Trial Begins
The long-awaited trial of an alleged child killer charged with kidnapping and abusing six girls aged from eight to 19, four of whom died, today began in Belgium. Four bodies were dug up, and two sexually abused girls rescued from cells in Marc Dutroux's basement in 1996 but the case, by...
Date Arrives for Trial of Belgian Child Killer
Suspicions of a wider network linger as date arrives for trial of Belgian child killer.
EU on Line to Prohibit Gm Oilseed Rape Crops
Greens hail an environmental victory for biodiversity as Belgium rejects Bayer application and urges all member states to follow suit.
Belgium Bans Cat, Dog And Seal Fur
Belgium has banned the import and trade of fur from dogs, cats and seals. The ban brings the number of EU nations that have outlawed the trade in cat and dog fur to five – Belgium now joining Italy, France, Greece and Denmark.
A Nightmare Revisited
Seven long years after his arrest, Belgium is to confront its demons and put paedophile Marc Dutroux on trial, writes Andrew Osborn.
Six Jailed for Killing of Belgian Minister
Twelve years after Belgium's former deputy prime minister, André Cools, was shot dead in cold blood, a court yesterday found six men guilty of masterminding the country's most sensational political killing.
Belgian Police Guilty of Deportation Death
Belgium suspended its policy of forcibly deporting failed asylum seekers until further notice yesterday after four police officers were found guilty of "involuntarily" suffocating a Nigerian woman to death.
Child Killer's Love Letters to Girl, 15
A fresh scandal over Belgium's handling of the paedophile Marc Dutroux erupted yesterday after it was revealed that he was for two years allowed to correspond romantically with a 15-year-old girl from his prison cell.
'What Shocks Me is the Lack of Humanity'
The violent death of an asylum seeker has forced Belgium to examine its collective conscience, says Andrew Osborn.
Bin Laden Disciple Jailed for 10 Years in Belgium
Tunisian-born former footballer plotted to blow up canteen at US air force base.
Belgium Fights Slick From Wreck
Belgium launched an emergency clean-up operation yesterday after a sunken cargo ship submerged in the North Sea leaked some 100 tonnes of heavy oil. The Tricolor, which sank carrying a cargo of luxury cars last year after colliding with another vessel in thick fog about 20 miles north of...
Belgium Caves in Over Grand Prix Tobacco Ads
British Formula One motor racing boss forces Belgian government to postpone law banning cigarette advertising.
Belgium to Scrap War Crimes Law
Human rights groups accused Belgium of caving in to the US yesterday after the country's centre-left government said it would scrap a war crimes law which has upset Washington and Tel Aviv. The 1993 law, which allowed Belgian courts to try cases of war crimes committed by anyone, anywhere...
Belgium Gives in to Us on War Crimes Law
Belgium has bowed to US pressure and agreed to limit the scope of its controversial war crimes law. American officials signalled that the changes might defuse a row which has led to the threatened boycott of Nato's Brussels headquarters and soured relations between the two countries...
US Threatens to Boycott Belgium Over War Crimes Law
The bitter dispute between the US and Europe over Iraq burst into the open again yesterday when the US threatened Belgium with a boycott and Germany and France registered protests at the UN about Washington's continued opposition to the international criminal court. The US defence...
Belgian Historians Examine Country's Role in Atrocities Against Jews
Government acts after 60 years of collusion as a taboo subject. More than 60 years after the first "death train" filled with Jews left Belgium for the gas chambers of Auschwitz an unprecedented investigation into the complicity of the Belgian authorities in the final solution is to be carried out.
Al-Qaida trial opens in Belgium
One of Europe's most significant terror trials since September 11 began in Belgium yesterday with prosecutors seeking to establish the guilt of 23 alleged Islamist extremists.
Let's Hear It for Belgium
An attempt to try Tommy Franks for war crimes in a Belgian court has outraged the US. Belgium is becoming an interesting country. In the course of a week, it has managed to upset both liberal opinion in Europe - by granting the far-right Vlaams Blok 18 parliamentary seats - and illiberal opinion in the US.
Belgian Far Right Poised for Breakthrough
Belgium's far-right Vlaams Blok party was on the brink of a historic breakthrough last night after initial results in the federal elections indicated it had increased its support by almost a third and achieved its best result in its 25-year history. Preliminary results showed it had...
Far right poised for big Belgian poll gains
The Belgian anti-immigration party Vlaams Blok is forecast to achieve its best result in 25 years in the general election tomorrow, giving a dramatic boost to the far-right movement in Europe.
Dog and Cat Fur 'farmed' in Belgium
Disturbing evidence suggesting that cats and dogs are being systematically "farmed" for their fur in Belgium and made into blankets, coats and gloves, was released yesterday. The evidence, which was gathered by undercover investigators working for the American campaign group Humane...
Dutroux faces trial with three others
A court in Belgium ruled yesterday that the suspected paedophile and child killer Marc Dutroux is to stand trial with three others.
Franks may face war crimes charge
Belgium is coming under pressure from the US to block a potentially explosive war crimes case against General Tommy Franks, commander of coalition forces in Iraq.
Soldier to Life's Battles
A story of a WW2 soldier and his love affair. 54th Battalion. 4th Division. Unit 984. Belgium. 1944. Crumble buildings. Strewn bodies. A growing fear. Boiling, uneasy groans. Seeing beyond the pale light of the war to the dim glimmer of death.
Belgium to legalise cannabis
The Belgian parliament has voted to legalise the personal use of cannabis, within certain guidelines, for anyone over the age of 18.
Compromising Justice
Belgium is poised to water down a controversial war crimes law that has caused the country no end of diplomatic embarrassment, writes Andrew Osborn.
Belgium's Far Right Resurgent
The Vlaams Blok party has emerged stronger than ever from a determined attempt to shut it down, writes Andrew Osborn.
Whistle Blown on Eurovision Singer Linked to Neo-nazis
Belgium's participation in this year's Eurovision song contest ignited controversy last night when the state security service accused a singer of having links with the country's neo-Nazi movement. Anxious to spare the nation's blushes, the Sûreté de l'Etat took the highly...
Israel scorns 'anti-semitic little Belgium'
Israel accused Belgium of anti-semitism yesterday following a court decision which could lead to the prosecution of Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister.
Belgium Asserts Right to Try Sharon
Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister, can be tried for genocide in Belgium once he has left office, the Belgian appeal court ruled last night. The judgment opens the way for survivors of a 1982 massacre of Palestinian refugees in Beirut to press their case against the Likud leader...
Dull Belgium wants to be as hip as Holland
The Netherlands has long been regarded as Europe's most permissive nation, but an unlikely interloper is staking a claim to that title: boring old Belgium.
Belgium May Revive Sharon War Crimes Case
Belgium is to make changes to its internationally contentious global war crimes legislation which risk resurrecting a politically sensitive case against the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon. Belgium gave itself the right in 1993 to try cases of war crimes committed by anyone, anywhere...
'Arab Malcolm X' poised to put a flame to Belgium's powder keg
A thick hail of stones lashes a passing car, the frightened driver is set upon by an angry mob and, minutes later, the ubiquitous sirens of the riot police resonate across the darkened city.
A nation searches its soul
Calls for an inquiry into Belgium's complicated wartime past are gathering pace, writes Andrew Osborn.
Inquiry into Belgium's Nazi record
Belgium may investigate the alleged complicity of its wartime authorities in the deportation and murder of some 25,000 Jews.
Girl of 11 Abused By 19 Belgian Villagers
Country still awaiting Dutroux trial shocked at father who prostituted child to doctor and tradesmen.
Belgian Minister Quits in Arms Row
Belgium's coalition government was shaken yesterday when a minister resigned in a row over arms exports and "ethical" foreign policy. Magda Aelvoet, a Green member of Guy Verhofstadt's coalition, said she was stepping down after confirmation that a shipment of weapons would go to Nepal,...
Arabic: a Language for Belgium?
A controversial Islamist activist has caused waves by demanding that a fourth official tongue be recognised, writes Andrew Osborn.
Pygmy Show at Zoo Sparks Disgust
Troubling memories of Belgium's cruel colonial past have been reawakened by an exhibition in which eight pygmies from Cameroon perform for tourists in a manner which campaigners have claimed is racist and neo-colonial. Although the exhibition in the grounds of a private zoo is ostensibly...
Separation Anxieties
July 15: Flanders' demands for independence from the rest of Belgium are becoming louder and increasingly hard to ignore, writes Andrew Osborn.
Belgium Exhumes Its Colonial Demons
More than a century after King Leopold II of Belgium claimed Congo as his personal colony, an unprecedented investigation into Belgium's murky colonial past and long-ignored allegations of genocide is to be held.
Brussels and the Civil Liberties Balance
June 7: Belgium's secret service chief has resigned following accusations that politicial correctness prevented her organisation from rooting out Islamist extremists, writes Ian Black.
Synagogues Firebombed in France and Belgium
Jewish leaders in France yesterday demanded urgent government action after an unprecedented wave of attacks on synagogues and Jewish-owned property around the country. A synagogue in Marseille, destroyed by fire along with its Torah scrolls and other sacred books on Sunday night, was the...
Sharon Cannot Be Tried in Belgium, Says Court
A controversial Belgian court case against the Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon, appeared to be over before it had begun last night after the international court of justice ruled that past and present government leaders cannot be tried for war crimes by a foreign state. Mr Sharon has...
Belgium still haunted by paedophile scandal
He stands accused of committing the vilest of crimes - of raping, torturing and murdering young girls as young as eight for his own sexual gratification. And yet Marc Dutroux, already a convicted paedophile, has still not been brought to justice. Dutroux, Belgium's public enemy number...
Belgium's asymmetrical euro coins
Memo to all teams playing Belgium in the World Cup this year: don't let them use their own coins for the toss. Mathematicians say the coins issued in the eurozone's administrative heartland are more likely to land heads up than down. While the notes which began circulating in...
European monarchs hail the euro
Europe's final countdown to the single currency - which comes into circulation at midnight tonight - got off to a royal start yesterday when the monarchs of Belgium and Spain bid a joint farewell to francs and pesetas and hailed the advent of the euro. Trumpets heralded the arrival of...
Franc set to crash Belgium's euro party
In its short life the euro has been cast in many roles - a reserve currency to rival the dollar, a poor substitute for the mighty deutschmark, a symbol of European unity or a cause of division, to name but a few. It had however, avoided the tag of party pooper. Until now, that is...