News

Van Bossuyt tightens student visas: “Open to talent, tough on abuse”

2 June 2026

Non-European students who wish to study in Belgium or extend their residence permit will now have to meet stricter requirements. Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt aims to tackle abuse of the student status while continuing to welcome international students who genuinely come to …

Read more

N-VA criticises new European pay transparency rules: “More red tape, little impact”

1 June 2026

The new European pay transparency rules come into force this week. According to N-VA, however, they risk missing the mark. MEP Kris Van Dijck warns that businesses will once again be faced with additional administrative burdens, reporting requirements and legal uncertainty, without addressing the …

Read more

N-VA welcomes new return regulation: “A missing piece of Europe’s asylum policy”

1 June 2026

The European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council have reached an agreement on the new European Return Regulation. The new rules will make it possible to return third-country nationals who are staying illegally in the EU more quickly and effectively. “In my view, this is the most …

Read more

N-VA fears housing fraud inquiry committee has been stripped of its substance

1 June 2026
Mathias Vanden Borre

According to N-VA, the inquiry committee tasked with investigating the Anderlechtse Haard scandal risks missing its purpose entirely. The party has sharply criticised the Brussels majority's decision to narrow the committee’s mandate and impose a strict deadline on its work. “This risks becoming a …

Read more

Chamber approves pension reform and budgetary measures

29 May 2026
Jan Jambon

After weeks of political debate and procedural delays, the Chamber of Representatives approved several key measures on Thursday: the pension reform and the programme law, which contains a wide range of budgetary measures. These measures are absolutely necessary to keep our pension system …

Read more

31,787 animals slaughtered without stunning in Brussels: “This cruel practice must end”

27 May 2026
schapen

As Eid al-Adha is being celebrated, the debate over slaughter without prior stunning has once again flared up in Brussels. New figures reveal that no fewer than 31,787 animals were slaughtered without stunning in the Belgian capital in 2025. Brussels MP Mathias Vanden Borre has described the …

Read more