News

Geert Bourgeois: “New EU Trade Commissioner has ‘big shoes to fill’”

8 September 2020

Ursula von der Leyen is nominating the Latvian EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis as the new commissioner for international trade. He is facing the challenging task of filling the big shoes of Cecilia Malmström and Phil Hogan. According to Geert Bourgeois, N-VA delegation leader and coordinator for …

Bart De Wever on federal formation: “I don’t believe a word of the promised state reform”

6 September 2020

“Until 2024, Flanders will be governed for 12 of 16 years without a majority. We account for 83% of exports, 70% of taxes and billions in transfers. And by way of thanks, we get put in the minority by a government dominated by French speakers.” In the De Zevende Dag news show, N-VA Chairman Bart De …

Rules on visiting a partner abroad must be simpler

31 August 2020

As from 1 September, Belgians who have a relationship with a partner abroad may visit that person again. The condition, however, is that the couple has a “long-term relationship”. The N-VA is asking for more flexible and realistic criteria. “It is clear that the current rules are far too strict,” …

Flemish tourism policy earns praise in the New York Times

31 August 2020

The New York Times sees the Flemish tourism policy as a global frontrunner for the post-corona era. Flemish Minister of Tourism Zuhal Demir responds with satisfaction: “We are entering a new era in which it is not necessarily about more tourism, but about better and high-quality tourism.” For too …

The N-VA requests European coordination for country colour codes

28 August 2020

Travel is possible this summer within the Schengen zone, subject to a positive travel recommendation from Foreign Affairs. It divides European Member States and regions into green, orange and red zones that determine whether someone is allowed to depart for a foreign destination and the measures …

Cieltje Van Achter wants a tougher corona approach in Brussels: “The time for awareness-raising is over”

25 August 2020

“I see no sense of urgency among the Brussels leaders.” On the De Ochtend news programme on Radio 1, Brussels MP Cieltje Van Achter asks that Brussels take stronger action to combat corona. “Brussels has always responded too late.” Cieltje Van Achter advocates tough measures, starting with the …

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