News

Stacking living wage benefits within a family no longer allowed

1 March 2026

The measure introduced by Minister for Social Integration Anneleen Van Bossuyt to curb the stacking of living wage benefits within families comes into force today. “Until now, adults living under the same roof could combine their living wage benefits without limit. In some cases, this added up to …

Defence intercepts Russian shadow fleet vessel in the North Sea

1 March 2026

In the night from Saturday to Sunday, the oil tanker Ethera, part of Russia’s shadow fleet, was boarded in Belgian waters. The vessel was sailing under a false flag and is listed under European Union sanctions. “These are serious indications of deliberate deception and possible sanctions evasion …

Van Bossuyt on constitutional court’s temporary suspension of certain crisis measures: “I stand 100% behind my policy”

27 February 2026

Yesterday, the Constitutional Court announced that it has raised questions about several specific measures introduced by Asylum and Migration Minister Van Bossuyt concerning family reunification and migrant reception. The Court has therefore decided to seek clarification from the European Court of …

Johan Van Overtveldt on the trade dispute with the US: “Put the deal on ice for now”

22 February 2026

US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to raise tariffs worldwide to 15% is fuelling significant economic uncertainty. According to MEP Johan Van Overtveldt, it would be wise to postpone the vote on the trade agreement between the European Union and the United States. He made the remarks on …

N-VA demands bilingualism from all members of the Brussels Government

18 February 2026

N-VA Brussels is submitting a resolution requiring all members of the Brussels Government to be demonstrably bilingual. “In an officially bilingual region, knowledge of both languages is a matter of decency and respect. Politics must set the right example, and far too often it still does not,” says …

Cieltje Van Achter critical of Brussels coalition deal: “Vivaldi is back”

13 February 2026

More than 600 days after the elections, seven parties have finally reached an agreement on a new Brussels Government: MR, PS, Les Engagés, Groen, Vooruit, Anders and CD&V. That means without N-VA — despite being the third-largest party on the Dutch-speaking side. “So Brussels is getting another …

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