Belgium detains 7 on suspicion of planning terror attack
May 4, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Authorities have detained seven people, most of them Chechen origin, on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack in Belgium, the federal prosecutor's office said Thursday.
The office said in a statement that the suspects had not yet selected a precise target but police decided to pick them for questioning anyway.
Authorities raid fashion houses in EU antitrust probe
April 18, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Authorities in several European Union member states raided fashion houses Tuesday in an initial move linked to an EU antitrust probe, officials said.
The EU Commission said in a statement it was looking into whether some fashion industry players were involved in cartels and other restrictive business practices.
Key suspect in EU corruption scandal to move to house arrest
April 12, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian authorities have decided to move the key suspect at the heart of the corruption scandal rocking the European Union’s assembly from jail and place her under house arrest, the federal prosecutor's office said Wednesday.
Police in Belgium arrest 8 people in counterterrorism raids
March 28, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Police officers in Belgium have arrested eight people during counterterrorism raids across the country as part of operations aimed at thwarting possible attacks, the federal prosecutor's office said Tuesday.
Wind industry predicts bounceback and rapid growth in 2023
March 27, 2023 GMTThe wind power industry on Monday projected growth to rapidly accelerate this year, with incentives and policy changes in key nations helping to overcome factors that led to a slowdown in 2022.
EU leaders endorse joint ammo purchases for Ukraine
March 23, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders endorsed a plan Thursday for sending Ukraine 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition within the next 12 months to help the country counter Russia’s invasion forces.
Belgian police fatally shoot patient at psychiatric clinic
March 21, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian police on Tuesday fatally shot a patient carrying a bladed weapon at a psychiatric clinic in Brussels, the local prosecutor's office said.
Police were asked to intervene at the psychiatric institute Fond’Roy for a man aged 49, described as aggressive and whom the clinic staff could not handle.
Donors pledge $7.5 billion for Turkey, Syria after quake
March 20, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union and international donors on Monday pledged seven billion euros ($7.5 billion) to help Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated parts of the neighboring countries last month.
4 more acquitted over Brussels heist; diamonds still missing
March 8, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Nearly a decade after a brazen diamond heist at Brussels airport, it looks like a near-perfect crime.
While one person was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison and a small part of the loot — estimated in 2013 to be worth $50 million — was recovered, 18 other people were acquitted in 2018 and four more were acquitted on appeal Wednesday, leaving it unclear whether the mastermind will ever be found.
Massive farmers protest disrupts Brussels traffic
March 3, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Hundreds of tractors driven by angry farmers protesting a plan to cut nitrate levels converged on Brussels on Friday, creating major traffic disruption in Belgium's capital city.
The BB farmers union and several others combined efforts to gather more than 2,700 farm vehicles, according to Brussels police.
EU to speed up deliveries of howitzer shells for Ukraine
March 2, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European Union officials and countries from the 27-nation bloc are discussing plans to dedicate an extra billion euros as well as setting up a joint procurement scheme to speed up the delivery of howitzer artillery rounds that Ukraine says are crucial to countering Russian forces.
Kyiv clamors for fighter jets as war nears ‘critical’ phase
February 14, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Ukraine on Tuesday renewed its appeal to Western countries for fighter jets to help frustrate Moscow’s almost year-long invasion, but won no assurances at a high-level defense meeting in Brussels that it would receive any combat aircraft.
Zelenskyy flies West: If it’s Thursday, this must be Belgium
February 8, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — First, the Ukrainian president flew overhead on his way to Washington. Then on Wednesday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy flew overhead to Britain.
Belgian police seize $1.6 million in sex trafficking probe
February 8, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — About 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) in cash were seized during raids in Belgium targeting an alleged criminal organization suspected of sending Chinese women to Europe and forcing them into prostitution, the federal prosecutor’s office said Wednesday.
Belgian police detain 25 in Chinese sex trafficking probe
February 7, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian police detained 25 people Tuesday as part of a human trafficking probe targeting an alleged criminal organization suspected of sending Chinese women to Europe and forcing them into prostitution, the federal prosecutor's office said.
EU Parliament planning for possible Zelenksyy visit in days
February 6, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union's legislature was preparing plans Monday to host Volodymyr Zelenskyy should the Ukraine president decide to come to Brussels to attend an EU summit later this week.
Belgian prosecutors see no ‘terror motive’ in knife attack
January 31, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A knife-wielding man who wounded three people at a major underground railway station in the Belgian capital Brussels has been charged with attempted murder in an attack that wasn't considered to be terrorism, prosecutors said Tuesday.
EU lawmakers move to lift immunity of scandal suspects
January 31, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — An influential committee at the European Union’s parliament voted unanimously on Tuesday to lift the protective immunity of two lawmakers being sought by Belgian authorities on suspected links to a major corruption scandal.
Thousands of care sector workers protest in Brussels
January 31, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — More than 10,000 people protested through central Brussels on Tuesday to demand better working conditions and more pay in the care sector which have been especially hard-hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lone assailant injures 3 in Brussels subway stabbing attack
January 30, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A lone assailant wielding a knife injured three people in Brussels on Monday during a rush-hour rampage through a subway car before being detained by police in the station under the European Union’s headquarters, officials said.
EU watchdog seeks powers, funds for lawmaker probe body
January 30, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A European Parliament body supervising anti-lobbying and lawmakers' conduct rules must be given the power and money to launch independent investigations into abuses in the wake of a major corruption scandal, the European Ombudsman’s office warned Monday.
EU corruption case suspect takes aim at detention conditions
January 19, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Lawyers for a former European Parliament vice president at the heart of the corruption scandal rocking the European Union's assembly complained Thursday about her detention conditions and sought her release.
Despite record cocaine seizures, drug cartels roil Europe
January 10, 2023 GMTANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Each tiny plastic package was barely the size of a fingernail and weighed all of 0.2 grams. Still, the bags of white powder police seized in a Brussels cellar were yet another indication that a surge in cocaine and crack supply is hitting Europe hard.
TikTok boss meets European officials as scrutiny intensifies
January 10, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — TikTok’s CEO met Tuesday with European Union officials about strict new digital regulations in the 27-nation bloc as the Chinese-owned social media app faces growing scrutiny from Western authorities over data privacy, cybersecurity and misinformation.
EU Parliament starts process to lift 2 lawmakers’ immunity
January 2, 2023 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The president of the European Parliament has launched an urgent procedure to waive the immunity of two lawmakers following a request from Belgian judicial authorities investigating a major corruption scandal rocking EU politics.
Court says EU corruption scandal suspect must remain in jail
December 22, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A former European Parliament vice president suspected of being at the center of one of the European Union’s biggest corruption scandals is to be kept in prison for at least another month, Belgian prosecutors said Thursday.
Italian court seeks data on Belgian prisons, in EU scandal
December 20, 2022 GMTBRESCIA, Italy (AP) — An Italian court said Tuesday that it will seek information on prison conditions in Belgium before ruling on whether to turn over a woman for possible trial in Brussels in an influence-peddling scandal that has rocked the European Parliament.
EU member countries reach compromise on gas price cap
December 20, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European Union ministers on Monday finalized a long-awaited deal to implement a natural gas price cap they hope will help households and businesses better weather excessive price surges.
More questions than answers as EU corruption scandal unfolds
December 17, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — No one answers the door or the phone at the offices of the two campaign groups linked to a cash-for-favors corruption scandal at the European Union’s parliament, allegedly involving Qatar.
Over 15,000 in Brussels demand protection from high prices
December 16, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Over 15,000 demonstrators braved the bitter cold in Brussels Friday to call for more measures to shield them from high energy prices and better pay to counter runaway inflation.
Because of the protest backed by the three main unions, public services were affected throughout Belgium, especially rail and subway systems in and around the capital and Brussels international airport.
EU lawmaker at heart of corruption case to remain in custody
December 14, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A Greek European lawmaker charged with corruption in an alleged plot by a Gulf country that's tarnishing EU institutions will stay in detention until at least next week after her hearing by a judge was postponed, judicial officials said on Wednesday.
Scholz says Balkans joining EU is in Germany’s interest
December 14, 2022 GMTBERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday that it's in the interest of Germany and Europe for the remaining countries of the Balkans to join the European Union.
EU member states agree to give Bosnia candidate status
December 13, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European affairs ministers from the 27 EU nations agreed Tuesday to endorse a recommendation from the bloc's executive arm to grant Bosnia candidate member status as the war in Ukraine accelerates the bloc's enlargement process.
EU parliament chief takes action as lobbying scandal simmers
December 10, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A vice president of the European Union’s parliament was suspended from her duties on Saturday after being caught up in an investigation into influence peddling at the EU assembly allegedly involving officials from Qatar.
Morocco’s diaspora in Europe rallies behind World Cup squad
December 9, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — As early customers warm themselves up with hot drinks at the Café Tetouan in downtown Brussels, owner Hicham Achrayah buys Morocco’s flags from a street vendor who stopped by on a cold winter morning.
Hungary blocks EU Ukraine aid, deepening rift with Brussels
December 6, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A rift between the European Union and recalcitrant member Hungary deepened Tuesday when Budapest vetoed an 18 billion euro ($18.93 billion) financial aid package to Kyiv, leaving the other 26 nations to scramble to keep the money supply going.
Trial of 10 accused over Brussels suicide attacks underway
December 5, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — More than six years after the deadliest peacetime attack on Belgian soil, the trial of 10 men accused over the suicide bombings at Brussels airport and a subway station started in earnest under high security on Monday.
Survivors of Brussels suicide attacks seek closure at trial
December 4, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Jaana Mettala was six months pregnant and on her way to work when the bomb exploded in the heart of Brussels' European Union quarter. She suffered severe burns, but Mettala and her baby survived — 32 other people did not.
Riots in Belgium, Netherlands after Morocco win at World Cup
November 27, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Riots broke out in several Belgian and Dutch cities after Morocco’s 2-0 upset win over Belgium at the World Cup Sunday.
EU warns Serbia, Kosovo against returning to the past
November 14, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union warned Serbia and Kosovo on Monday that they are on the edge of a precipice and must resolve their dispute over vehicle license plates before next week or face the prospect of a return to their violent past.
Belgium stabbing suspect was on list of potential extremists
November 11, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian authorities said Friday that the lone assailant who killed one police officer and wounded another in a stabbing attack had been on a counterterrorism list of potential extremists.
Police officer killed in suspected Brussels terror attack
November 10, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A lone assailant killed one police officer and wounded another Thursday in a stabbing attack that two Belgian judicial officials said was suspected to be terrorism-linked. The suspect was shot and taken to a hospital.
Belgian strike over cost of living hits traffic, companies
November 9, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A nationwide strike over the cost of living increases caused by runaway inflation and massive energy bill hikes linked to the war in Ukraine snarled traffic through much of Belgium and affected businesses on Wednesday.
Italy’s far-right leader visits EU: “We are not Martians”
November 3, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — New far-right Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni used her first visit to European Union headquarters in Brussels Thursday to declare that Italy will be a force to reckon with in EU affairs, leaving it unclear whether that was a promise or a threat from one of the bloc's powerful founding members.
Struggling Anderlecht fires coach Felice Mazzù
October 24, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium’s most successful club Anderlecht has fired coach Felice Mazzù after just 22 matches in charge, a day after angry fans forced a league game against big rival Standard to be abandoned.
EU leaders divided on gas price cap at energy crisis summit
October 21, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders struggled to find immediate practical solutions at their summit Thursday called to grapple with the energy crisis fueled by the war in Ukraine and maintain a united front in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin coercion.
EU leaders united against Russia, divided over energy summit
October 19, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has shown rock-solid unity in confronting Russia over its war in Ukraine, but EU leaders lack that common purpose heading into Thursday’s summit to seek joint measures to contain an energy crisis that has already dented their economy and threatens to spread hardship among the bloc's 450 million people this winter.
EU approves Ukraine training mission, arms funds
October 17, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union on Monday approved a military training mission in Europe for thousands of Ukrainian troops and a plan to provide around 500 million euros ($486 million) in extra funds to help buy weapons for the war-torn country.
EU, Israel hold high-level talks for first time in a decade
October 3, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union and Israel on Monday held high-level talks for the first time in a decade, with the Europeans pressing Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid about how to put a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians into place.
Suspicious white powder found at EU Commission building
September 30, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Emergency workers in hazmat suits responded to the headquarters of the European Union's executive commission Friday after an envelope containing a suspicious white powder was found on the premises, a spokesperson for Brussels firefighters said.
Dining in the dark: Brussels eateries tackle energy crunch
September 30, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — While European Union nations are still mulling a cap on gas prices, some businesses are more in a hurry for solutions to the continent's energy crisis.
In Brussels, the epicenter of the EU, restaurant owners have imagined how a future without gas and electricity would look like for gourmets.
Italy’s EU partners vigilant as far right set to take power
September 26, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Italy’s European Union partners are signaling discomfort, even vigilance, after Italy, one of the bloc’s founding members, swung far to the political right. The result of Italy's latest election raises troubling questions about whether Rome will maintain its commitments to EU principles, laws and ambitions.
Thousands rally in Belgium to protest high energy prices
September 21, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Thousands of people gathered on Wednesday in the Belgian capital Brussels for “a national day of action” to protest against skyrocketing electricity, natural gas and food prices and draw attention to the sharp hike in the cost of living.
EU drafts media act amid concern over spying, state pressure
September 16, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union's executive branch unveiled plans Friday for new laws that it said would help protect media freedom and independence in the 27-nation bloc at a time of mounting concern about the dangers of political influence in several member countries.
Trial opens of 10 accused over 2016 Brussels suicide attacks
September 12, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — More than six years after the deadliest peacetime attack on Belgian soil, the trial of 10 men accused over the suicide bombings at Brussels airport and an underground metro station opened Monday amid high security.
European cab drivers protest practices, spread of Uber
September 8, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Hundreds of cab drivers clogged traffic in Brussels in an international demonstration against the online ride company Uber, which is seen as unfairly distorting the market.
The drivers want Belgian and European Union authorities to curb the spread of Uber and say the service does not face the tax burdens and regulations that they do.
EU protest brief detention of diplomat in Belarus
September 8, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union's foreign affairs office said Thursday that a diplomat was briefly detained by Belarusian authorities early in the week and it has lodged a strong diplomatic protest for what it claims was the second such incident.
Dutch farm minister resigns after protests over pollution
September 6, 2022 GMTTHE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch agriculture minister has unexpectedly resigned, telling reporters he wasn't the right person for the job following a tumultuous summer of protests by farmers over pollution regulations.
British con artist arrested in Belgium, wanted by France
September 3, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — A British con artist who is the subject of a Netflix documentary has been arrested in Belgium after fleeing from neighboring France, where he had injured two police officers, authorities said
Van crashes into Brussels sidewalk terrace; 3 injured
August 26, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — Police detained a suspect after a speeding van clipped a sidewalk terrace in the center of Brussels and slightly injured at least three people Friday.
The van's driver rode off after running into the some tables, said Willemien Baert, a spokesperson for the Brussels prosecutor's office.