News about Belgium: events, facts and developments on tafs uz.
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Trade unions of the Belgian public broadcaster VRT have called on management to reconsider the decision to take part in the 2027 contest, citing the Netherlands' withdrawal. The unions have already filed a strike notice for the contest broadcast dates.
Aziz KarimovOn Saturday, 24 October 2026, retail outlets in central Brussels closed their windows with wooden panels amid social media calls for a new gathering following the looting of 17 October. Luxury brands and small shops took precautions; clashes with police ultimately proved limited.
Otabek YusupovBelgium's federal energy minister Mathieu Bihl announced a temporary €15 million increase in heating oil subsidies for winter 2026–2027. The maximum allowance will rise from €0.20 to €0.50 per litre when the oil price reaches €1.775 per litre or more. The measure covers deliveries from 1 December 2026 to 28 February 2027 and applies only to households meeting the Social Heating Fund criteria.
Sevara AzamovaStudents of the Free University of Brussels (ULB) partially blocked the Solbosch campus, protesting a 43% increase in tuition fees. The action was organized by the collective 'Gen-Z counter-attack', which is also demanding an end to outsourcing and the cancellation of classes.
Sevara AzamovaPolish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said in an interview with the PAP news agency that the European Union is unlikely to agree on the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine before winter. He named Belgium's concerns as the main obstacle, as a significant portion of the blocked funds is held there. According to him, the European Commission is looking for solutions to reduce risks for Belgium, and the assets issue will still have to be raised again due to Kyiv's financing needs.
Sevara AzamovaA minor student under the pseudonym Anaïs told RTBF that on October 5 in Liège police surrounded her group, insulted them and beat them with batons. Police said racism is unacceptable. According to the municipality, 327 people were detained after the protests.
Javlon TursunovRyanair CEO Michael O'Leary said that in 2027 airfares in Europe could rise by 10–20% due to rising fuel prices amid the war in Iran and weak airline hedging. He also announced a reduction of routes in Belgium due to an increase in the aviation tax.
Sevara AzamovaBelgian police received 26 complaints about officers' conduct during the protests of 9 and 17 October in Brussels. More than 250 people were detained over two weeks of unrest. Human rights groups report alleged use of excessive force, including against minors.
Javlon TursunovTurkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke on Tuesday and answered questions from participants at the Brussels-based think tank European Policy Centre. The visit takes place within the framework of the fourth meeting of the foreign, justice and interior ministers of Turkey and Belgium, diplomatic sources report.
Javlon TursunovAt a meeting in Brussels, the heads of Turkey's foreign, justice and interior ministries and their Belgian counterparts discussed counterterrorism, extradition, organized crime and irregular migration. Ankara stated that FETO uses Belgium 'almost as a safe haven' and called for the closure of institutions linked to the group.
Javlon TursunovA meeting of seven ministers from Belgium and Turkey took place in Brussels — the first in ten years. The sides discussed security, the fight against crime, justice and migration, and also plan to sign an action plan on police cooperation. The Belgian Foreign Ministry called Turkey a strategically important partner for Europe.
Javlon TursunovTurkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a meeting with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot in Brussels, diplomatic sources said. The visit takes place within the framework of the 4th meeting of the foreign, justice and interior ministers of the two countries.
Otabek YusupovThe fourth ministerial meeting between Turkey and Belgium will take place on October 20 in Brussels. Turkey will be represented by the foreign, interior and justice ministers, Belgium by the deputy prime minister and three ministers. They will discuss counterterrorism, judicial and police cooperation, defense industry, visas and migration. Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan will also meet with Kallas and Rutte.
Otabek YusupovAI-generated intimate images of Queen Mathilde, Crown Princess Elisabeth, and several Belgian politicians are circulating on social media. Ludvine De Conde intends to file a complaint, and the palace is seeking the removal of the images. The EU is preparing a ban on such systems under the AI Act.
Aziz KarimovBelgium's ministries of defence and internal affairs are working on a plan to create a new mobile brigade to strengthen security during riots and violent demonstrations. Defence Minister Theo Francken called the unit a 'Gendarmerie 2.0' operating under the direction of the interior ministry. The initiative follows recent clashes at demonstrations in Belgium and France.
Aziz KarimovBelgian police reported 195 people detained during Saturday protests against education policy and budget cuts in Brussels and Liège. In Brussels, 150 people were detained, in Liège — 45, including minors. Police used tear gas and water cannons, and five officers sustained minor injuries.
Otabek YusupovOn October 17, 2026, protests against the rising cost of living in Brussels and Liège turned into clashes with police: tear gas and water cannons were used. In Paris, mass demonstrations were accompanied by riots and looting; an Euronews crew was attacked near Place de la République.
Aziz KarimovOn Saturday, protests by students and their supporters against education reforms, austerity measures and police pressure took place in Brussels and Liège. Clashes with police, who used water cannons and tear gas, occurred near Brussels-Midi station. In Liège, about 250 people marched peacefully.
Otabek Yusupov
