Belgium

Belgium is currently battling one of its largest wildfires while a related blaze approaches Germany. Meanwhile, Greece is investigating another deadly fire incident. Despite cool weather and rain helping efforts, firefighters continue their fight against the flames.

Large wildfires are affecting Europe, with a blaze in Belgium spreading toward the German border despite rain and King Philippe's visit to emergency services. Concurrently, Greece reported deadly fires on Salamina Island and contained an incident near its main airport. Authorities noted that the region remains sweltering through one of the hottest summers on record.

Belgium is dealing with one of its biggest wildfires near the German border in Liège province, which burned an estimated 30 square kilometers and remains partially uncontrolled despite efforts by international aid and rain. Separately, Greece reports ongoing fire activity, including a fast-moving blaze on Salamina island that killed two people, although another incident near Athens was quickly contained.

A massive wildfire burned about 30 square kilometers in the High Fens of eastern Belgium, prompting the evacuation of approximately 600 residents. Authorities deployed over 250 emergency personnel, including Belgian and German firefighters, while activating European Union assistance. The fire remains difficult to contain due to dry conditions and is currently near residential areas.

Construction workers in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, Belgium, uncovered $10.4 million in gold while building a new sewer beneath a former brewery. Local police cataloged the find and placed it in a high-security federal government vault. Under Belgian law, the rightful owner has the right to claim the discovery within five years.

Belgium's eID Authentication system was compromised, opening citizen accounts to RCE vulnerabilities. The incident revealed that the underlying trust framework for the electronic ID system was fully breached by severe flaws found in a key browser extension, which highlights broader problems with extensions generally.

European home affairs ministers are meeting to address tensions from the Ceuta migrant crisis, where most migrants have since returned. A drought in Hungary and Romania threatens nuclear power plants due to low Danube river levels, while Belgium's voluntary military service program for young people is already fully booked.

The U.S. State Department renewed a travel warning for Belgium, citing concerns about crime, terrorism, and civil unrest. The advisory urges Americans to exercise caution, avoid demonstrations, and remain vigilant in tourist areas due to risks like petty crime and potential terrorist activity.

Brazil became the world's largest importer of Chinese vehicles in early 2026, with imports reaching $5.2 billion in the first five months, a 146.9% year-on-year increase driven by stockpiling ahead of a July tariff hike on electric and hybrid vehicles.

Brazil became the world’s largest importer of Chinese cars in the first five months of 2024, purchasing $5.2 billion worth of vehicles, a 147% increase from the previous year. The surge occurred as automakers rushed to ship cars before a July tariff hike, surpassing Russia and Belgium in import volume.

Poland's Law and Justice party has split, with former PM Mateusz Morawiecki breaking from leader Jarosław Kaczyński to form a rival right-wing group. The split may impact current PM Donald Tusk ahead of the 2027 election, while other topics include Belgium's Charleroi Airport closure plans and Montenegro's EU language addition.

A Canadian woman of Chinese origin was arrested in Belgium on espionage charges after working as an intern at NATO’s SHAPE military headquarters. Belgian authorities, acting on a tip from NATO security services, raided her home and workplace, accusing her of spying for a third country and being part of a criminal organization.

Argenx agreed to acquire Forte Biosciences for $2.2 billion in cash, valuing the Dallas-based company at $77 per share, a 41% premium. The deal aims to expand Argenx's immunology pipeline, leveraging its success with the autoimmune drug Vyvgart.

Portugal's first lobbying law is being tested immediately. Belgium is resisting Dutch demands to reduce aid to Sierra Leone due to a drug fugitive issue.

Romania shot down a suspected Russian drone over the Black Sea, the third such incident in three days. The drone was identified as a Shahed type used by Russia in its war against Ukraine, and the action was taken by NATO-operated F-16 jets from Romania's air force.

Romania shot down a suspected Russian Shahed drone over the Black Sea, the third such incident in three days, using F-16 jets under NATO command. The drone incursions, which include a previous incident in Estonia, have prompted NATO and EU allies to reinforce defenses, including Romania's deployment of the MEROPS counter-drone system.

Ukraine and Belgium share a historical connection spanning over a century, with around 20,000 Belgians residing in eastern Ukraine and Belgian investors contributing to Kyiv's tram network and funicular development.

A Canadian woman of Chinese origin was arrested in Belgium on suspicion of espionage at NATO's SHAPE military headquarters. The investigation follows a tip from NATO security services, with authorities alleging she spied for a third country and belonged to a criminal organization.

A Canadian of Chinese origin who was an intern at NATO headquarters in Belgium has been arrested on spying charges and is suspected of being affiliated with a criminal organization.

Europe is facing increasing drug cartel influence, with a French mayor forced into hiding, an influencer threatened, and Belgium emerging as a smuggling hub. The article highlights the continent's struggle against a growing drugs mafia.

A Canadian national of Chinese origin was arrested on suspicion of spying at NATO's military headquarters. Belgian officials stated that operations have not been compromised by the incident.

Five human rights groups are suing the French government in the country’s highest administrative court for not preventing domestic companies from participating in financial activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The lawsuit cites the government's failure to adopt recommendations from the International Court of Justice following its 2024 advisory opinion declaring Israel's presence in the OPT unlawful.

TotalEnergies reported an $11.2 billion profit over six months during the Middle East war. The company's refining and petrochemical operations in Antwerp, Belgium, were highlighted in the context of this financial performance.

The Netherlands will ban products from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories starting 22 September. The decision aligns with measures by Ireland, Belgium, and Spain, and is based on the Dutch government's commitment to international legal obligations regarding Israel's occupation, as advised by the ICJ.

Citribel’s citric acid plant in Belgium is under scrutiny as a test of the EU's ability to protect its basic industrial base amid economic competition with China.

New Forest Wildlife Park has reintroduced wolves from France and Belgium two years after a previous pack's deaths.

Belgium has banned imports from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine. EU foreign ministers remain deadlocked over a bloc-wide ban on illegal settlement trade.

Jenna Leurquin, owner of Jenna Leurquin Patisserie, defended her business after influencer Aurora Griffo criticized the use of 'fake' ingredients in a TikTok review. Leurquin responded by highlighting the bakery's artisanal methods and imported European ingredients, addressing claims she felt misrepresented her business. The incident reflects broader tensions between influencers and small businesses.

A brutal heat wave in Europe this year caused over 10,000 excess deaths, with EuroMOMO reporting 14,260 excess deaths in a single week, primarily among those aged 65 and older. Germany and the UK reported significant heat-related fatalities, and climate change is cited as a contributing factor to the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves.

Ukrainian troops will participate in Belgium’s National Day parade for the first time. The event marks a public display of European military solidarity with Kyiv.

France's parliament adopted an assisted dying law, a reform championed by President Emmanuel Macron. The law, promised during Macron's 2022 re-election, could join the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada in legalizing assisted dying if approved by France's constitutional authority.

French lawmakers legalized assisted dying for terminally ill patients over 18 with serious, incurable illnesses causing unbearable suffering, joining countries like Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The bill faced political divisions, with support from the left and center and opposition from the right and far right, and will undergo constitutional review before enactment.

France’s National Assembly approved a bill legalizing assisted dying for adults with incurable, life-threatening illnesses under specific conditions, including a doctor’s approval. The law allows eligible individuals to request lethal medication but excludes those with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and does not permit advance directives.

Jaishankar met with the European Council president to advance trade and technology cooperation. The External Affairs Minister is visiting Belgium for the 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council meeting.

Thirteen people, including five Britons, three Belgians, and one national each from France and Spain, died in a deadly wildfire in Spain's Almeria province. The blaze destroyed rural settlements, and victims required DNA identification due to severe burns.

A report by EuroMOMO indicates over 10,000 excess deaths in Europe during June, with France and Belgium experiencing 'very high excess' mortality in the last week of the month. The report does not provide country-specific death counts but highlights the impact of the heatwave on mortality rates.

EU countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain are pushing for trade restrictions on Israeli settlements, creating a conflict with the von der Leyen-led European Commission, which resists new measures. The issue has overshadowed other agendas at EU foreign ministers' meetings, with Kaja Kallas advocating for action while Germany and the Czech Republic oppose it.

Israel’s under-20 women’s basketball team reached their first European final by defeating Belgium 78-69. They will face France in the championship game after previously making history by reaching the semifinals.

Goyal is set to visit Spain, Belgium, and Finland this week with a delegation of leading Indian companies spanning sectors like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technologies, and healthcare. The visit aims to strengthen trade and investment ties, as highlighted by the Commerce Ministry.

The World Cup quarterfinal match between Belgium and Spain at SoFi Stadium is expected to provide an economic boost to Los Angeles County. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday.