Tag: Brussels

Israel Starts Canadian-Inspired ‘Freedom Convoy’ Against COVID-19 Mandates

The convoy of Canadian truckers protesting COVID-19 mandates and restrictions has inspired people in other countries to follow suit with protests of their own, including Israel. Thousands of Israeli protesters have joined a Canadian-inspired “Freedom Convoy” on Monday, with vehicles flying Israeli and Canadian flags while driving along the main highway linking Tel Aviv and…


Dozens Arrested as 35,000 People March in Brussels to Protest COVID-19 Rules

A large demonstration over government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions and vaccination measures on Nov. 21 in Brussels, Belgium, led to about 40 arrests and several injuries as police fired water cannons and used tear gas at people throwing rocks and smoke bombs. Police said about 35,000 people took to the streets, which started peacefully around 1 p.m. local…


Uber Temporarily Suspends Brussels Service in First for Europe

BRUSSELS—Uber Technologies Inc. joined a protest of its drivers in Brussels on Thursday with an unprecedented suspension of its service in the Belgian capital. Rules dating back to 1995 prohibit drivers from using smartphones, meaning those that use the Uber app to pick up customers and to drive them to their destination risk losing their…


European Parliament Members Push Brussels to Build Closer Ties With Taiwan 

The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted a new resolution on Sept. 1, advocating closer ties with Taiwan amid a spike in tensions between Beijing and Taipei. The first report on EU–Taiwan relations was approved in Brussels on Wednesday, with 60 in favor, four against, and six abstentions. Parliament will hold a vote in a…


Belgium, Except for Brussels, to Scrap COVID Restrictions on Restaurants, Cafes

BRUSSELS—Belgium will scrap COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants and cafes, allowing them to operate under their usual hours as part of the government’s reopening plan and as more than two-thirds of the population have been vaccinated. But the measures, which will take effect on Sept. 1, will not apply to Brussels, home to the European Commission,…


After G7 Pledge, EU Seeks to Rival China’s ‘Belt and Road’ With Own Infrastructure Plan

BRUSSELS—European Union foreign ministers agreed on Monday to launch a global infrastructure plan linking Europe to the world; a next step after deals with India and Japan and a similar pledge by the Group of Seven richest democracies. Suspicious of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative to link Europe to Asia via infrastructure…


EU Lawmakers Pledge to Reject EU-China Investment Deal in First Meeting on Beijing’s Sanctions

Members of European Parliament have vowed to reject the EU-China Investment Agreement that was awaiting ratification over China’s human rights abuses and sanctions by the ruling communist party. More than 30 MEPs took the floor on April 28 to denounce China for demanding that the EU stop criticism of its human rights record, saying they…


10 People to Stand Trial Over Deadly 2016 Brussels Attacks

BRUSSELS—Ten people including the lone known surviving suspect in the 2015 deadly Paris attacks have been ordered to stand trial in connection with the suicide bombings which killed 32 people and injured hundreds in the Brussels subway and airport nearly five years ago. According to the federal prosecutor’s office, the Brussels Chamber of the Council…