A new study conducted by the local consumer organization showed that aromatic diffusers based on oil strongly pollute the air in the room. According to a new study from Belgian consumer organisation Test-Aankoop, many aroma diffusers using ethereal oil pollute indoor air. They also expose users’ airways and skin to irritating and allergenic substances. The Test-Aankoop article was based on the results of a study performed by its French sister organisation, 60 millions de consommateurs. “The tested products often contain allergenic fragrances such as limonene, geraniol or linalol. But those…
Read MoreMonth: July 2018
Flixbus may run between Flemish cities, says government
The private bus company Flixbus, which until now has been limited to a trip between cities in other countries, can now provide services between cities in Flanders such as Ghent and Aalst, the Flemish government decided. The company has a chequered history, having withdrawn from its main terminus at Brussels’ North station after complaints of luggage theft as passengers rush to board the bus. Some reports said drivers stood by and did nothing; drivers themselves argued they have no powers to intervene. As a result, the terminus has moved to…
Read MoreIn July, 3.5 million tourists settled on the Flemish coast
With five weeks of the summer vacation period still to go, the coastal resorts of West Flanders can look back on a very successful first four weeks of July. Since the start of the month no fewer than 3.5 million day trips have been made to our region’s coastal resorts. Hotels, holiday-let apartments and campsites too report that they have been almost fully booked since the beginning of July. Franky De Block of the West Flemish Tourist Board Westtoer told VRT News that “No fewer than 3.5 million day trippers…
Read MoreThe best cherry harvest ever
Never before did the Belgian cherry producers produce so many fruits. According to the Belgian Fruit Auction (BFV), this year more than 2,000,000 kilograms of Belgian cherry will be sold, and this is all due to a long period of good weather. The BFV’s Director Filip Lowette told VRT News that “Nature has been especially kind to us this year. The blossom period went perfectly. Moreover, we have had a very dry and sunny period from the start of the picking season. This has resulted in a subliminal harvest”. 80%…
Read MoreThe government allocates cash for a new European school
It is reported that the federal government has allocated from 50 to 70 million euros for the construction of a new European school. The decision to create an additional European school in Brussels was first made in 2015. Now, according to an article in the Saturday issue of the daily De Morgena, the federal government has provided funding for the construction of what will become the sixth European school in Belgium. Currently, there are 4 European schools in Brussels (Ukkel, Laken, Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe and Elsene) and 1 in Mol (Antwerp province)….
Read MoreHazard and De Bruyne among the nominees for the Best Player 2018 FIFA
Two Belgians are among the ten nominations for the Best Player of the Year award this year. “Eden Hazard” and “Manchester City” from Manchester City Chelsea played a big role in the World Championship campaign in Belgium, which showed that the Red Devils took third place, the best result of our team. The two Belgian will face stiff competition though. Also on the list are Barcelona Argentine star Lionel Messi, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and the young French international Kylian Mbappé. The ten players on FIFA’s long list were chosen…
Read MoreThe government has reached an agreement on corporate tax
After one year of discussion, pressure and tension, the federal government finally signed an agreement on corporate tax reform, setting different rates for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other companies. The nominal corporate-tax rate is 33%, although in actual fact it is lower, as a result of the large number of possibilities for deductions that the Belgian tax system offers. The rate will be reduced to 29% in 2019 and 25% in 2020 for larger companies, while the SMEs will pay 20% on a taxable portion of 100,000, from…
Read MoreForeign nationals have just another week to register to vote in the municipal elections
Foreign nationals living in Belgium have until 31 July to register if they wish to vote in the municipal elections on 14 October. Around 400,000 resident in Belgium would be entitled to vote if the registered. However, many of them are unaware of this entitlement or are simple not interested in registering. All EU nationals over the age of 18 that are registered in the municipality in which they lived may vote in the municipal election providing they register to do so. Those that are registered to vote are subject…
Read More“There are no flights for Ryanair from Zaventem”
Budget airline Ryanair warned of further attacks this summer. Shock actions this week mean that the company cancels 50 flights to and from Belgium on Wednesday and Thursday. The company insists that it is unwilling to give in to what it calls “unreasonable demands” that will undermine its “low fare and highly efficient model”. Social unrest is weighing on the company’s results. Fuel costs have risen and pilots have just received a pay rise. This week’s strike will cancel up to half of all Ryanair flights to and from Belgium….
Read MoreFlemish bus lines will become more accessible for travelers with disabilities
The Flemish Minister of Mobility announced an investment of 3 million euros intended for passengers with disabilities. Although almost 90% of the bus lines operated by the Flemish public transport authority De Lijn are accessible to people with disabilities, only a quarter of the stops are – a situation Flemish mobility minister Ben Weyts has admitted is “absurd”. Accessible vehicles or stops can be used by a person with disabilities without any need for assistance. “Following a successful trial project, 70 lines will be transformed into ‘more mobile lines’ with…
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