One in Three Asylum Seekers in Belgium Now Waits Over Two Years for a Decision
Netherlands Extends Border Checks on Belgian Frontier Until 30 September 2026
Schengen Re-tightens: Switzerland Announces G7 Controls as Netherlands & Italy Prolong Checks—Belgian Firms Should Brace for Delays
Latest News
Netherlands extends internal Schengen border checks with Belgium until 30 September 2026
On 26 May 2026 the Dutch government formally prolonged its temporary Schengen border checks on the Belgian frontier until 30 September 2026. The move, aimed at curbing irregular migration and smuggling, obliges travellers and freight operators to plan for ID inspections and potential delays. Belgian businesses face higher compliance burdens, while policymakers warn the decision chips away at the Schengen area’s seamless-travel ideal.
Belgium rules out new evacuation flights for 1,400 Gaza-based Belgian visa-holders
Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot told parliament on 26 May that organising another evacuation flight for some 1,400 Gazans holding Belgian visas is "not realistic" because of complicated tri-state approvals and security risks. The decision leaves visa-holders stranded and forces employers and families to plan for prolonged delays or document renewals.
EU ministers in Brussels review Schengen IT roll-out and migration pact ahead of June deadline
The General Affairs Council, meeting in Brussels on 26 May, assessed member-state readiness for the Entry/Exit System and the wider Migration-and-Asylum Pact that takes effect on 12 June. Belgium pressed for rapid completion of interoperability tests, while ministers highlighted potential summer-travel queues and endorsed financial solidarity measures. Companies should prepare staff for compulsory biometric checks and ETIAS approvals on trips through Belgian borders.