Heatwave forces NMBS to cancel 100 peak-hour trains a day and replace rural services with buses
Technical failure strands Eurostar near Leuven; 400 passengers evacuated onto track
Brussels suburb seeks police action over online hate targeting new 230-bed asylum centre
Latest News
Waterloo battle reenactment cancelled as Belgium joins Europe-wide heat curbs
Belgian authorities have cancelled this weekend’s Waterloo battle reenactment due to a red heat alert, wiping out a major tourism draw and prompting wider transport and labour-safety measures. The decision eases rail crowding but hits hospitality and coach operators, underscoring how extreme weather is reshaping event-driven mobility planning.
Belgium tightens residence checks on EU job-seekers
Belgium will require EU job-seekers to provide more evidence of active job hunting when applying for a residence card and will reassess their prospects after six months, withdrawing residence if effort is lacking. The rules also withhold social assistance until permanent residence is secured and make family-reunification files inadmissible if incomplete. Employers and mobile workers must prepare for stricter documentation demands and the risk of losing legal stay sooner.
EU Visa Working Party meets in Brussels to refine visa-exemption assessment framework
EU member states met in Brussels on 25 June to agree a stricter, data-driven system for deciding whether third-country nationals keep visa-free access to Schengen. Belgium backs the plan, which could affect corporate mobility programmes if partners lose their waiver. Airlines also warned of bottlenecks at Brussels Airport ahead of October’s EES launch.
NMBS cancels 160 commuter trains over heat concerns, urges remote working
SNCB/NMBS will scrap around 160 commuter services between 24-26 June to minimise the risk of track deformation during the ongoing heatwave. Employers are asked to promote tele-working, and travellers should consult revised timetables before heading to the station.
Australia updates Belgium travel advice, flags possible border delays under new EU Entry/Exit System
DFAT’s Smartraveller bulletin dated 25 June 2026 keeps Belgium at the lowest risk tier but warns Australians of likely queues once the EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System is introduced and notes that Belgium may conduct temporary border checks with neighbouring states. Corporate travellers are advised to add extra transit time and keep an eye on strike alerts.
Eurostar slows and cancels Brussels–London services amid track-temperature limits
Eurostar has reduced speeds and cancelled four Brussels–London trains because of heat-related speed limits in Belgium. Journey times will lengthen by up to 50 minutes, and free rebooking is offered. The incident underscores the growing weather vulnerability of key European rail corridors.
Belgium Visa Application Centre in Nairobi shuts for one day as protests sweep Kenya; long-stay fees to rise on 1 July
TLScontact closed its Nairobi centre on 25 June due to Kenyan protests, forcing Belgian visa applicants to reschedule and risking project delays. The provider also confirmed that Belgium’s long-stay visa fee will rise to €250 from 1 July 2026, prompting employers to review budgets and filing timelines.
Australia updates Belgium travel advisory: warns of border checks and strike disruptions
Australia’s latest Smartraveller notice for Belgium flags possible border-control delays and warns that strikes often disrupt airports, rail and urban transport. It also reminds travellers of upcoming Schengen EES changes and new e-scooter speed limits—useful intelligence for companies with short-term assignees in Brussels.
EU Visa Working Party meets in Brussels to discuss tougher suspension rules for visa-free countries
The EU’s Visa Working Party convened in Brussels on 25 June to debate making it easier to suspend visa-free privileges for non-EU countries that fail to cooperate on returns or create security concerns. Belgian companies reliant on short-term visitors from visa-exempt states are advised to assess exposure and prepare contingency plans.