Gazan scholarship winner blocked by Belgium’s in-person visa rules
EU publishes new action plan to boost fair mobility and social rights
EU sets new mobility-friendly agenda under the European Pillar of Social Rights
Latest News
Flanders lists 300 options to cut Brussels Airport noise ahead of new permit
The Flemish Government has produced a long list of more than 300 proposals—ranging from quieter aircraft incentives to possible night-curfews—to cut noise around Brussels Airport. The package will be whittled down over the next year as part of the EU ‘Balanced-Approach’ process that precedes a new environmental permit. Any final restrictions could affect flight schedules, freight capacity and business-travel convenience for Belgian companies.
EU Working Party on Consular Affairs convenes in Brussels to finalise joint crisis-response playbooks
EU consular chiefs met in Brussels on 22 July to finalise a joint contingency template that will let Member States share resources during evacuations and major crises. Belgium, a strong proponent, is integrating its own B-FAST assets and traveller-registration system into the scheme. The upcoming framework will make evacuations and emergency travel documents more predictable for expatriates and corporate travellers based in Belgium.
Belgium halves special Brussels reception scheme, cuts 700 asylum beds
On 22 July Belgium said it will scrap 700 of the 2,000 federally funded asylum beds in Brussels, citing lower demand and budget discipline. Brussels ministers condemn the unilateral cut, warning of a homelessness surge. The decision reduces emergency capacity in the capital and could complicate corporate relocation or humanitarian sponsorship programmes that rely on local reception places.
Coreper II tackles Entry/Exit System teething problems ahead of summer peak
Meeting on 22 July, EU ambassadors endorsed an implementing decision allowing temporary ‘light-touch’ use of the new Entry/Exit System to reduce airport queues. Belgium, facing kiosk shortages at Zaventem, will apply the measure once the Council signs off, easing summer border-crossing times for business travellers and assignees.
Visa deadlock leaves Gazan scholarship students unable to reach Belgian universities
Belgium’s in-person visa requirement has left at least seven Gazan scholarship students, including a doctor bound for Antwerp’s ITM, unable to enter the country. Universities, courts and ministers are debating whether remote visa applications can be accepted, exposing a policy clash between security protocols and international-education commitments.
Major roadworks on E19 slip-road threaten airport access until September
From 10 August to 26 September major resurfacing works on the E19 slip-road near Machelen will slash capacity on the main road to Brussels Airport. Authorities predict heavy congestion, posing risks for passenger drop-offs and time-critical cargo. Businesses should adjust airport-transfer schedules or shift shipments to alternative gateways.
Paper ID cards no longer valid: Italians and Greeks in Belgium warned of travel ban from 3 August
From 3 August 2026, old paper ID cards issued by Italy and Greece will no longer be accepted for travel. Charleroi Airport warned on 22 July that passengers attempting to fly with the obsolete documents will be refused boarding, potentially leaving thousands of Italians and Greeks in Belgium stuck during the holiday peak. Travellers must obtain the biometric Electronic Identity Card; a Belgian residence card is not sufficient. Employers and mobility managers should alert affected staff and build in lead-time for card issuance.
Paper ID cards no longer valid: Italians and Greeks in Belgium warned of summer travel ban
From 3 August the EU bans the use of old paper Italian and Greek ID cards for international travel. Belgian airports issued a 22 July warning that holders risk being stranded during the peak holiday season unless they switch to biometric cards. Companies should alert affected employees and revise right-to-work document checks.
Commission traineeship window opens, expanding access for vocational graduates and non-resident applicants
From 22 July to 4 September, the Commission is accepting applications for its next traineeship round and, for the first time, opens the door to vocational graduates. The move benefits internationally mobile young professionals in Belgium and provides companies with a new, low-cost avenue for EU-level development assignments.
Ghent–Brussels rail link restored after morning shutdown
A person-on-track incident shut the main Ghent-Brussels rail line on 22 July, forcing diversions and delaying thousands of commuters and airport-bound passengers until services were restored at midday. The disruption underscores the need for contingency planning on Belgium’s backbone rail corridor during the busy summer season.
European Commission blocks ‘Save Europe Act’ that sought moratorium on non-Western immigration
The European Commission on 22 July rejected the “Save Europe Act” ECI, which called for a freeze on non-Western immigration. Citing treaty-based anti-discrimination principles, the Commission blocked the initiative at registration, preventing signature collection. The move averts potential disruption to EU labour-mobility channels and underscores Brussels’ gate-keeping role over populist immigration demands.
Brussels Airport incident highlights pet-transport liabilities after cat goes missing
A pet cat disappeared during off-loading at Brussels Airport, prompting a public search and questions over airline liability. The 22 July incident underscores risks in live-animal transport chains and may trigger regulatory scrutiny. Mobility planners are advised to review carrier and handler protocols and invest in more secure crates for accompanying pets.
Federal Police set up ‘Police Village’ and heightened ID checks around Place Poelaert
Belgium’s Federal Police have created a large public-engagement zone on Place Poelaert and will conduct random ID checks around National Day events. Non-EU nationals—and expatriate employees in the nearby business district—should carry passports or residence cards to avoid delays.
Brussels rolls out extensive road closures and public-transport changes for National Day
For 21 July, Brussels will seal off streets around the city centre, close two metro stations and convert large areas into pedestrian zones. Authorities advise arriving by rail or metro and expect significant congestion for road traffic. Companies and travellers should anticipate delays, remote-work arrangements and restricted deliveries.
Belgian embassies worldwide close today for National Day, pausing visa and consular services
Belgian embassies and consulates worldwide are closed on 21 July 2026 for National Day, halting all routine visa and consular services for 24 hours. The pause delays D-visa processing during the peak summer season and may cascade into later start dates for foreign employees. Global mobility teams should warn assignees of the one-day slip and build public-holiday buffers into future timelines.
International rail passengers face diversions and longer journeys from 21 July as engineering works hit Belgian and German lines
Engineering works on Belgian and German rail networks from 21 July will divert ICE, Nightjet and EuroCity services and require transfers in Breda for Amsterdam-bound passengers. Business travellers and relocating staff should expect longer journeys and review connection times for onward Eurostar or embassy appointments.
Eurocontrol warns of EES-related queues and overnight runway works at Brussels Airport
Eurocontrol’s latest event bulletin notes that EES biometric procedures are adding up to two hours to Brussels Airport border-control queues during morning peaks, while runway and taxiway works overnight on 21-22 July will block A380 operations. Travellers and cargo shippers should plan for longer processing times and possible slot changes.
Belgian embassies and consulates worldwide closed for National Day, pausing visa services
All Belgian diplomatic missions are closed on 21 July for the national holiday, temporarily halting visa, passport and legalisation services. Applicants will experience at least 24-hour processing delays, so employers should review onboarding timelines for new hires and ensure travellers carry alternative proof of status.
Brussels’ Brucity and liaison offices closed 20–21 July, delaying local immigration and residence services
Brussels’ municipal offices—including Brucity’s population, civil-registry and foreigner desks—are closed on 20–21 July 2026 for National Day. The two-day shutdown halts in-person registrations and residence-card services, creating knock-on delays for expatriates and employers during the peak summer relocation season. Global mobility managers should expect document backlogs and advise assignees to reschedule appointments or use online channels.