A new study on the effects of global warming has shown that, while Belgians will save up to one third on their energy bill by the mid-21st century, nearly 19,000 people over the age of 65 will die as a result of increased temperatures. Global warming will also lead to higher levels of pollution, more flooding and periods of drought.

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Belgium is finally stepping into line with other European countries and introducing a standard European car number plate on 1 July, 2010. The new plate will be longer than the existing model, with a B for Belgium in blue and a combination of seven numbers and letters in black. The number plate is being introduced on the day Belgium takes over presidency of the European Union and will be charged to car owners.

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Ten Belgian hospitals have drawn up a pandemic plan to prepare staff for a major escalation in swine flu cases over the coming months. The hospitals will segregate those suffering from the virus to avoid spreading infection and appoint specialised doctors to treat patients.

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Flemish families have survived the global crisis better than most, with one in five families currently holding savings of €50,000 or more, compared to a European average of one in 12. The figure is the highest in Europe, according to a study by the market research organisation GfK (which excluded Luxembourg and Switzerland). The Flemish are also ahead of other Belgians, with one-sixth of Flemish families holding savings worth more than €75,000, compared to one in eight in Brussels and one in 12 in Wallonia.