The Belgian government’s proposed sale of
bank-insurer Fortis to the French BNP Paribas hung in the balance this
week as Fortis’ main private shareholder switched its vote to oppose
the deal.Full story
Located slap bang in the middle of the triangle
formed by Bruges, Ghent and Kortrijk, it's inevitable that the town of
Tielt struggled to make a mark on the West Flanders scene. Skilled
craftsmen were — and still are — attracted to the three nearby cities
in search of more or better work. Today's tourists frequently do
something similar, bypassing the burg of about 20,000 on their way to
visit its more famous neighbours.Full story
The average resident of Antwerp has a life
expectancy around two years shorter than in other cities in Flanders,
according to figures collected by the city council and a social aid
agency. According to recent estimates, a boy born in Flanders in 2006
has a life expectancy of 77.7 years and 82.9 for a girl. The life
expectancy in Antwerp is currently 76.4 years for a man and 81.2 for a
woman.Full story
Politicians, academics and social workers have
reacted with shock to the report released last week that shows that
half of all Flemish people think that Islam represents a threat to
Europe’s cultural values. The report, based on research carried out by
the Institute for Social and Political Opinion Research (ISPO) at
Leuven University, also found that 37% of Flemings think that Muslims
living here have no respect for local values and that 46% believe that
Islam has no positive contribution to make to Western culture. Full story
You have to be careful not to pass right by the
newest jewellery boutique in Antwerp: it’s housed on the first floor of
a building, right above a clothing shop. Not the most conventional
choice of location, but, then again, Limited Edition Jewellery is
anything but conventional.Full story
In cities, towns and villages the length and breadth
of Flanders, the sounds of their rehearsals emanate from cafés, from
cultural centres, from sports halls. Their concerts are frequently sold
out, and they compete at - and frequently win - European and global
competitions.Full story
When a town promotes itself as the oldest in
Belgium, it’s tempting to wonder how much evidence of this claim is
still visible. Visit Tongeren, and its credentials are right in front
of you: city walls that date from the first century; a Roman
archaeological site from the fourth.Full story
Ostend Queen, the fish restaurant in the Ostend Kursaal that was
praised by Michelin before it was even open, is to close. Marc De
Vooght, CEO of the company that runs the restaurant, informed the 50
staff of the decision last week.Full story
This isn’t the first time Eric Van Landeghem and his
family have experienced an economic slowdown hurting the auto industry.
His father and grandfather also worked at General Motors Belgium, and,
between the three generations, have weathered the Great Depression,
World War II and the oil crisis of the 1970s.Full story
