Flemish government cuts €40 million from culture budget
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The Flemish government has enacted new austerity measures, including a significant €40 million reduction in funding for the cultural sector and decreased support for local authorities. This comes alongside an announced increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence within public services.
In other domestic news, the long-awaited trial of former Flemish parliament member Sihame El Kaouakibi has finally commenced after 5.5 years. She faces criminal charges related to subsidy fraud concerning her 'Let's Go Urban' project. Additionally, the number of Belgian workers aged 65 and over has surged by 50% in the last two years.
Meanwhile, an international police operation successfully dismantled a drug trafficking network that had been operating for years through Brussels Airport, leading to 21 arrests. Separately, employees of container group Maersk in Antwerp have announced actions in response to the company's global decision to end remote work starting January 2027.