Archived edition · October 10, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Belgium

Belgium

News summary for

Go to today →

Deepfakes 🤖

Queen and deputy premier targeted by AI-generated deepfakes

Belgium is grappling with a new 'deepfake nude epidemic' as AI-generated images circulate online, reportedly targeting prominent public figures including Vice Minister-President of Flanders Melissa Depraetere and Queen Mathilde. This development highlights significant concerns about personal and professional damage from such fabricated content.

In the political arena, Prime Minister Bart De Wever's budget negotiations are at an impasse following a veto from Georges-Louis Bouchez, Chairman of the Mouvement Réformateur (MR), over a proposed VAT reform. This comes as Vice Minister-President of Flanders Melissa Depraetere stated that there is no longer room for government 'giveaways' in family budgets, underscoring the federal government's pursuit of savings amid economic warnings.

Meanwhile, student protests continue to escalate, with a national demonstration resulting in over 100 arrests, including around a thousand individuals identified as 'vandals'. Police unions are demanding decisive action to prevent further escalation, expressing fears of new riots, while an examination is underway to identify the instigators of unrest in Brussels involving Molotov cocktails, tear gas, and water cannons. Separately, a trend of Belgian financial capital relocating to Switzerland and Luxembourg is being observed, and homeless individuals in Antwerp have voiced concerns over a new police approach in the Antwerpen-Noord district.

Some sources unavailable — showing 5 of 6 news sources today.

Top stories

Deepfake Nude Epidemic Targets Public Figures

A growing epidemic of AI-generated deepfake nude images is circulating online, with prominent public figures such as Vice Minister-President of Flanders Melissa Depraetere and Queen Mathilde reportedly being targeted. This phenomenon raises serious concerns about the personal and professional damage caused by such fabricated content.

Government Budget Talks Stall Over VAT Reform

Prime Minister Bart De Wever's government negotiations are at an impasse after Georges-Louis Bouchez, Chairman of the Mouvement Réformateur (MR), vetoed a VAT reform proposal, placing the onus on the MR party to find a resolution. This comes as Vice Minister-President of Flanders Melissa Depraetere emphasized that there is no longer room for government 'giveaways' in family budgets, reflecting the federal government's focus on financial prudence.

Student Protests Escalate with Arrests and Police Warnings

Student protests have intensified, with a recent national demonstration leading to over 100 arrests and approximately a thousand individuals identified as 'vandals'. Police unions are reacting angrily to a week of violence, urging decisive action to prevent further escalation and fearing new riots. In Brussels, investigations are underway to identify the instigators of unrest involving Molotov cocktails, tear gas, and water cannons.

Homeless Individuals Report Harsh Police Treatment in Antwerp

Homeless individuals in Antwerp are describing a new police strategy in the Antwerpen-Noord district, with some expressing feelings of being treated like 'vermin' under the new approach.

News sources