place
Good news from Belgium
Positive stories set in or affecting Belgium, gathered from the newsrooms Rally reads. Every headline links back to the publisher who reported it.
25 stories.
Tens of thousands march in Brussels demanding urgent climate action
Tens of thousands of people marched through Brussels on Sunday, 11 October, demanding stronger action on climate change ahead of next month's COP31 summit in Antalya, Turkey.
Euronews
Ten of thousands urge EU for climate action at Brussels demonstration
Tens of thousands of people marched in Brussels to demand stronger EU action on climate change, ahead of a key UN summit. Their collective voice could push leaders to take bolder steps to protect the planet. This shows growing public pressure for meaningful environmental progress.
Euronews
Virgin unveils new train designs and plans for cross-Channel service linking London and Europe from 2030
Virgin’s new cross-Channel train designs promise faster, more stylish travel between London and Europe, with 20 daily services planned. The company aims to bring its signature hospitality to the route, offering passengers a more comfortable and convenient way to connect major cities. This could make cross-border travel smoother and more enjoyable from 2030.
Euronews
Sydney festival 2027: 11 international dance works to headline ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ program
Sydney’s 2027 festival will bring 11 international dance works to the southern hemisphere for the first time, including collaborators of major artists. The program features a high-wire performance at the Cutaway, offering audiences a unique and vibrant cultural experience. This lineup promises to celebrate dance in fresh, dynamic ways.
The Guardian
Qatar says ‘no alternative to diplomacy’ as Belgium and Rwanda restore ties
Qatar helped restore relations between Belgium and Rwanda after 18 months of tension, showing its value as a trusted mediator. The breakthrough highlights how diplomacy can resolve even deep divides, offering hope for other conflicts. This success strengthens Qatar’s role in global peace efforts.
Al Jazeera
EU ambassadors advance major defense projects plan, with Ukraine featuring prominently
EU ambassadors have approved a plan for five significant defense projects that aim to enhance Europe’s military capabilities. Ukraine will be involved in four of these projects, focusing on key areas such as air defense and maritime security. This initiative is important for strengthening the EU's defense structure in response to urgent strategic needs.
Kyiv Independent
European robots make their case in Brussels
European researchers are showcasing their robotic strengths to keep pace with China’s advancements, ensuring Europe remains competitive in the field. This effort highlights innovation and collaboration, reinforcing the continent’s role in shaping the future of robotics. The focus on homegrown progress is a promising step forward.
Le Monde
Aussie prodigy Myers snares prestigious title
Cameron Myers has won the men’s 1500m Diamond League title after securing a victory in Brussels. The achievement cements his status as a rising star in middle-distance running, delivering a triumphant end to the season. It’s a milestone for the Australian athlete and a moment to celebrate for his supporters.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Jacqueline Harpman, the writer who made gender a literary problem, reemerges as a TikTok phenomenon
A beloved novel by Jacqueline Harpman, which reimagines Virginia Woolf’s *Orlando* and won the Médicis Prize, is being reissued in Spanish. This revival introduces her groundbreaking work to new readers, celebrating a writer who challenged gender norms in literature. The novel’s fresh visibility is a welcome return for an important voice.
El País (English)
As electric two-wheelers gain a foothold, Belgian startup Any bets on cargo space
A Belgian startup has launched a modular electric motorcycle with 120 liters of cargo space, offering a practical alternative to cars for urban mobility. The design can carry bags, work tools, or pets, making it useful for daily tasks. This innovation could help reduce car dependency in cities.
TechCrunch
All aboard: New real-time map lets travellers track trains across France, Spain and Belgium
A new live train map now lets travellers track rail journeys across France, Spain and Belgium, including delays, cancellations and station facilities. This tool helps passengers plan their trips with more confidence and ease, making train travel more reliable and stress-free.
Euronews
Could high-speed trains run from London to Europe every 15 minutes?
Catching a train from London to mainland Europe could soon become a lot easier, with services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam potentially departing as often as every 15 minutes by the end of the decade as Eurostar faces a wave of new competition.
Euronews
New European Sleeper train to launch from Brussels and Amsterdam to Copenhagen and Malmö in 2028
A new overnight train route will connect Brussels and Amsterdam to Copenhagen and Malmö, making travel between the Benelux and Scandinavia easier. The service, launching in 2028, offers a sustainable alternative to flying, helping travelers and the environment. This partnership with a German railway operator marks a step forward for European rail travel.
Euronews
Belgian car salesman becomes prince after royal parentage confirmed
A Belgian car salesman has been legally recognized as Prince Laurent’s son and heir, changing his life and securing his royal status. The quiet ceremony at a town hall marks a new chapter for Clément Vandenkerckhove, offering him a future in the royal family. It’s a heartening story of unexpected family ties and new opportunities.
BBC News
Ukraine's EU anti-corruption reforms 'are not just' to please Brussels, Belgian FM tells Kyiv
Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms, required for EU membership, are also designed to strengthen the country’s trust and resilience, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said during a visit to Kyiv. The reforms prioritize citizens’ benefits, reinforcing that they go beyond meeting external expectations. This underscores Ukraine’s commitment to lasting progress.
Kyiv Independent
Virgin Trains takes major step towards challenging Eurostar with London to Europe services
Virgin Trains has gained approval to run up to 20 daily return services through the Channel Tunnel from 2030, ending Eurostar’s long monopoly. This move will give travelers more options for London-to-Europe rail travel, increasing competition and potentially improving service. It’s a step toward greater choice and efficiency in cross-Channel journeys.
Euronews
Wind and rain help limit spread of Belgium wildfire, officials say
Wind and rain slowed the spread of a Belgian wildfire overnight, giving firefighters more time to contain the blaze. The shift in weather conditions helped prevent the fire from reaching the German border. The slower spread offers hope for better control and safety.
Le Monde
Brussels central square transformed into giant Japan-inspired flower carpet
Brussels’ Grand-Place has been covered in a stunning floral carpet inspired by Japanese art, using over 700,000 flowers. The 24th edition of this annual celebration brings vibrant color and creativity to the city, delighting visitors and showcasing the beauty of nature. It’s a joyful tribute to cultural exchange and craftsmanship.
Euronews
Brussels unveils giant flower carpet inspired by Hokusai masterpiece
Brussels’ Grand Place has been turned into a vast floral tribute to Hokusai’s *Great Wave*, with volunteers carefully arranging 500,000 dahlias by hand. The project celebrates cultural exchange and brings joy to visitors, who gathered to watch the design take shape. Japanese sponsors and the ambassador joined in, highlighting the event’s international spirit.
Africanews
Poland now sixth-largest EU economy, ahead of Switzerland and Belgium
Poland's economy is gaining in importance in Europe. In 2025 the country ranked sixth in the EU by nominal GDP, accounting for almost 5% of the bloc's total output.
Euronews
Trains over planes? The European routes where rail is faster than air
For some European trips, trains now beat planes in speed, making travel smoother and more sustainable. Passengers on routes like Brussels to Paris or Madrid to Seville can save time by choosing rail. It’s a win for both convenience and the environment.
Euronews
Eurostar is launching a new direct route from London to Antwerp this December
Eurostar’s new direct route from London to Antwerp will save travelers time by cutting out the transfer in Brussels. While return trips will still require a stop, the one-way option makes visiting Belgium beyond the capital easier. It’s a welcome step for smoother, more convenient travel.
Euronews
Coexistence isn’t a medieval memory. Ask the rabbis of the Muslim world
Rabbi Mendy Chitrik highlights how Jewish communities in Muslim-majority countries serve as vital bridges for dialogue, with European officials and ambassadors from Morocco, the UAE, and Kazakhstan engaging in unprecedented cooperation. This recognition shifts the narrative from historical relics to active partners in coexistence, offering a model for mutual understanding.
Euronews
Wacky, Mysterious Paintings by This Surrealist Still Influence Contemporary Artists. An Exhibition in London Will Explore the Legacy of René Magritte
A new London exhibition explores how René Magritte’s playful, dreamlike paintings continue to inspire contemporary artists. His work, like a pipe that isn’t a pipe, challenges perception in ways that still resonate today. The show celebrates his lasting influence on creative thinking.
Smithsonian Magazine
Kimi Antonelli wins Belgian Grand Prix to extend F1 championship lead
Mercedes driver won his sixth GP of 2026 as championship rival and teammate George Russell crashes out on first lap.
Al Jazeera
