Expatica

Belgian press proud but concerned as PM gets EU top job
The Belgian press unanimously hailed Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy&#039;s ascension to EU president as a national honour, but voiced concerns over its effect on the fragile domestic front.
(Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100)

Belgium's Haiku-composing leader set for EU presidency
More pensive poet than political pit-bull, Herman Van Rompuy, named the European Union&#039;s first president on Thursday, earned his stripes dealing with Belgium&#039;s bickering political class.
(Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100)

EU gets new figurehead but could face old headaches
European leaders slapped themselves on the back after picking Belgian premier Herman Van Rompuy as the first EU president, but some doubted that the creation of the post would make the difference they hope.
(Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100)

Russian court forbids use of death penalty
However. politicians warned it was too soon to formally abolish the death penalty as public opinion -- which is strongly in favour of capital punishment -- was not ready for such a move.
(Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100)

Commemoration for Mumbai victims in Brussels
The European Jewish Community held a memorial commemoration ceremony `YARTZHEIT&#039; at its centre near the EU district in Brussels on November 18 for the Mumbai victims who were killed in a series of attacks in the Indian financial capital in November last year.
(Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100)

Call for investigation into abuse of prisoners
Belgium&#039;s prisons watchdog, the Commission for Surveillance of Prisons, is insisting on an independent investigation into allegations of abuse by police officers.
(Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100)

NGOs build refugee tent city in Brussels
Five Belgian aid groups built Wednesday a refugee camp in the heart of Brussels to house asylum seekers forced to live in the streets due to a lack of housing.
(Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100)

'Handball' Henry puts France in World Cup, Russia crash
Superstar Thierry Henry was at the centre of a sensational World Cup cheating storm on Wednesday as France reached the 2010 finals in South Africa along with Portugal, Greece and Slovenia.
(Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100)

British press hits out at EU jobs haggling
Britain&#039;s press stepped up attacks Thursday over jostling for the European Union&#039;s new top jobs, predicting &quot;unmemorable winners,&quot; and again poking fun at Belgian&#039;s EU presidency frontrunner.
(Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100)

German granny goes down after career of crime
The pensioner, not named by police, first came to the attention of authorities in December 1956 and, during a prolific career of pilfering, had 55 criminal cases brought against her, none of which resulted in a jail term.
(Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100)