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Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, but also the name of the surrounding region. It is a major center for EU and international politics and home to numerous international organizations.

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All Content on this topic

Police stand nearby as emergency workers attend to a person who was the victim of a beating in downtown Brussels

Police stand nearby as emergency workers attend to a person who was the victim of a beating in downtown Brussels

Belgium struggles in fight against cocaine traffickers

Belgium is a major hub for cocaine in Europe, with the drug flooding the continent via the port of Antwerp.

A container ship at the port in Hamburg

A container ship at the port in Hamburg

How the EU-US trade deal extends beyond economics

Experts say the EU-US deal may have geopolitical ramifications and continue Europe's reliance on the US.

A 3D-printed miniature model depicting US President Donald Trump, the European Union flag and word "Tariffs," taken on April 17, 2025

A 3D-printed miniature model depicting US President Donald Trump, the European Union flag and word "Tariffs," taken on April 17, 2025

EU-US trade deal: Brussels settles — but at what price?

Investors are cheering the easing of uncertainty, but some fear Brussels may have conceded too much.

View of a marine with a machine gun, standing on the water's edge

View of a marine with a machine gun, standing on the water's edge

NATO — the world's largest military alliance

Find out everything about what the world's largest military alliance does.

Demonstrators in the Netherlands hold a banner that reads ''We are once again drawing the red line for Gaza''

Demonstrators in the Netherlands hold a banner that reads ''We are once again drawing the red line for Gaza''

Protesters stage 'red line' marches in Netherlands, Belgium

Demonstrators dressed in red represent the red line they say has not been set with Israel over its war in Gaza.

Police open a shipping container with parcels of cocaine

Police open a shipping container with parcels of cocaine

Violent drug crime on the rise in Brussels

Gunfire, drug wars and shootouts in residential areas — the Belgian capital is seeing a wave of drug-related violence.

A group of students wearing yellow hi-vis vests hold up medals around their neck as they sit for a group photo in front of a sign that reads 'running for democracy, dignity and future' outside the EEAS building in Brussels, Belgium, May 13, 2025

A group of students wearing yellow hi-vis vests hold up medals around their neck as they sit for a group photo in front of a sign that reads 'running for democracy, dignity and future' outside the EEAS building in Brussels, Belgium, May 13, 2025

Serbia: Students run to Brussels, take protest to the EU

With the EU increasingly critical of the state of democracy in Serbia, students chose the right moment to protest.

Serbian students demonstrate for justice in their country in Brussels, Belgium

Serbian students demonstrate for justice in their country in Brussels, Belgium

From Novi Sad to Brussels: A 1,950-km run for justice

Serbian students take their pro-democracy, anti-corruption protest to the EU.

Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany, stands in front of the press prior to a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany, stands in front of the press prior to a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

New chancellor, new hopes: Friedrich Merz debuts in Brussels

Six hours, four meetings, one message: Berlin is back. Can Friedrich Merz deliver where the last coalition fell short?

Worker in a Volkswagen factory

Worker in a Volkswagen factory

As Trump hits EU with tariffs, how can Brussels retaliate?

The EU is measuring up responses to 20% higher tariffs for its exports to the US. What tools does it have?

Belgien Brüssel 2025 | EU-Gipfel

Belgien Brüssel 2025 | EU-Gipfel

EU leaders discuss how to support Ukraine at Brussels summit

European Union leaders meeting in Brussels said that they will continue to support Ukraine.

Sheep, the Syrian flag and a damaged building in the background

Sheep, the Syrian flag and a damaged building in the background

What can be expected from EU's Syria conference?

Members of Syria's interim government are in Brussels, the country's first formal delegation to attend annual EU talks.

Police car outside EU Parliament in Brussels

Police car outside EU Parliament in Brussels

China's Huawei suspected of bribery in EU Parliament

Belgian authorities allege the Chinese tech giant is at the heart of another bribery scandal in Brussels.

German's future chancellor Friedrich Merz next to a smiling Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

German's future chancellor Friedrich Merz next to a smiling Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

German election: EU leaders congratulate CDU, Friedrich Merz

After the victory of the Christian Democrats with Friedrich Merz in the Bundestag election, Brussels has voiced demands.

A senior woman who attends speed dating in Brussels.

A senior woman who attends speed dating in Brussels.

Brussels' senior singles go speed-dating

Age is no barrier to love for older singles attending a Valentine's speed-dating event in Belgium like no other.

A hand holds up a Belgium waffle with strawberries and whipped cream in front of a canal and houses in the old town of Bruges, Belgium.

A hand holds up a Belgium waffle with strawberries and whipped cream in front of a canal and houses in the old town of Bruges, Belgium.

Bruges in Belgium: Instagram vs. reality

On social media, Brgues is known for romantic canals and medieval buildings. Does the Belgian city live up to the hype?

Destroyed houses in Gaza

Destroyed houses in Gaza

Gaza ceasefire: What role could the EU play after the war?

A still unconfirmed ceasefire has provided some hope for Gaza. The EU stands ready to aid, but the future is unclear.

A view of Ionut Cibotariu playing the piano in an empty concert hall

A view of Ionut Cibotariu playing the piano in an empty concert hall

How a stagehand became a concert pianist in Brussels

Ionut Cibotariu once dreamed of being a concert pianist. While working as a stage hand, he finally got his big break.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures as he speaks during a press conference at the EU headquarters in Brussels

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures as he speaks during a press conference at the EU headquarters in Brussels

Ukraine's Zelenskyy joins EU leaders in Brussels

Ukraine's president pressed European Union leaders to boost their support for his country in the war with Russia.

Focus on Europe — Spotlight on People

Poland’s growing fear of a Russian attack is why minors are now learning how to use firearms.

Fokus Europa | Belgien | Edle Stoffe in Brüssel

Fokus Europa | Belgien | Edle Stoffe in Brüssel

The Green Dog: Brussels' hidden gem for fine fabrics

A store located in the heart of Brussels attracts both tourists and enthusiasts of fine fabrics.

Border police walk along the steel fence near the Evros river between Greece and Turkey

Border police walk along the steel fence near the Evros river between Greece and Turkey

EU summit focuses on migration amid rise of far-right

EU leaders are seeking reforms on migration and ways to strengthen the bloc's external borders.

Fokus Brüssel

Fokus Brüssel

Belgium: Horseless carriage rides

The carriages on Brussels’ Grand Place still have horsepower – but they have lost their horses.

Fokus La Palma

Fokus La Palma

Focus on Europe — Spotlight on People

Inhabitants of the island La Palma are still coping with the aftermath of the Tajogaite eruption.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels

UK's Keir Starmer in Brussels to 'make Brexit work'

The British prime minister has said he aims to "reset" ties with the European Union.

Pope Francis speaking at Lovuain Catholic University in Leuven, Belgium

Pope Francis speaking at Lovuain Catholic University in Leuven, Belgium

Pope Francis promises 'help' to Belgian sex abuse victims

Pope Francis spoke in Brussels with victims of sexual abuse who are demanding compensation from the Catholic Church.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (left) and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right) share a laugh in Brussels

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (left) and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (right) share a laugh in Brussels

EU: What's next for right-wing parties in Brussels?

Right-wing parties in Brussels are reforming alliances after surging in the recent EU parliament elections.

ITA and Lufthansa aircraft parked at Palermo airport

ITA and Lufthansa aircraft parked at Palermo airport

Lufthansa takeover of Italy's ITA cleared by Brussels

The EU's competition watchdog said it was satisfied that a "sufficient level of competitive pressure remains."

Kristen Michal standing in front of Kaja Kallas in 2023

Kristen Michal standing in front of Kaja Kallas in 2023

Estonia: PM successor picked as Kallas heads to Brussels

With Kaja Kallas expected to get a top job with the EU, Kristen Michal looks set to replace her as prime minister.

Themenbild Europawahl 2024 | Symbolbild Frau mit EU-Flagge

Themenbild Europawahl 2024 | Symbolbild Frau mit EU-Flagge

Brussels leaders: Far right surge ‘will weaken’ EU

EU insiders share their concerns ahead of European elections.

DW Fokus Europa | Restaurant Brüssel

DW Fokus Europa | Restaurant Brüssel

In Brussels, restaurant incubator lets chefs experiment

Trial restaurants are designed to support young restaurant owners as they set up their own businesses.

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

DW Podcast | Inside Europe | provisorisch f ROAD

Inside Europe 18 April 2024

Crunch-time as the EU seeks a coordinated response to the Middle East conflicts, Turkey cracks down on trade with Israel, and after NatCon Brussels was shut down, we preview CPAC in Hungary. Also: Copenhagen’s historic Stock Exchange burns down, what the world can learn from Ukraine's DIIA app, why Icelanders disapprove of their new PM and we head to the International Festival of the Ocarina.

Belgian police in front of Claridge in Saint-Josse, Brussels during banned national conservatism conference

Belgian police in front of Claridge in Saint-Josse, Brussels during banned national conservatism conference

Brussels authorities order shutdown of right-wing gathering

Brussels authorities ordered the shutdown of the "national conservatism" conference to "ensure public security."

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'Hard way' ahead for €100 billion NATO Ukraine fund plan

NATO's planned €100 billionn support package for Kyiv may still face obstacles, Lithuania's Landsbergis told DW.

Black smoke in the background, with tractors lined on a street, as farmers protest in Brussels

Black smoke in the background, with tractors lined on a street, as farmers protest in Brussels

Brussels: Farmer protests turn violent, as EU ministers meet

Police fired tear gas and deployed water cannons as farmers blockaded streets leading up to the EU headquarters.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addresses a crowd

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban addresses a crowd

Hungary: Orban calls for voter support to 'occupy Brussels'

Prime Minister Viktor Orban has given a fiery speech on the anniversary of Hungary's 1848 revolution.

Belgian police in Brussels

Belgian police in Brussels

Belgium: Police arrest 4 teens over alleged jihadi plot

Police said they searched the homes of four suspects after they allegedly sent messages about staging a jihadi attack.

Police stand behind a barricade during a protest of farmers in the European Quarter outside a meeting of EU agriculture ministers in Brussels.

Police stand behind a barricade during a protest of farmers in the European Quarter outside a meeting of EU agriculture ministers in Brussels.

Farmers protest in Brussels as EU agriculture ministers meet

EU farmers are calling for less red tape, less burdensome environmental regulations and more support.

Farmers lighting fire to tires in Brussels near EU headquarters

Farmers lighting fire to tires in Brussels near EU headquarters

Farmers jam Brussels' EU quarter as ministers meet

Demonstrators are demanding EU action on cheap supermarket products and environmental regulations.

A tractor bearing the words "SOS" leads a line of other tractors protesting in the European district in Brussels,

A tractor bearing the words "SOS" leads a line of other tractors protesting in the European district in Brussels,

Farmers protest in Brussels amid EU summit

Farmers gathered some 1,000 tractors across the EU capital Brussels to press European leaders meeting for a summit.

A female diver in a swimsuit looks at an underwater comic strip display

A female diver in a swimsuit looks at an underwater comic strip display

Underwater gallery showcases Belgian comic strips

A one-of-a-kind exhibition is offering art enthusiasts a new way to soak up Belgium's world-famous comic strip culture.

Georgians attend a pro-EU march in Tbilisi

Georgians attend a pro-EU march in Tbilisi

Georgia rallies for EU membership ahead of key decision

Georgian President Salome Zourabichivili took part in the march in Tbilisi.

Greek Member of European Parliament Eva Kaili surrounded by black shadows

Greek Member of European Parliament Eva Kaili surrounded by black shadows

Qatargate, one year on: EU corruption scandal still unsolved

Last year, EU Parliament was rocked by accusations that foreign actors had paid to corrupt it. What do we know so far?

A waffle topped with strawberries, cream and chocolate sauce. In the background are the old buildings of Brussel's historic center.

A waffle topped with strawberries, cream and chocolate sauce. In the background are the old buildings of Brussel's historic center.

The magic of Belgian waffles

Belgian waffles are world famous. The specialty is moist inside and crispy on the outside.

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx — Lifestyle Europe

The Israeli-Palestinian restaurant Kanaan in Berlin, tips for Trieste, Belgian waffles.

A masked Belgian police officer on the streets of Brussels walks and speaks into a two-way radio

A masked Belgian police officer on the streets of Brussels walks and speaks into a two-way radio

Belgium charges suspect in connection with Brussels attack

Belgian prosecutors have said a Tunisian man aided a suspect who is said to have killed 2 Swedish soccer fans.

Police cordon off the area and take security measures around the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels after a gunman killed two Swedish nationals on October 17

Police cordon off the area and take security measures around the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels after a gunman killed two Swedish nationals on October 17

Brussels attack: 2 charged in connection with terror group

The two men are suspected of being connected to the gunman who killed two Swedish football fans in Brussels.

Vincent Van Quickenborne holding a press conference in Brussels

Vincent Van Quickenborne holding a press conference in Brussels

Belgian minister quits over failure to extradite gunman

Vincent Van Quickenborne said it was a "monumental error" not to extradite the suspected Brussels attacker to Tunisia.

Belgian Police stand behind a cordoned off area close to where a suspected Tunisian extremist has been shot dead hours after manhunt

Belgian Police stand behind a cordoned off area close to where a suspected Tunisian extremist has been shot dead hours after manhunt

Belgium: Terrorist shooting underlines tense mood in Europe

Attacks in Belgium and France have Europe on high alert. The mood is tense and the risk of violent polarization is rife.

A blue police cordon

A blue police cordon

Belgian police shoot suspect in deadly Brussels attack

Officials in Belgium confirmed a man who carried out a "terrorist attack" in Brussels has been killed by police.