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Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announces that, due to the spread of the Omicron variant, water parks, cinemas, theatres and concert halls will be closed, and all indoor events and outdoor events using a tent will be banned. Additionally, shopping will only be allowed in pairs and professional and amateur sport events will be held without spectators. These measures will begin on December 26.
2021-12-22

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announces that all non-essential retailers will be allowed to reopen on December 1, along with museums and swimming pools, provided that they follow strict health protocols. Other government restrictions will remain in effect, including limits on gatherings during Christmas and bans on fireworks during New Year's Eve.
2020-11-27

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called the situation a "state of sanitary emergency" in the country and announces a second nationwide lockdown from November 1 for at least six weeks, with all non-essential businesses ordered to close. Belgium is the worst affected country in Europe with more than 1,600 cases per 100,000 people.
2020-10-30

Belgian incumbent Foreign Minister and former Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès is admitted to an intensive care unit nearly a week after testing positive for COVID-19.
2020-10-22

Sophie Wilmès is sworn in as Prime Minister of Belgium. Seven opposition parties have pledged to support the minority government—in its previous composition—with plenary power for three to six months to handle the coronavirus pandemic in Belgium.
2020-03-17

Sophie Wilmès becomes the first female Prime Minister of Belgium, succeeding Charles Michel.
2019-10-27

Prime Minister Charles Michel says that the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) party quits the coalition. N-VA cites its disagreement over the signing of the United Nations Global Compact for Migration. Michel plans to continue with a minority cabinet until the next scheduled election.
2018-12-8

A convoy accident involving British Prime Minister Theresa May and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel interrupts an Armistice Day trip after two police motorbikes were knocked over.
2018-11-9

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel announces Brussels remains on the highest state of alert; concern a new, Paris-style mass attack may be imminent.
2015-11-22

Belgian MEP and former PM Guy Verhofstadt warns that the Flemish N-VA party and the far right are "the same". N-VA dismisses the criticism as "gratuitous".
2012-09-22