Belgian politician, Prime Minister since Feb 2025; leader of the N-VA (2004–2025)
A school minibus has been struck by a train at a level crossing in Buggenhout, Belgium, this morning, killing four people — the driver, a chaperone and two pupils — and injuring five children. Authorities have said barriers were closed and the red light was on; investigators are examining footage and questioning witnesses.
Hungary has arrived in Brussels to negotiate the release of billions in EU recovery funds, while Brussels signals that some issues remain unresolved. The talks follow Budapest’s post-election push to unblock grants and cheap loans worth several billions of euros, with a formal request deadline looming in August.
Russia has been applying economic and diplomatic pressure on Armenia ahead of its 7 June 2026 parliamentary election, banning or restricting imports, recalling its ambassador and warning Armenia against pursuing EU membership. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is framing the vote as a choice between peace with Azerbaijan and a return to war while deepening ties with the EU and US.
France and Germany have announced they will end plans to build a joint sixth-generation fighter jet, after industrial deadlock between Dassault and Airbus blocked progress. Leaders say work on associated drones and a shared combat data network will continue, but the core €100bn fighter programme has been abandoned this week.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a Qatari‑donated Boeing 747 that the Air Force has converted and repainted as a temporary Air Force One. The plane has completed flight testing, will serve as a "bridge" until purpose‑built VC‑25Bs arrive around 2028, and has drawn questions about cost, security and the ethics of accepting a foreign gift.
A large apartment building in Antwerp’s Linkeroever district has caught fire on the eighth floor, prompting an evacuation of more than 200 residents and widespread smoke. Authorities say at least six people have been killed and several others are injured as responders battle the blaze in difficult conditions.
The Balogun red card has been reversed, allowing the US striker to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium after FIFA lifted the automatic one‑match suspension. Belgium had sought a review and urged FIFA to uphold the ban.
President Trump has begun flying a $400m Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar but used an older Air Force One during a July NATO trip after officials raised security concerns. The administration has launched a leak probe led by the FBI director and White House chief of staff; The New York Times reporters were subpoenaed as investigators sought sources about the jet's defensive capabilities.
NATO leaders at the Ankara summit have received engraved revolvers with six live rounds and a note waiving export controls. The gifts, intended to showcase Turkey’s defence industry, are being handled under strict decommissioning and security protocols as leaders decide how to manage the firearms.
Emergency services have confirmed multiple fatalities and dozens evacuated as a fire at a high-rise construction site in Brussels spread through lift shafts. Investigators are probing the blaze’s cause while authorities vow to tighten safety standards across construction sites.