Belgium

A member of auction house staff poses for a picture with a 19-carat pink diamond at Christie's auction house, in London, Oct. 18, 2017.

Belgium faces pressure to support sanctions on Russian diamonds

Ukraine

Belgium has to decide how to proceed amid calls for sanctions against Russia’s diamond industry. The Belgian city of Antwerp plays a big role in the global diamond trade, and would have much to lose. Hans Merket, of the International Peace Information Service (IPIS), joined the World’s host Marco Werman from Antwerp to discuss the situation.

Juliana Lumumba, the daughter of Patrice Lumumba, speaks during a ceremony to return the remains of her father to the family at the Egmont Palace in Brussels

Return of Patrice Lumumba’s remains to DR Congo gives ‘peace of mind,’ UN envoy says

Justice
Even the Smurfs, a Belgian favorite, are getting into the soccer act in Brussels

How one American in Brussels is dealing with the upcoming World Cup clash between the US and Belgium

Sports
Even the Smurfs, a Belgian favorite, are getting into the soccer act in Brussels

How one American in Brussels is dealing with the upcoming World Cup clash between the US and Belgium

Sports
The English cast of "14-18" on stage for the test performance. Belgian producers are hoping to move an English version of the Flemish musical to London, and possibly New York.

Would a World War I musical from Belgium play well on Broadway? The producers hope so

A Belgium fan shouts before the 2014 World Cup Group H soccer match between Belgium and Algeria at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte

If you like your soccer relationships complicated, then support Belgium during this World Cup

Sports

The World Cup is trouble for anyone on the fence about soccer. Everything from scoreless ties to animals predicting the outcome of the games is enough to drive someone nuts. Still, The World’s Clark Boyd is trying to fall in love with the “beautiful game.” And that’s why he’s rooting for Belgium.The World Cup is trouble for anyone on the fence about soccer. Everything from scoreless ties to animals predicting the outcome of the games is enough to drive someone nuts. Still, The World’s Clark Boyd is trying to fall in love with the “beautiful game.” And that’s why he’s rooting for Belgium.

The Church of England vows to get tough on climate change — really

Global Scan

Climate change is a big deal, and even those with a close relationship with a higher power look to be ready to take action as well. The Church of England is threatening to put their money where their mouth is. Plus, in Belgium, the government is considering allowing children to request euthanasia.

WWI memorial crosses

Flanders prepares for a World War I army — of tourists

100 years ago, West Flanders was one of the most militarized zones on earth. It’s part of the famous Western Front of World War I and the site of many of the heavier battles. With the centenary of the war beginning in 2014, the region is readying itself to reap the benefits of a projected bump in tourist numbers.

Belgians, Flemish and Walloon Alike, Protest Against Their Country's Lack of a Federal Government

Worried about a US government shutdown? Take a cue from Belgium

Arts, Culture & Media

The US may be #1 in some areas, but it’s topped in at least one by tiny Belgium. Belgium may hold the record, at least for developed countries, for days without a government – at 589 days. And, that seems to work pretty well… for Belgians.

Belgian comic book industry seeks return to prominence

Arts, Culture & Media

Belgium is celebrated by comic artists as the birthplace of modern comics. Some of its most celebrated features and characters were first used by Belgian artists.