Category: Travel

  • Nationwide Strike Grounds Brussels Airport: No Departures on Thursday Amid Mass Protests

    Brussels, 12 February 2025 — In anticipation of a massive national protest against the new federal government’s policy reforms, Brussels Airport has confirmed that no passenger flights will depart on Thursday, 13 February. The decision comes as trade unions across Belgium prepare for what is expected to be one of the largest demonstrations in recent years, with tens of thousands of citizens set to take to the streets in opposition to controversial measures such as stricter unemployment policies, cuts to public services, and pension reforms.

    Air Travel Disruptions

    Brussels Airport announced on Monday that all departing flights would be canceled due to a significant number of ground handling and security staff joining the nationwide strike. This includes baggage handlers, air traffic controllers, and other essential personnel whose absence will render normal airport operations impossible. Airlines are contacting affected passengers directly, while the airport strongly advises travelers not to head to Zaventem on Thursday.

    In addition to outgoing flights, several inbound passenger flights are also expected to be canceled. Passengers scheduled to arrive at Brussels Airport on Thursday should check with their airlines or consult the Brussels Airport website for updates.

    Charleroi Airport, another major hub in Belgium, has similarly canceled three-quarters of its outbound flights, leaving only incoming flights from Schengen area destinations operational. Charleroi officials have urged impacted passengers to contact their respective carriers for rebooking options or refunds.

    The strike by air traffic controllers further compounds the chaos, effectively halting nearly all arriving flights at Belgian airports. Controllers will stage an extended work stoppage from 06:45 to 22:15 on Thursday, rendering it impossible for most aircraft to land during this period. While some early morning and late evening arrivals might still occur, these decisions will depend on individual airline assessments.

    Impact on Travelers

    Approximately 430 passenger flights—impacting around 60,000 travelers—were initially planned for Thursday. With cancellations mounting, many passengers face uncertainty about their travel plans. Airlines have been tasked with managing rebookings and providing alternative arrangements where feasible. However, given the scale of disruptions, delays and logistical challenges are inevitable.

    Brussels Airport warns that the situation could evolve further over the coming days, urging passengers to remain vigilant and monitor official announcements closely.

    Massive Turnout Expected for National Demonstration

    Trade unions anticipate a record turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM on Thursday. Following the traditional route from Brussels North to Brussels South, organizers expect double the number of participants compared to last month’s rally, where approximately 30,000 demonstrators gathered.

    The protest targets several contentious government proposals, including:

    • Stricter unemployment policies
    • Abolition of the “prosperity envelope” for social benefits
    • Increased flexibility demands on workers
    • Deep cuts to public services
    • Pension reforms

    These measures have sparked widespread dissatisfaction among labor groups, who argue they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and erode worker protections.

    Wider Economic Impact

    Beyond aviation, the strike is expected to disrupt multiple sectors, including public transportation, postal services, and potentially private-sector businesses. De Lijn and MIVB (public transport operators) may experience service interruptions, while bpost, the national postal service, has warned customers of potential delays.

    Belgian rail operator SNCB has not received formal notice of industrial action but cautions passengers about possible congestion due to anticipated high ridership. Travelers are advised to plan journeys using the SNCB app or website for real-time updates.

    Looking Ahead

    As tensions mount ahead of Thursday’s demonstration, authorities and stakeholders brace for significant disruptions across the country. For now, the focus remains on ensuring passenger safety and minimizing inconvenience for those caught in the crossfire of political dissent.

    Passengers planning travel through Belgium this week are urged to exercise patience and flexibility, keeping a close eye on communications from their airlines and relevant authorities. Meanwhile, the nation awaits the outcome of what promises to be a pivotal day in Belgium’s ongoing labor disputes.

  • Romania and Bulgaria Joined Schengen Area on January 1, Marking a Milestone in European Integration

    In a landmark decision for European unity, Romania and Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, marking the culmination of over a decade of negotiations and reforms. This move eliminates internal border controls with the two nations, granting their citizens and businesses the benefits of free movement across 29 countries within Europe.

    The Path to Schengen Membership

    The European Union’s approval on December 12 finalized a long-awaited chapter for Romania and Bulgaria, which began in 2011 when the European Commission declared them ready for accession. The decision followed years of perseverance through challenges, including opposition from Austria and the Netherlands over migration and governance concerns.

    The lifting of border checks at air and sea points earlier in 2024 set the stage for the full integration, which now extends to land borders, ending cumbersome delays for millions of travelers and businesses alike.

    Transformative Impact for Citizens and Businesses

    For Romanians and Bulgarians, Schengen membership is more than a political milestone; it is a transformative change with tangible benefits:

    Time Savings for Travelers: With border checks eliminated, the long waits at land crossings will become a thing of the past. Romanians and Bulgarians will enjoy seamless travel across the Schengen Area, fostering greater mobility and convenience.

    Boost to Trade and Logistics: Businesses transporting goods across borders will no longer face hours—or even days—of delays, leading to significant savings in time and costs. This will enhance supply chain efficiency and competitiveness, benefiting exporters and importers alike.

    Economic Growth and Tourism: Simplified travel is expected to increase cross-border tourism, encourage foreign investment, and stimulate economic activity in the region.

    A United Europe

    Joining the Schengen Area underscores the deepening integration within the European Union, reaffirming its commitment to a borderless continent. This development reflects the shared values of cooperation and inclusivity, especially significant as the Schengen Area now encompasses nearly 450 million people.

    How This Benefits Romanians and Bulgarians

    For Romania and Bulgaria, Schengen membership will address long-standing grievances over their exclusion from one of the EU‘s most celebrated achievements. Key benefits include:

    • Enhanced Mobility: Families and individuals traveling for work, leisure, or education will save time and avoid border inconveniences.
    • Economic Opportunities: Businesses will benefit from reduced logistical costs and improved market access, driving economic growth and job creation.
    • Regional Development: Enhanced connectivity is likely to attract foreign direct investment, further bolstering infrastructure and development in both countries.
    • Strengthened European Identity: Integration into the Schengen Area solidifies Romania and Bulgaria‘s roles as equal partners in the European Union.

    Challenges Ahead

    While Schengen membership is a significant milestone, challenges remain. Random document checks will continue for some time to address security concerns, and both nations must ensure robust measures to combat irregular migration and organized crime.

    As Romania and Bulgaria embark on this new chapter, the broader European community stands to benefit from their full participation, strengthening the Schengen Area as a beacon of freedom and cooperation. For the citizens of both nations, this New Year marks the beginning of a more connected and prosperous future.

  • Bulgaria with the largest growth of immigrants in Europe

    South Korea has the largest increase in the number of immigrants in the world, and Bulgaria in Europe.

    This is according to a study by William Russell, who have compiled a ranking of the 10 countries with the largest increase in immigrants since 1990.

    According to the data, the number of immigrants in South Korea grew from 43,000 in 1990 to more than 1.7 million in 2020, an increase of 3,896%.

    Colombia has the second highest increase in the number of immigrants, from just 104,000 in 1990 to 1.9 million people in 2020, representing a growth of 1,727%.

    South America is increasingly desirable for immigrants, and Chile is third on the list. In 1990, only 104,000 foreigners resided in the country, and in 2020 – 1.6 million, which represents an increase of 1430%.

    Bulgaria is fourth overall and first in Europe thanks to a jump in the number of immigrants from 21,000 in 1990 to 184,000 in 2020 (757%).

    Spain (5th place) also saw a significant increase in the number of immigrants – from 821,000 in 1990 to 6.8 million in 2020 (732%).

    From William Russell comments that South Korea may not be the country with the most immigrants in the world, but if you compare the latest figures with those from 1990, South Korea has seen more change than any other country, with in the past 30 years, the number of immigrants has increased by more than 3,800 percent.

    Illustrative Photo by Leena : https://www.pexels.com/photo/passengers-in-harbor-12963951/