Belgian Budget Minister Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as the country's new caretaker prime minister, a first for a woman, the current premier Charles Michel said on Saturday.

The 44-year-old&nbsp;still has to be sworn in by King Philippe, who is expected to announce the nomination formally on Sunday at the earliest.

Michel, who is set to take over as European Council president on December 1, had said on Friday he intended to step down by the beginning of November "at the latest".

Belgium has not had a fully functioning federal government since a coalition headed up by Michel collapsed in December 2018.

He has stayed on as caretaker premier ever since.

The political situation was further complicated by a very fragmented result of parliamentary elections in May.

"Congratulations Sophie Wilmes, who is being put forward to the King as caretaker prime minister," Michel said on Twitter.

Wilmes, who is seen as an ally of Michel's and was first elected to parliament in 2014, was chosen by a ministerial committee.

Belgium has a reputation for political crises. In 2010-2011 it was without a government for 541 days, a record.

Belgian Budget Minister Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as the country's new caretaker prime minister, a first for a woman, the current premier Charles Michel said on Saturday.

Belgian Budget Minister Sophie Wilmes has been chosen as the country's new caretaker prime minister, a first for a woman, the current premier Charles Michel said on Saturday. The 44-year-old still has to be sworn in by King Philippe, who is expected to announce the nomination formally on Sunday at the earliest. Michel, who is set to take over as European Council president on December 1, had said on Friday he intended to step down by the beginning of November "at the latest". Belgium has not had a fully functioning federal government since a coalition headed up by Michel collapsed in December 2018. He has stayed on as caretaker premier ever since. The political situation was further complicated by a very fragmented result of parliamentary elections in May. "Congratulations Sophie Wilmes, who is being put forward to the King as caretaker prime minister," Michel said on Twitter. Wilmes, who is seen as an ally of Michel's and was first elected to parliament in 2014, was chosen by a ministerial committee. Belgium has a reputation for political crises. In 2010-2011 it was without a government for 541 days, a record.

First woman named as Belgian prime minister

Essex lorry deaths: What we know about Chinese victims so far

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his return to the Champions League arena with two superb goals as Liverpool claimed their first group stage win on the road for two years with a 4-1 triumph at Belgian club Racing Genk on Wednesday.

It was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests but two sublime finishes by Oxlade-Chamberlain, playing his first game in the competition since suffering a serious knee injury in the semi-final against Roma 18 months ago, put Liverpool in control before Sadio Mane and Mo Salah sealed the points.

Genk got a late consolation through Stephen Odey.

The victory lifted Liverpool to six points, one behind Group E leaders Napoli, although the evening began on a sour note when a banner depicting striker Divock Origi was removed from the away end with Liverpool condemning it as racist.&nbsp;

Liverpool had not won away from home in group play since a 7-0 win in Maribor two years ago but ended that sequence in emphatic fashion with a clinical display of firepower.

"I've definitely missed (the Champions League)," Oxlade-Chamberlain, who sat out almost the whole of last season, said. "It's nice to be back in the starting line-up and put in a performance to help the team."

It took them only two minutes for Oxlade-Chamberlain to make his mark. Receiving the ball just outside the area in a central position he took aim and fired a low shot inside the post.

Genk, who held Napoli to a 0-0 draw on matchday two after a 6-2 thrashing by Salzburg, were not about to roll over and their pace caused several alarms in the Liverpool defence.

A ball over the top released Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta but he shot wide and soon afterwards Paul Onuachu also got behind the Liverpool defence but was denied by Alisson.

A wide-open match then saw Liverpool go close to a second goal when Roberto Firmino's clever flick release Mane inside the area but his shot was saved by Gaëtan Coucke.

The chances came thick and fast and Liverpool had a let-off in the 26th minute when Samatta's bullet header beat Alisson but his celebrations were cut short when referee Slavko Vincic disallowed it and a lengthy VAR check backed up the most marginal of offside decisions.

Genk was still in the hunt but Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Liverpool breathing space in the 57th minute with a goal of supreme skill. Firmino played the ball back to the former Arsenal man and he dug out a first-time shot with the outside of his right foot that flew past Coucke and in off the bar.

Mane gave the scoreline a rather flattering look when he finished off a superb move after 77 minutes and Salah rubbed salt into the hosts' wounds with a silky turn and deft finish as Genk finally began to run out of steam.

Liverpool's win made it a full house for the four English clubs in Champions League action this week with Chelsea winning earlier and Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.0

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his return to the Champions League arena with two superb goals as Liverpool claimed their first group stage win on the road for two years with a 4-1 triumph at Belgian club Racing Genk on Wednesday.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain marked his return to the Champions League arena with two superb goals as Liverpool claimed their first group stage win on the road for two years with a 4-1 triumph at Belgian club Racing Genk on Wednesday. It was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests but two sublime finishes by Oxlade-Chamberlain, playing his first game in the competition since suffering a serious knee injury in the semi-final against Roma 18 months ago, put Liverpool in control before Sadio Mane and Mo Salah sealed the points. Genk got a late consolation through Stephen Odey. The victory lifted Liverpool to six points, one behind Group E leaders Napoli, although the evening began on a sour note when a banner depicting striker Divock Origi was removed from the away end with Liverpool condemning it as racist. Liverpool had not won away from home in group play since a 7-0 win in Maribor two years ago but ended that sequence in emphatic fashion with a clinical display of firepower. "I've definitely missed (the Champions League)," Oxlade-Chamberlain, who sat out almost the whole of last season, said. "It's nice to be back in the starting line-up and put in a performance to help the team." It took them only two minutes for Oxlade-Chamberlain to make his mark. Receiving the ball just outside the area in a central position he took aim and fired a low shot inside the post. Genk, who held Napoli to a 0-0 draw on matchday two after a 6-2 thrashing by Salzburg, were not about to roll over and their pace caused several alarms in the Liverpool defence. A ball over the top released Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta but he shot wide and soon afterwards Paul Onuachu also got behind the Liverpool defence but was denied by Alisson. A wide-open match then saw Liverpool go close to a second goal when Roberto Firmino's clever flick release Mane inside the area but his shot was saved by Gaëtan Coucke. The chances came thick and fast and Liverpool had a let-off in the 26th minute when Samatta's bullet header beat Alisson but his celebrations were cut short when referee Slavko Vincic disallowed it and a lengthy VAR check backed up the most marginal of offside decisions. Genk was still in the hunt but Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Liverpool breathing space in the 57th minute with a goal of supreme skill. Firmino played the ball back to the former Arsenal man and he dug out a first-time shot with the outside of his right foot that flew past Coucke and in off the bar. Mane gave the scoreline a rather flattering look when he finished off a superb move after 77 minutes and Salah rubbed salt into the hosts' wounds with a silky turn and deft finish as Genk finally began to run out of steam. Liverpool's win made it a full house for the four English clubs in Champions League action this week with Chelsea winning earlier and Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.0

Oxlade-Chamberlain hits double as Liverpool trounce Genk

Watch in WION Wallet: Belgium firms started increasing stocks over the Brexit fear.

WION Wallet: Belgium firms started increasing stocks over the Brexit fear

Belgium&nbsp;became the&nbsp;first&nbsp;side through to the&nbsp;Euro&nbsp;2020&nbsp;finals&nbsp;after&nbsp;thrashing San Marino 9-0 on Thursday with Romelu Lukaku scoring his 50th and 51st international goals.

Russia was on the verge of joining the world's top-ranked nation as second qualifiers from Group I&nbsp;after&nbsp;running out 4-0&nbsp;winners at home to Scotland with all the goals coming in the second half.

Unbeaten&nbsp;Belgium&nbsp;has 21 points from seven games, with only one goal conceded, while Russia has 18 and Cyprus, 2-1&nbsp;winners over Kazakhstan in Astana, are on 10. The top two qualify directly.

San Marino managed to keep a clean sheet for 27 minutes against the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists before, as expected, the floodgates opened at Brussels's King Baudouin Stadium and the goals poured in for Roberto Martinez's side.

Inter Milan striker Lukaku became the&nbsp;first&nbsp;Belgian to reach a half-century of international goals with a right-footed shot to open the scoring.

He set up Nacer Chadli three minutes later before an own-goal from Cristian Brolli put&nbsp;Belgium&nbsp;3-0 up in the 35th.

Lukaku grabbed his second on 41 minutes assisted by Real Madrid's Eden Hazard.

"It's nice to be so good in the national&nbsp;team, but at the end of the day I want to&nbsp;win&nbsp;a trophy with&nbsp;Belgium," Lukaku told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

A deflected Toby Alderweireld effort in the 43rd minute and a Youri Tielemens shot in stoppage time saw&nbsp;Belgium&nbsp;cruise in 6-0 up at the break.

The pace slowed before Christian Benteke broke his three-year international drought by coming off the bench to score three minutes later, in the 79th, by wrong-footing the goalkeeper from the edge of the area.

Yari Verschaeren, 18, came off the bench to score his&nbsp;first&nbsp;senior goal from the penalty spot to make it 8-0 in the 84th and Timothy Castagne rounded off the tally in the 90th minute.

"We wanted the 10th, but we didn't get it, unfortunately," said Hazard.

"We started well, we had some chances and could have scored sooner. But we know that in this kind of game you have to be patient."

Russia dominated possession at the Luzhniki stadium but were frustrated throughout the&nbsp;first&nbsp;half by a Scotland side that failed to muster a single shot on target.

The Scots, who can no longer qualify automatically but remain in contention through the playoffs, crumbled&nbsp;after&nbsp;the break.

Artem Dzyuba made the breakthrough for Russia on the volley in the 57th and a second followed three minutes later when Magomed Ozdoev blasted a long-range screamer past David Marshall.

Dzyuba headed in his second in the 70th minute, with an Aleksandr Golovin shot going in off the post in the 84th, as Russia cruised to a comfortable&nbsp;win.

Belgium became the first side through to the Euro 2020 finals after thrashing San Marino 9-0 on Thursday with Romelu Lukaku scoring his 50th and 51st international goals.

Belgium became the first side through to the Euro 2020 finals after thrashing San Marino 9-0 on Thursday with Romelu Lukaku scoring his 50th and 51st international goals. Russia was on the verge of joining the world's top-ranked nation as second qualifiers from Group I after running out 4-0 winners at home to Scotland with all the goals coming in the second half. Unbeaten Belgium has 21 points from seven games, with only one goal conceded, while Russia has 18 and Cyprus, 2-1 winners over Kazakhstan in Astana, are on 10. The top two qualify directly. San Marino managed to keep a clean sheet for 27 minutes against the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists before, as expected, the floodgates opened at Brussels's King Baudouin Stadium and the goals poured in for Roberto Martinez's side. Inter Milan striker Lukaku became the first Belgian to reach a half-century of international goals with a right-footed shot to open the scoring. He set up Nacer Chadli three minutes later before an own-goal from Cristian Brolli put Belgium 3-0 up in the 35th. Lukaku grabbed his second on 41 minutes assisted by Real Madrid's Eden Hazard. "It's nice to be so good in the national team, but at the end of the day I want to win a trophy with Belgium," Lukaku told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. A deflected Toby Alderweireld effort in the 43rd minute and a Youri Tielemens shot in stoppage time saw Belgium cruise in 6-0 up at the break. The pace slowed before Christian Benteke broke his three-year international drought by coming off the bench to score three minutes later, in the 79th, by wrong-footing the goalkeeper from the edge of the area. Yari Verschaeren, 18, came off the bench to score his first senior goal from the penalty spot to make it 8-0 in the 84th and Timothy Castagne rounded off the tally in the 90th minute. "We wanted the 10th, but we didn't get it, unfortunately," said Hazard. "We started well, we had some chances and could have scored sooner. But we know that in this kind of game you have to be patient." Russia dominated possession at the Luzhniki stadium but were frustrated throughout the first half by a Scotland side that failed to muster a single shot on target. The Scots, who can no longer qualify automatically but remain in contention through the playoffs, crumbled after the break. Artem Dzyuba made the breakthrough for Russia on the volley in the 57th and a second followed three minutes later when Magomed Ozdoev blasted a long-range screamer past David Marshall. Dzyuba headed in his second in the 70th minute, with an Aleksandr Golovin shot going in off the post in the 84th, as Russia cruised to a comfortable win.

Belgium first team to enter Euro 2020 finals after thrashing San Marino

Eurozone inflation slowed in September to near a three-year low because of cheaper energy although core inflation edged higher, highlighting the challenges facing the European Central Bank.

The divergence between the headline and core figures underlines the split of opinion over the state of the eurozone economy among the governors of the ECB. It wants to keep inflation below, but close to 2 per cent over the medium term but has so far failed to boost price growth despite years of unconventional steps.

Eurostat said on Tuesday that consumer prices in the 19 countries sharing the euro rose 0.2 per cent month-on-month in September for a 0.9 per cent year-on-year gain. Economists polled by Reuters had expected an unchanged reading of 1.0 per cent.

The weaker than expected September number, the lowest year-on-year figure since November 2016, was mainly due to a 1.8 per cent year-on-year fall in energy prices.

Excluding energy and equally volatile unprocessed food, price growth accelerated to 1.2 per cent in September from 1.1 per cent in August. This number is called core inflation by the ECB which it monitors for monetary policy decisions,

An even more narrowly defined core inflation measure, which excludes energy, food, alcohol, and tobacco and looked at by many market economists, also accelerated to 1.0 per cent from 0.9 per cent year-on-year.

"It should continue to rise slightly in the coming months. However, the strong increase in underlying inflation hoped for by the ECB is still not in sight," said Christoph Weil, economist at Commerzbank.

The ECB decided on September 12 to resume asset purchases to inject more money into the slowing economy and in this way make prices grow more quickly.

But the decision was opposed by a third of ECB policymakers, including Germany's Sabine Lautenschlaeger who resigned before the end of her term last week.

ECB chief economist Philip Lane said last week the division was due to "ambiguity" over the state of the eurozone economy among ECB governors.

"We expect the central bank to take time to assess the impact of last month's easing package before taking further action," a team of Morgan Stanley economists said in a note.

They saw only a minimal boost to the economy even once quantitative easing restarted in November, with inflation remaining subdued. There were also a variety of downside risks to growth.

"With fiscal policy remaining reactive for now, we expect the ECB to take further action. Our base case is for another 10 bp cut in March, though the timing remains rather uncertain at this stage," the Morgan Stanley note said.

Eurozone inflation slowed in September to near a three-year low because of cheaper energy although core inflation edged higher, highlighting the challenges facing the European Central Bank.

Eurozone inflation slowed in September to near a three-year low because of cheaper energy although core inflation edged higher, highlighting the challenges facing the European Central Bank. The divergence between the headline and core figures underlines the split of opinion over the state of the eurozone economy among the governors of the ECB. It wants to keep inflation below, but close to 2 per cent over the medium term but has so far failed to boost price growth despite years of unconventional steps. Eurostat said on Tuesday that consumer prices in the 19 countries sharing the euro rose 0.2 per cent month-on-month in September for a 0.9 per cent year-on-year gain. Economists polled by Reuters had expected an unchanged reading of 1.0 per cent. The weaker than expected September number, the lowest year-on-year figure since November 2016, was mainly due to a 1.8 per cent year-on-year fall in energy prices. Excluding energy and equally volatile unprocessed food, price growth accelerated to 1.2 per cent in September from 1.1 per cent in August. This number is called core inflation by the ECB which it monitors for monetary policy decisions, An even more narrowly defined core inflation measure, which excludes energy, food, alcohol, and tobacco and looked at by many market economists, also accelerated to 1.0 per cent from 0.9 per cent year-on-year. "It should continue to rise slightly in the coming months. However, the strong increase in underlying inflation hoped for by the ECB is still not in sight," said Christoph Weil, economist at Commerzbank. The ECB decided on September 12 to resume asset purchases to inject more money into the slowing economy and in this way make prices grow more quickly. But the decision was opposed by a third of ECB policymakers, including Germany's Sabine Lautenschlaeger who resigned before the end of her term last week. ECB chief economist Philip Lane said last week the division was due to "ambiguity" over the state of the eurozone economy among ECB governors. "We expect the central bank to take time to assess the impact of last month's easing package before taking further action," a team of Morgan Stanley economists said in a note. They saw only a minimal boost to the economy even once quantitative easing restarted in November, with inflation remaining subdued. There were also a variety of downside risks to growth. "With fiscal policy remaining reactive for now, we expect the ECB to take further action. Our base case is for another 10 bp cut in March, though the timing remains rather uncertain at this stage," the Morgan Stanley note said.

Euro zone inflation slows to three-year low on cheaper energy

Belgium's candidate for the incoming European Commission, Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, faces a preliminary probe into accusations of money laundering in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgian authorities and two newspapers said.

The accusations were made by an ex-member of Belgium's intelligence services, Brussels's state prosecutor's office said late on Saturday, declining to give more details.

It was not available for further comment on Sunday.

First reported by Belgium's L'Echo and De Tijd newspapers on Saturday, the investigation is at a very early stage but comes as Reynders bids to become EU justice commissioner, which is responsible for ensuring rule of law across the bloc.

Reynders office was not immediately available for comment.

Hearings at the European Parliament into the suitability of the next group of commissioners start on September&nbsp;30, with European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen seeking a strong mandate to challenges including climate change, better ties with Washington and a more assertive China.

Belgium's candidate for the incoming European Commission, Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, faces a preliminary probe into accusations of money laundering in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgian authorities and two newspapers said.

Belgium's candidate for the incoming European Commission, Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, faces a preliminary probe into accusations of money laundering in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgian authorities and two newspapers said. The accusations were made by an ex-member of Belgium's intelligence services, Brussels's state prosecutor's office said late on Saturday, declining to give more details. It was not available for further comment on Sunday. First reported by Belgium's L'Echo and De Tijd newspapers on Saturday, the investigation is at a very early stage but comes as Reynders bids to become EU justice commissioner, which is responsible for ensuring rule of law across the bloc. Reynders office was not immediately available for comment. Hearings at the European Parliament into the suitability of the next group of commissioners start on September 30, with European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen seeking a strong mandate to challenges including climate change, better ties with Washington and a more assertive China.

Belgium's pick for European Commission faces graft inquiry

Belgium kept their 100 per cent record intact in Euro 2020 qualifying Group I with a Kevin de Bruyne-inspired 4-0 demolition of a disappointing Scotland side at a subdued Hampden Park on Monday.

Roberto Martinez's side, top of the FIFA rankings, were a class above their hosts as they scored three times before halftime through Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld -- all created by De Bruyne.

The Manchester City craftsman then capped a superb individual display with a clinical finish late on.

Victory left Belgium with 18 points from six games, three more than second-placed Russia, who needed an 89th-minute goal by Mario Fernandes to beat Kazakhstan 1-0.

The top two go through to next year's finals.

Scotland's joint heaviest home defeat means their slender hopes of qualifying from the group are virtually over, although they could still reach the tournament via the Nations League playoffs, with a semi-final place already secured.

"We started a bit iffy but I think after we scored we controlled the game," De Bruyne told Sky Sports.

"Defensively we didn't give much away. It was a really good performance."

Belgium needed only nine minutes to take the lead with their first serious foray into Scottish territory.

Moments after Scotland had a free kick at the other end, Belgium counter-attacked in deadly fashion with Dries Mertens driving forward before finding De Bruyne who rolled a pass across the pitch for Lukaku to score with ease.

It completely knocked the stuffing out of the Scots and it was 2-0 in the 24th minute when De Bruyne whipped in a cross and Vermaelen arrived to side-foot past keeper David Marshall.

The game was effectively over already and Scotland's night got even worse in the 32nd minute when De Bruyne swung over a corner and an unmarked Alderweireld headed in off the crossbar.

It was a passion-less display by Scotland and Belgium could afford the luxury of playing the rest of the match in cruise control as they claimed another easy three points.

De Bruyne saved the best goal to last as he planted a first-time shot past Marshall after being played in by Lukaku.

Scotland dropped to second from bottom in the table after Cyprus beat San Marino 4-0 to move above the Scots by a point.

"It's difficult to try and sugarcoat a 4-0 defeat," Scotland manager Steve Clarke said.

"I thought we started the game well but we conceded a goal from our free kick. Then we conceded two goals from set plays and you can't afford three soft goals."

Belgium kept their 100 per cent record intact in Euro 2020 qualifying Group I with a Kevin de Bruyne-inspired 4-0 demolition of a disappointing Scotland side at a subdued Hampden Park on Monday.

Belgium kept their 100 per cent record intact in Euro 2020 qualifying Group I with a Kevin de Bruyne-inspired 4-0 demolition of a disappointing Scotland side at a subdued Hampden Park on Monday. Roberto Martinez's side, top of the FIFA rankings, were a class above their hosts as they scored three times before halftime through Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld -- all created by De Bruyne. The Manchester City craftsman then capped a superb individual display with a clinical finish late on. Victory left Belgium with 18 points from six games, three more than second-placed Russia, who needed an 89th-minute goal by Mario Fernandes to beat Kazakhstan 1-0. The top two go through to next year's finals. Scotland's joint heaviest home defeat means their slender hopes of qualifying from the group are virtually over, although they could still reach the tournament via the Nations League playoffs, with a semi-final place already secured. "We started a bit iffy but I think after we scored we controlled the game," De Bruyne told Sky Sports. "Defensively we didn't give much away. It was a really good performance." Belgium needed only nine minutes to take the lead with their first serious foray into Scottish territory. Moments after Scotland had a free kick at the other end, Belgium counter-attacked in deadly fashion with Dries Mertens driving forward before finding De Bruyne who rolled a pass across the pitch for Lukaku to score with ease. It completely knocked the stuffing out of the Scots and it was 2-0 in the 24th minute when De Bruyne whipped in a cross and Vermaelen arrived to side-foot past keeper David Marshall. The game was effectively over already and Scotland's night got even worse in the 32nd minute when De Bruyne swung over a corner and an unmarked Alderweireld headed in off the crossbar. It was a passion-less display by Scotland and Belgium could afford the luxury of playing the rest of the match in cruise control as they claimed another easy three points. De Bruyne saved the best goal to last as he planted a first-time shot past Marshall after being played in by Lukaku. Scotland dropped to second from bottom in the table after Cyprus beat San Marino 4-0 to move above the Scots by a point. "It's difficult to try and sugarcoat a 4-0 defeat," Scotland manager Steve Clarke said. "I thought we started the game well but we conceded a goal from our free kick. Then we conceded two goals from set plays and you can't afford three soft goals."

Kevin de Bruyne inspires Belgium to 4-0 rout of Scotland

The Democratic Republic of Congo announced a coalition government Monday, seven months after the inauguration of new President Felix Tshisekedi. "The government is finally here.

The Democratic Republic of Congo announced a coalition government Monday, seven months after the inauguration of new President Felix Tshisekedi. "The government is finally here. The president has signed the decree and we will begin work soon," Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga told reporters before the members of the new government were announced by the president's spokesman. The power-sharing agreement will see the majority of the 66 members drawn from former president Joseph Kabila's Common Front for Congo. Tshisekedi's coalition Direction For Change was expected to account for most of the remainder of the posts. Kabila presided over sub-Saharan Africa's biggest country for nearly two decades and still commands widespread support. Forming the coalition had taken time as both sides had to "remove everything that could be an obstacle to the functioning of the government", said Ilunga. The executive will have a female vice prime minister, minister for foreign affairs and minister for planning, Ilunga said. There are a total of five vice prime ministers. "Eighty-three per cent of men and 17 per cent of women" make up the government," Ilunga said. "This percentage is still feeble but it is balanced by the importance of the portfolios attributed to women." Around three-quarters of members were serving in government for the first time, he added, hailing this as an "important innovation". Tshisekedi emerged victorious in elections that marked the Democratic Republic of Congo's first peaceful transition of power since the mineral-rich nation gained independence from Belgium in 1960. The unstable country's politics remain overshadowed by Kabila, who amassed extensive clout after 18 years in power.

Democratic Republic of Congo unveils new government after seven-month delay

A 21-metre-high (69 ft.) power-generating 'Eiffel Tower' became an eye-catching feature at Belgium's Pukkelpop music festival, which opened on Thursday (August 15).

Sun and wind powers mini 'Eiffel Tower at Belgian music festival

Copa America winners Brazil have leapfrogged World Champions France, climbing to second place in the latest FIFA rankings, released on Thursday.&nbsp;

Brazil beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium earlier this month to collect their ninth continental title.

Belgium still tops the rankings while France slip to number three.

Algeria is the biggest movers, climbing 28 places to number 40 following their victory over Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

In spite of winning their first continental title in 29 years, the Algerians are only the fourth-ranked team in Africa behind Senegal (20), Tunisia (29) and Nigeria (33), another team they beat in the semi-finals.

Copa America winners Brazil have leapfrogged World Champions France, climbing to second place in the latest FIFA rankings, released on Thursday. Brazil beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium earlier this month to collect their ninth continental title.

Copa America winners Brazil have leapfrogged World Champions France, climbing to second place in the latest FIFA rankings, released on Thursday. Brazil beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium earlier this month to collect their ninth continental title. Belgium still tops the rankings while France slip to number three. Algeria is the biggest movers, climbing 28 places to number 40 following their victory over Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. In spite of winning their first continental title in 29 years, the Algerians are only the fourth-ranked team in Africa behind Senegal (20), Tunisia (29) and Nigeria (33), another team they beat in the semi-finals.

Copa America winners Brazil climb to second in FIFA rankings, Belgium on top

Home-made explosives found on the day the Tour de France was launched in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-building-in-brussels-evacuated-over-bomb-threat-204327">Brussels</a> belonged to an "unstable" former Russian soldier who died in 2011, prosecutors said Thursday.

A worker found a stash of weapons Saturday in the step of a stairway of a building near where cyclists raced.

"The bag containing explosives, knives, and brass knuckles belonged to a man, G.A., a former Russian soldier who was born in 1965 and died in 2011," the Brussels prosecutor's office said.

It said the stash was found in the first step of the stairway leading to the landing where the Russian's apartment was located in the Anderlecht neighborhood.

The building's owner told investigators that the Russian was known to possess knives in the 2000s and was "mentally unstable and inclined to paranoia," the prosecutors said.

Fingerprints of the man, who was only identified by his initials, were also found on the cellophane tape covering one of the knives, they added.

The prosecutor's office said it intended to close the case given that the man died in 2011.&nbsp;

It added there was no link to the "festive events" at the weekend or to the country's terrorism cases. &nbsp;

Belgium has been hit by several Islamist extremist attacks, the worst being suicide bombings on March 22, 2016, at Brussels airport and a city metro station that killed 32 people and wounded hundreds of others.

Security was high for the Tour de France, an epic three-week cycling competition around France, which was launched from the cobbled streets of Brussels on Saturday.

Home-made explosives found on the day the Tour de France was launched in Brussels belonged to an "unstable" former Russian soldier who died in 2011, prosecutors said Thursday.

Home-made explosives found on the day the Tour de France was launched in Brussels belonged to an "unstable" former Russian soldier who died in 2011, prosecutors said Thursday. A worker found a stash of weapons Saturday in the step of a stairway of a building near where cyclists raced. "The bag containing explosives, knives, and brass knuckles belonged to a man, G.A., a former Russian soldier who was born in 1965 and died in 2011," the Brussels prosecutor's office said. It said the stash was found in the first step of the stairway leading to the landing where the Russian's apartment was located in the Anderlecht neighborhood. The building's owner told investigators that the Russian was known to possess knives in the 2000s and was "mentally unstable and inclined to paranoia," the prosecutors said. Fingerprints of the man, who was only identified by his initials, were also found on the cellophane tape covering one of the knives, they added. The prosecutor's office said it intended to close the case given that the man died in 2011. It added there was no link to the "festive events" at the weekend or to the country's terrorism cases. Belgium has been hit by several Islamist extremist attacks, the worst being suicide bombings on March 22, 2016, at Brussels airport and a city metro station that killed 32 people and wounded hundreds of others. Security was high for the Tour de France, an epic three-week cycling competition around France, which was launched from the cobbled streets of Brussels on Saturday.

Explosives found in Brussels belonged to ex-Russian soldier: Official

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgian-police-arrests-man-suspected-of-plotting-attack-on-us-embassy-in-brussels-230066">Belgian police are investigating</a> the discovery of home-made explosives, knives and brass knuckles, but nothing immediately points to an attack plot, including against the Tour de France, prosecutors said Monday.

A worker found the arms on Saturday evening hidden by a stairway of a building in Anderlecht, a neighbourhood of the capital Brussels through which the tournament's cyclists raced at the weekend.

"At the current time, nothing suggests that these are explosives designed to commit a future attack," the Brussels prosecutor's office said in a statement.

"Nothing allows us to say that the Tour was being targeted," prosecutor's spokesman Denis Goeman told AFP.&nbsp;

"The theory of the discovery of an old cache of explosives is also being looked at," the prosecutor's office added.

The statement said investigators were alerted to a bag containing explosives, knives and brass knuckles at around 7:30 pm (5:30 pm) on Saturday.&nbsp;

Upon examination, the office said, they amounted to several "home-made" type explosives. No suspect has been identified in the case and an investigation continues, it added.

Belgium has been hit by a number of Islamist attacks, the worst being suicide bombings on March 22, 2016 at Brussels airport and a city metro station that killed 32 people and wounded hundreds of others.

Security was high for the Tour de France, an epic three-week cycling competition around France, which was launched from the cobbled streets of a festive Brussels on Saturday.

Belgian police are investigating the discovery of home-made explosives, knives and brass knuckles, but nothing immediately points to an attack plot, including against the Tour de France, prosecutors said Monday.

Belgian police are investigating the discovery of home-made explosives, knives and brass knuckles, but nothing immediately points to an attack plot, including against the Tour de France, prosecutors said Monday. A worker found the arms on Saturday evening hidden by a stairway of a building in Anderlecht, a neighbourhood of the capital Brussels through which the tournament's cyclists raced at the weekend. "At the current time, nothing suggests that these are explosives designed to commit a future attack," the Brussels prosecutor's office said in a statement. "Nothing allows us to say that the Tour was being targeted," prosecutor's spokesman Denis Goeman told AFP. "The theory of the discovery of an old cache of explosives is also being looked at," the prosecutor's office added. The statement said investigators were alerted to a bag containing explosives, knives and brass knuckles at around 7:30 pm (5:30 pm) on Saturday. Upon examination, the office said, they amounted to several "home-made" type explosives. No suspect has been identified in the case and an investigation continues, it added. Belgium has been hit by a number of Islamist attacks, the worst being suicide bombings on March 22, 2016 at Brussels airport and a city metro station that killed 32 people and wounded hundreds of others. Security was high for the Tour de France, an epic three-week cycling competition around France, which was launched from the cobbled streets of a festive Brussels on Saturday.

Explosives found in Brussels, no sign Tour de France targeted: Prosecutors

Belgian counter-terror police have arrested a man suspected of plotting an attack against the US embassy in Brussels, federal prosecutors said on Monday.

The federal police's counter-terrorism unit on Saturday arrested a man following "converging signs raising fears of an attack against the US embassy," the prosecutor's office said.

"The suspect has been detained for an alleged attempted attack within a terrorist context and preparation of a terrorist offence," it said in a statement.

The suspect identified only as M.G. appeared before an investigating judge on Monday morning, it added. He denies any involvement in the alleged plot.

The federal prosecutor's office said no other details would be released for the time being.

Belgian counter-terror police have arrested a man suspected of plotting an attack against the US embassy in Brussels, federal prosecutors said on Monday. The federal police's counter-terrorism unit on Saturday arrested a man following "converging signs raising fears of an attack against the US embassy," the prosecutor's office said.

Belgian counter-terror police have arrested a man suspected of plotting an attack against the US embassy in Brussels, federal prosecutors said on Monday. The federal police's counter-terrorism unit on Saturday arrested a man following "converging signs raising fears of an attack against the US embassy," the prosecutor's office said. "The suspect has been detained for an alleged attempted attack within a terrorist context and preparation of a terrorist offence," it said in a statement. The suspect identified only as M.G. appeared before an investigating judge on Monday morning, it added. He denies any involvement in the alleged plot. The federal prosecutor's office said no other details would be released for the time being.

Belgian police arrests man suspected of plotting attack on US embassy in Brussels

Six Belgian children of Islamic State members were brought back to Belgium on Friday from camps in Syria where US-backed militia are holding thousands of militants and their family members.

The children, ranging in age from six to 18, were all left parentless in Syria, making their repatriation less complicated than that of dozens of other Belgian children of IS members held in Syria`s northern Kurdish region.

"The 6 children from #Syria have just arrived in our country," Belgium`s Foreign Minister Didier Reynders Tweeted late on Friday. "The children are now being monitored and supervised by the competent local state attorneys &amp; youth support services."

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) controls the quarter of Syria east of the Euphrates river after driving back Islamic State in a series of advances from 2015 that culminated in March with the group`s defeat at its last territorial enclave in Baghouz, near the Iraqi border.

However, it says it is unable to indefinitely hold the thousands of Islamic State fighters and members and their families who surrendered during its offensive.&nbsp;

"This must be extended to men and women in our camps and prison, not only children," Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the SDF, said on Twitter regarding Belgium`s move.

Many of those in custody or held at overcrowded displacement camps in northeast Syria are foreigners, and many remain unrepentant supporters of violent jihad.&nbsp;

Islamic State members also brought a large number of children into their zone of control or bore babies who are now orphaned, destitute or even stateless, and whose future is uncertain.

The SDF has warned that keeping them in northeast Syria where there is no long-term political settlement to underpin its control of the area is a security risk, and has called for help in managing a humanitarian crisis in the displacement camps.

Western countries have so far been unwilling to take back their citizens who went to Syria to join Islamic State - seeing them as a security risk if they return home but knowing they may be unable to prosecute them.&nbsp;

The United States, France and the Netherlands have each repatriated a small number of women or children from northeast Syria, but many others remain there.

The SDF has also handed over numerous Islamic State militants to Iraq, which is putting many former jihadists on trial and executing some of them.

An Iraqi court sentenced a Belgian man, Bilal al-Marchohi, 23, to death by hanging in March for being part of Islamic State. Pictures on his phone showed him posing with weapons and cradling his infant son.

Six Belgian children of Islamic State members were brought back to Belgium on Friday from camps in Syria where US-backed militia are holding thousands of militants and their family members.

Six Belgian children of Islamic State members were brought back to Belgium on Friday from camps in Syria where US-backed militia are holding thousands of militants and their family members. The children, ranging in age from six to 18, were all left parentless in Syria, making their repatriation less complicated than that of dozens of other Belgian children of IS members held in Syria`s northern Kurdish region. "The 6 children from #Syria have just arrived in our country," Belgium`s Foreign Minister Didier Reynders Tweeted late on Friday. "The children are now being monitored and supervised by the competent local state attorneys & youth support services." The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) controls the quarter of Syria east of the Euphrates river after driving back Islamic State in a series of advances from 2015 that culminated in March with the group`s defeat at its last territorial enclave in Baghouz, near the Iraqi border. However, it says it is unable to indefinitely hold the thousands of Islamic State fighters and members and their families who surrendered during its offensive. "This must be extended to men and women in our camps and prison, not only children," Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the SDF, said on Twitter regarding Belgium`s move. Many of those in custody or held at overcrowded displacement camps in northeast Syria are foreigners, and many remain unrepentant supporters of violent jihad. Islamic State members also brought a large number of children into their zone of control or bore babies who are now orphaned, destitute or even stateless, and whose future is uncertain. The SDF has warned that keeping them in northeast Syria where there is no long-term political settlement to underpin its control of the area is a security risk, and has called for help in managing a humanitarian crisis in the displacement camps. Western countries have so far been unwilling to take back their citizens who went to Syria to join Islamic State - seeing them as a security risk if they return home but knowing they may be unable to prosecute them. The United States, France and the Netherlands have each repatriated a small number of women or children from northeast Syria, but many others remain there. The SDF has also handed over numerous Islamic State militants to Iraq, which is putting many former jihadists on trial and executing some of them. An Iraqi court sentenced a Belgian man, Bilal al-Marchohi, 23, to death by hanging in March for being part of Islamic State. Pictures on his phone showed him posing with weapons and cradling his infant son.

Belgium takes back six Islamic State children

Real Madrid can build a new team around latest signing Eden Hazard, his Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said on the eve of their Euro 2020 qualifier against Scotland on Monday.

Real ended their long pursuit of the winger on Friday when they agreed to sign him from Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported 100 million euros ($113.15 million).

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/eden-hazard-joins-real-madrid-on-five-year-contract-for-zidanes-re-build-225379&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9vrf13uDiAhUo7XMBHfVVAhEQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AnMsdiYTe3F1MwgSSYPNL">Hazard</a>, who scored 110 goals in 352 games for Chelsea after joining from Lille in 2012, will be officially presented at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium next Thursday.

“He is an unbelievable personality. His focus in a match lies in the winning of the game," Martinez told reporters.

“He is now playing the best football of his career and he is a player around which a new project can be built,” added the Spaniard, whose side top Group I and looking for a fourth win out of four when they host the Scots in Brussels on Tuesday.

“Eden is a phenomenal footballer and I think for him several new chapters can be written about his career. The move to Real is his dream, the perfect next step. The whole transfer happened with a lot of respect. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-think-its-a-goodbye-says-eden-hazard-after-winning-europa-league-for-chelsea-222654&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9vrf13uDiAhUo7XMBHfVVAhEQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Odpc5LqMU-PD6EUSB6xnX">Eden </a>is an example to all of a player who can go back to all his old clubs with his head held high,'' Martinez said.

Hazard, 28, is moving to Spain after helping Chelsea win the Europa League and finish third in the Premier League.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him at work at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-agree-fee-for-chelseas-eden-hazard-reports-225078&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj9vrf13uDiAhUo7XMBHfVVAhEQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2bJ2n8402HFBozo0WfI0VE">Real</a>,” added Martinez who will be relying on his captain to help beat third-placed Scotland, who are three points behind the leaders.

“I’m not planning to change much,” he said of his team selection after Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Kazakhstan.

“We don’t underestimate any visitors. Scotland have got some real talent and coach Steve Clarke is one of the gentlemen of the game,” Martinez&nbsp;said.

Martinez was subjected at Monday’s news conference to a gentle ribbing about divided family loyalty since his wife, Beth is Scottish.

“Well, we put a ban up at home so we aren't speaking about football since the Kazakhstan game, but I hope that everyone is very upset when I get home.

“She's no problem, it's more, my father-in-law," joked Martinez.

Real Madrid can build a new team around latest signing Eden Hazard, his Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said on the eve of their Euro 2020 qualifier against Scotland on Monday.

Real Madrid can build a new team around latest signing Eden Hazard, his Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said on the eve of their Euro 2020 qualifier against Scotland on Monday. Real ended their long pursuit of the winger on Friday when they agreed to sign him from Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported 100 million euros ($113.15 million). Hazard, who scored 110 goals in 352 games for Chelsea after joining from Lille in 2012, will be officially presented at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium next Thursday. “He is an unbelievable personality. His focus in a match lies in the winning of the game," Martinez told reporters. “He is now playing the best football of his career and he is a player around which a new project can be built,” added the Spaniard, whose side top Group I and looking for a fourth win out of four when they host the Scots in Brussels on Tuesday. “Eden is a phenomenal footballer and I think for him several new chapters can be written about his career. The move to Real is his dream, the perfect next step. The whole transfer happened with a lot of respect. Eden is an example to all of a player who can go back to all his old clubs with his head held high,'' Martinez said. Hazard, 28, is moving to Spain after helping Chelsea win the Europa League and finish third in the Premier League. “I’m looking forward to seeing him at work at Real,” added Martinez who will be relying on his captain to help beat third-placed Scotland, who are three points behind the leaders. “I’m not planning to change much,” he said of his team selection after Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Kazakhstan. “We don’t underestimate any visitors. Scotland have got some real talent and coach Steve Clarke is one of the gentlemen of the game,” Martinez said. Martinez was subjected at Monday’s news conference to a gentle ribbing about divided family loyalty since his wife, Beth is Scottish. “Well, we put a ban up at home so we aren't speaking about football since the Kazakhstan game, but I hope that everyone is very upset when I get home. “She's no problem, it's more, my father-in-law," joked Martinez.

Eden Hazard could be catalyst for new Real Madrid era, says Belgium coach Roberto Martinez

Real Madrid ended their long pursuit of Eden Hazard on Friday when they agreed to sign the Belgium winger from Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported 100 million euros ($113.34 million), making him their joint-record signing.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-agree-fee-for-chelseas-eden-hazard-reports-225078&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwin1srYl9niAhV96XMBHZTlCBgQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CqjAQcErvZb7kx_01blPA">Real </a>did not reveal the fee but Spanish media reports said it was the same price Madrid paid for Gareth Bale when he joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, a staggering amount considering Hazard was set to become a free agent in June 2020.

"Real Madrid and Chelsea have agreed on the transfer for the player Eden Hazard," the Spanish club said in a statement.

"The player will be tied to the club for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2024."

The Belgian will be officially presented at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium next Thursday, subject to completing a medical.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-think-its-a-goodbye-says-eden-hazard-after-winning-europa-league-for-chelsea-222654&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwin1srYl9niAhV96XMBHZTlCBgQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0XAjIWc_phOasa76RZDqIw">Hazard</a>, who becomes Chelsea's most expensive sale, expressed his gratitude to a club where he has spent the last seven years while admitting he had always longed to play for Madrid.

"To my Chelsea friends and family,&nbsp;You now know that I will be joining Real Madrid. It’s no secret that it was my dream to play for them since I was a young boy just scoring my first goal," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-final-a-farewell-match-for-maurizio-sarri-eden-hazard-and-petr-cech-222502&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwin1srYl9niAhV96XMBHZTlCBgQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_zJFco0ZM8uhUnLaJCGLU">Hazard </a>wrote on his official Facebook account.

"I have tried my very best not to distract myself or the team through this difficult period of speculation and media attention, especially the last six months,"&nbsp;Hazard said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-hazard-scores-twice-as-chelsea-thrash-arsenal-in-final-222607&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwin1srYl9niAhV96XMBHZTlCBgQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1dJFYogtIAORzj491RGB13">Hazard's </a>transfer is the latest in a long run of 'Galactico' signings made by Real but he is also the first top-class player to move to the club since Colombian James Rodriguez in 2014.

ZIDANE ADMIRATION

Real president Florentino Perez said last month that they tried to sign Hazard on several occasions while coach Zinedine Zidane is a long-time admirer of the Belgian, who he named as a "star of the future" in 2010 when Hazard was playing for Lille.

He leaves Chelsea having recently guided the west London club to the Europa League title, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over rivals Arsenal in last month's final in Baku.

The 28-year-old joined <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-best-in-world-i-am-a-lucky-man-to-coach-them-says-maurizio-sarri-222663&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDnpn4l9niAhVKvo8KHUR6Ct4QFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1KhXSZRXNgquel7uuWfFym">Chelsea </a>from Lille in 2012 for 32 million pounds ($40.61 million) and won the Europa League in his first season. He also won the Premier League title in 2015 and in 2017 as well as one League Cup and the FA Cup.

He scored 16 goals and created another 15 in the Premier League this season as Chelsea finished third in the table.

"Chelsea and especially Chelsea fans will always be special to me and next season I will look for your results first," Hazard added.

"I hope that we are drawn against each other in the Champions League next season and every season so we can meet again,"&nbsp;Hazard said.

Hazard is Real's third major signing as they bid to rebuild their squad after an embarrassing campaign on all fronts in which they ended up without a trophy, sacked two coaches and finished 19 points adrift of La Liga champions Barcelona.

They have already recruited Brazilian defender Eder Militao from Porto for a reported 50 million euros and Serbian striker Luka Jovic from Eintracht Frankfurt for 60 million euros.

Brazilian forward Rodrygo is also due to join Real next season after agreeing a reported 45 million euro move from Santos last year.

Real Madrid ended their long pursuit of Eden Hazard on Friday when they agreed to sign the Belgium winger from Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported 100 million euros ($113.

Real Madrid ended their long pursuit of Eden Hazard on Friday when they agreed to sign the Belgium winger from Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported 100 million euros ($113.34 million), making him their joint-record signing. Real did not reveal the fee but Spanish media reports said it was the same price Madrid paid for Gareth Bale when he joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, a staggering amount considering Hazard was set to become a free agent in June 2020. "Real Madrid and Chelsea have agreed on the transfer for the player Eden Hazard," the Spanish club said in a statement. "The player will be tied to the club for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2024." The Belgian will be officially presented at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium next Thursday, subject to completing a medical. Hazard, who becomes Chelsea's most expensive sale, expressed his gratitude to a club where he has spent the last seven years while admitting he had always longed to play for Madrid. "To my Chelsea friends and family, You now know that I will be joining Real Madrid. It’s no secret that it was my dream to play for them since I was a young boy just scoring my first goal," Hazard wrote on his official Facebook account. "I have tried my very best not to distract myself or the team through this difficult period of speculation and media attention, especially the last six months," Hazard said. Hazard's transfer is the latest in a long run of 'Galactico' signings made by Real but he is also the first top-class player to move to the club since Colombian James Rodriguez in 2014. ZIDANE ADMIRATION Real president Florentino Perez said last month that they tried to sign Hazard on several occasions while coach Zinedine Zidane is a long-time admirer of the Belgian, who he named as a "star of the future" in 2010 when Hazard was playing for Lille. He leaves Chelsea having recently guided the west London club to the Europa League title, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over rivals Arsenal in last month's final in Baku. The 28-year-old joined Chelsea from Lille in 2012 for 32 million pounds ($40.61 million) and won the Europa League in his first season. He also won the Premier League title in 2015 and in 2017 as well as one League Cup and the FA Cup. He scored 16 goals and created another 15 in the Premier League this season as Chelsea finished third in the table. "Chelsea and especially Chelsea fans will always be special to me and next season I will look for your results first," Hazard added. "I hope that we are drawn against each other in the Champions League next season and every season so we can meet again," Hazard said. Hazard is Real's third major signing as they bid to rebuild their squad after an embarrassing campaign on all fronts in which they ended up without a trophy, sacked two coaches and finished 19 points adrift of La Liga champions Barcelona. They have already recruited Brazilian defender Eder Militao from Porto for a reported 50 million euros and Serbian striker Luka Jovic from Eintracht Frankfurt for 60 million euros. Brazilian forward Rodrygo is also due to join Real next season after agreeing a reported 45 million euro move from Santos last year.

Eden Hazard joins Real Madrid on five-year contract for Zidane's re-build

Belgium was stunned on Monday by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-votes-with-expected-surge-by-greens-far-right-221668/amp">Flemish separatist surge</a> in national elections that will make forming a new federal&nbsp;government&nbsp;a tortuous task as the country's French-speaking region moved further to the left.

Belgium, long an awkward marriage between its Dutch- and French-speaking communities, now risks a political impasse as the results in Sunday's federal parliamentary&nbsp;vote&nbsp;deepened a split between its more Germanic north and Latin south.

French-speaking daily Le Soir splashed "Two&nbsp;Belgium" on its front page while Dutch-speaking De Morgen ran with "Flanders radicalises", saying it had been a "black Sunday"&nbsp;after&nbsp;the anti-immigrant Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) surged to become the second largest party in wealthy Flanders.

In Wallonia, the economically weaker southern region, the Greens and the hard left PTB party saw their support increase.

"I think it's going to be very difficult (to form a federal&nbsp;government)," said Bob Deleeck, a 43-year-old&nbsp;voter. "You see that this is&nbsp;two&nbsp;countries under&nbsp;one&nbsp;flag. They should make it a confederation," he said in central Brussels.

Including the more moderate N-VA, Flemish separatists won 43 seats in the 150-seat federal parliament as the Vlaams Belang rose to 18 from three, while more traditional centre-left and centre-right parties lost seats.

Polls have shown most Belgians do not want their country, a member of the eurozone, to split up. But pressure from separatists could embolden other regions in Europe that want to break away - such as Catalonia from Spain or Scotland from Britain, political commentators say.

541 DAYS - THE RECORD TO BREAK

Belgium effectively runs&nbsp;two&nbsp;separate elections in its Dutch and French-speaking regions, with no national parties,&nbsp;after&nbsp;which it somehow has to weld together a federal government from both sides of the linguistic divide.

The Vlaams Belang has always been excluded by mainstream parties at all levels of&nbsp;government&nbsp;- an arrangement dubbed the "cordon sanitaire".

N-VA leader Bart De Wever asked whether he was open to a possible coalition with Vlaams Belang in Flanders, declined to give a direct reply but said he would have to speak to the party, given its second place in the&nbsp;vote.

He also expressed caution about whether a national&nbsp;government&nbsp;could be formed.

"Wallonia has moved to the left, more to the left than ever before. The difference between Flanders and Wallonia has never been so great," he said, adding the country should look into a further devolution of powers to the regions.

Prime Minister Charles Michel, whose French-speaking liberal MR party lost seats on Sunday, met the Belgian king on Monday as part of consultations to allow the palace to designate a political leader with the best chance of forming a&nbsp;government.

The results suggest Michel, who has been running the country of 11 million people in a caretaker capacity since December when the N-VA quit his&nbsp;government, could face many more months in that role as party leaders try to form a new coalition.

In 2010, that task took a world record 541 days until a Socialist prime minister finally took office.

"We knew it would be difficult and indeed it is difficult and it is even more difficult as you see almost no (French-speaking) party wants to govern with the N-VA," said ING economist Philippe Ledent.

Belgium was stunned on Monday by a Flemish separatist surge in national elections that will make forming a new federal government a tortuous task as the country's French-speaking region moved further to the left.

Belgium was stunned on Monday by a Flemish separatist surge in national elections that will make forming a new federal government a tortuous task as the country's French-speaking region moved further to the left. Belgium, long an awkward marriage between its Dutch- and French-speaking communities, now risks a political impasse as the results in Sunday's federal parliamentary vote deepened a split between its more Germanic north and Latin south. French-speaking daily Le Soir splashed "Two Belgium" on its front page while Dutch-speaking De Morgen ran with "Flanders radicalises", saying it had been a "black Sunday" after the anti-immigrant Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) surged to become the second largest party in wealthy Flanders. In Wallonia, the economically weaker southern region, the Greens and the hard left PTB party saw their support increase. "I think it's going to be very difficult (to form a federal government)," said Bob Deleeck, a 43-year-old voter. "You see that this is two countries under one flag. They should make it a confederation," he said in central Brussels. Including the more moderate N-VA, Flemish separatists won 43 seats in the 150-seat federal parliament as the Vlaams Belang rose to 18 from three, while more traditional centre-left and centre-right parties lost seats. Polls have shown most Belgians do not want their country, a member of the eurozone, to split up. But pressure from separatists could embolden other regions in Europe that want to break away - such as Catalonia from Spain or Scotland from Britain, political commentators say. 541 DAYS - THE RECORD TO BREAK Belgium effectively runs two separate elections in its Dutch and French-speaking regions, with no national parties, after which it somehow has to weld together a federal government from both sides of the linguistic divide. The Vlaams Belang has always been excluded by mainstream parties at all levels of government - an arrangement dubbed the "cordon sanitaire". N-VA leader Bart De Wever asked whether he was open to a possible coalition with Vlaams Belang in Flanders, declined to give a direct reply but said he would have to speak to the party, given its second place in the vote. He also expressed caution about whether a national government could be formed. "Wallonia has moved to the left, more to the left than ever before. The difference between Flanders and Wallonia has never been so great," he said, adding the country should look into a further devolution of powers to the regions. Prime Minister Charles Michel, whose French-speaking liberal MR party lost seats on Sunday, met the Belgian king on Monday as part of consultations to allow the palace to designate a political leader with the best chance of forming a government. The results suggest Michel, who has been running the country of 11 million people in a caretaker capacity since December when the N-VA quit his government, could face many more months in that role as party leaders try to form a new coalition. In 2010, that task took a world record 541 days until a Socialist prime minister finally took office. "We knew it would be difficult and indeed it is difficult and it is even more difficult as you see almost no (French-speaking) party wants to govern with the N-VA," said ING economist Philippe Ledent.

'Under one flag': Two Belgiums seek one government after European Union vote

Voter turnout at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-elections-kick-off-as-dutch-polls-open-220854">European Parliament elections </a>has dropped steadily over the years, hitting a record low of 43 per cent at the last poll in 2014.

As the May 23-26 elections for the European Union's assembly wind up, here is an overview.

Staying away&nbsp;

In 1979, at the first direct election for representatives to the European Parliament, just 38 per cent of voters stayed away.

Since then voter turnout for the five-yearly election has progressively fallen, with a record 57 per cent of voters abstaining in 2014.

At the same time, however, the powers of the parliament have increased.

Having had limited scope in 1979, Euro-MPs can now co-legislate in some areas alongside national ministers in the EU Council.

EU distant&nbsp;

In almost all EU countries more people vote at national general polls than for the European Parliament.

The gap is on average 25 percentage points across the bloc, Sciences Po university professor Olivier Rozenberg told AFP.

EU citizens feel "less close" to the European elections than polls at their national and local levels, the Jacques Delors Institute think-tank said in a 2014 report.

In a September 2018 survey, 48 per cent of Europeans said they "believe that their voice counts in the EU", according to the Eurobarometer polling body.

This rose to 62 per cent for their own countries, its survey found.

Compulsory vote scrapped&nbsp;

In 1979 voting was compulsory in three countries -- Belgium, Italy and Luxembourg -- of the nine that made up the precursor to the European Union, the European Economic Community.

The three accounted for a quarter of the bloc's voters.

That proportion dropped to about five per cent as new members joined and Italy dropped the obligation to vote in the 1990s, which "probably played a major role in the decline in overall voting rates at the European elections," the Jacques Delors Institute said.

In the forthcoming elections, voting is compulsory in five countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece and Luxembourg.

This is not a guarantee of turnout, however, as many voters choose to not cast ballots anyway.

While abstention is weak in Belgium and Luxembourg at between 10 and 15 per cent, in Greece it was 40 per cent at the 2014 poll, and 56 per cent in Cyprus.

Record abstention in the east&nbsp;

Slovakia posted the highest abstention rate of 87 per cent at the 2014 poll.&nbsp;

Ten of the 12 countries with the lowest turnouts were from the former communist bloc in the east, young countries that are the most recent to join the EU.

Voting in these nations is "a little less sacred" than in other European countries, Rozenberg said.

"For us (western countries) voting is synonymous with democracy, while this link is less clear in Eastern countries where there are still memories of non-pluralist elections," he said.

Politics in eastern countries is also more fluid, with parties regularly changing names and alliances.

"That does not favour partisan identity and therefore the vote," Rozenberg said.

Founding countries not spared&nbsp;

With the exception of Belgium and Luxembourg, the EU's founding members have also seen higher numbers of voters snubbing the European Parliament polls.

In France and The Netherlands, abstention reached around 60 per cent in 2014, from 40 per cent in 1979.

In Italy, it was at 43 per cent from 14 per cent over the same period, and in Germany, it was at 50 per cent from 34 per cent.

The stay-away rates have nonetheless stabilised since 2004 in France and Germany.

This can be explained by an awareness among people "that the European Union is part of the problem and perhaps of the solution" of the various challenges facing Europe, Rozenberg said.

Voter turnout at European Parliament elections has dropped steadily over the years, hitting a record low of 43 per cent at the last poll in 2014. As the May 23-26 elections for the European Union's assembly wind up, here is an overview.

Voter turnout at European Parliament elections has dropped steadily over the years, hitting a record low of 43 per cent at the last poll in 2014. As the May 23-26 elections for the European Union's assembly wind up, here is an overview. Staying away In 1979, at the first direct election for representatives to the European Parliament, just 38 per cent of voters stayed away. Since then voter turnout for the five-yearly election has progressively fallen, with a record 57 per cent of voters abstaining in 2014. At the same time, however, the powers of the parliament have increased. Having had limited scope in 1979, Euro-MPs can now co-legislate in some areas alongside national ministers in the EU Council. EU distant In almost all EU countries more people vote at national general polls than for the European Parliament. The gap is on average 25 percentage points across the bloc, Sciences Po university professor Olivier Rozenberg told AFP. EU citizens feel "less close" to the European elections than polls at their national and local levels, the Jacques Delors Institute think-tank said in a 2014 report. In a September 2018 survey, 48 per cent of Europeans said they "believe that their voice counts in the EU", according to the Eurobarometer polling body. This rose to 62 per cent for their own countries, its survey found. Compulsory vote scrapped In 1979 voting was compulsory in three countries -- Belgium, Italy and Luxembourg -- of the nine that made up the precursor to the European Union, the European Economic Community. The three accounted for a quarter of the bloc's voters. That proportion dropped to about five per cent as new members joined and Italy dropped the obligation to vote in the 1990s, which "probably played a major role in the decline in overall voting rates at the European elections," the Jacques Delors Institute said. In the forthcoming elections, voting is compulsory in five countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece and Luxembourg. This is not a guarantee of turnout, however, as many voters choose to not cast ballots anyway. While abstention is weak in Belgium and Luxembourg at between 10 and 15 per cent, in Greece it was 40 per cent at the 2014 poll, and 56 per cent in Cyprus. Record abstention in the east Slovakia posted the highest abstention rate of 87 per cent at the 2014 poll. Ten of the 12 countries with the lowest turnouts were from the former communist bloc in the east, young countries that are the most recent to join the EU. Voting in these nations is "a little less sacred" than in other European countries, Rozenberg said. "For us (western countries) voting is synonymous with democracy, while this link is less clear in Eastern countries where there are still memories of non-pluralist elections," he said. Politics in eastern countries is also more fluid, with parties regularly changing names and alliances. "That does not favour partisan identity and therefore the vote," Rozenberg said. Founding countries not spared With the exception of Belgium and Luxembourg, the EU's founding members have also seen higher numbers of voters snubbing the European Parliament polls. In France and The Netherlands, abstention reached around 60 per cent in 2014, from 40 per cent in 1979. In Italy, it was at 43 per cent from 14 per cent over the same period, and in Germany, it was at 50 per cent from 34 per cent. The stay-away rates have nonetheless stabilised since 2004 in France and Germany. This can be explained by an awareness among people "that the European Union is part of the problem and perhaps of the solution" of the various challenges facing Europe, Rozenberg said.

Why turnout has dropped in European elections

100,000 people from all over Europe took part in the 24th edition of the Belgian Pride Parade in Brussels on Saturday, holding rainbow flags and dancing to the sound of techno music. The event aims to promote equality and fight discrimination in the LGBTI community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex).

Over 100,000 at Belgian gay pride parade

Eden Hazard marked his 100th cap with an early goal to set Belgium on their way to a comfortable 2-0 away win over Cyprus in their Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday.

Michy Batshuayi got the other goal for the top team in the FIFA rankings, who began their campaign last Thursday with a 3-1 home success over Russia and now have six points from their opening two games in Group I.

Hazard opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a curling shot after Batshuayi had set him up. It was his 30th international goal as the 28-year-old Chelsea star became the third Belgian to reach the 100-cap mark after Jan Vertonghen and Axel Witsel.

Batshuayi doubled the score eight minutes later, running on to a pass over the top of the home defence from Thorgan Hazard, knocking it past the onrushing goalkeeper Urko Pardo and sliding the ball into the empty net from a tight angle.

Belgium, without injured regulars Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Witsel, cruised through the rest of the contest to stretch to 12 games their unbeaten record against the Cypriots, who had beaten San Marino 5-0 at home on Thursday in their opening qualifier.

Earlier on Thursday, Denis Cheryshev scored twice as Russia won 4-0 away in Kazakhstan for their first points of the campaign.

His first-half pair of goals were followed by two more early in the second half in Arana, from Artem Dzyuba and an own goal by Kazakh defender Abzal Beysebekov.

Eden Hazard marked his 100th cap with an early goal to set Belgium on their way to a comfortable 2-0 away win over Cyprus in their Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday.

Eden Hazard marked his 100th cap with an early goal to set Belgium on their way to a comfortable 2-0 away win over Cyprus in their Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday. Michy Batshuayi got the other goal for the top team in the FIFA rankings, who began their campaign last Thursday with a 3-1 home success over Russia and now have six points from their opening two games in Group I. Hazard opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a curling shot after Batshuayi had set him up. It was his 30th international goal as the 28-year-old Chelsea star became the third Belgian to reach the 100-cap mark after Jan Vertonghen and Axel Witsel. Batshuayi doubled the score eight minutes later, running on to a pass over the top of the home defence from Thorgan Hazard, knocking it past the onrushing goalkeeper Urko Pardo and sliding the ball into the empty net from a tight angle. Belgium, without injured regulars Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Witsel, cruised through the rest of the contest to stretch to 12 games their unbeaten record against the Cypriots, who had beaten San Marino 5-0 at home on Thursday in their opening qualifier. Earlier on Thursday, Denis Cheryshev scored twice as Russia won 4-0 away in Kazakhstan for their first points of the campaign. His first-half pair of goals were followed by two more early in the second half in Arana, from Artem Dzyuba and an own goal by Kazakh defender Abzal Beysebekov.

Euro 2020 qualifier: Eden Hazard marks milestone with early goal to help Belgium win

Belgium midfielder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Eden+Hazard">Eden Hazard</a> has denied reports that he has agreed to a deal to move from Premier League club Chelsea to Spanish giants Real Madrid.&nbsp;

He said, "There's nothing there. Today I'm focusing on tomorrow's match against Cyprus. That's the only thing in my head now."&nbsp;

The media reports suggested Hazard had agreed to join Real after speaking to their coach, Zinedine Zidane.&nbsp;

Hazard was speaking at a press conference in Cyprus ahead of Belgium's Euro 2020 qualifier in Nicosia on Sunday in which he will win his 100th international cap.&nbsp;

Asked how long he hoped to continue playing for the national side, Hazard said, "I am going to see how, at 28, my body reacts."&nbsp;

"I'm in great form, but with the accumulation of matches, sometimes it gets a bit complicated. Of course one wants to play in the maximum of major tournaments."&nbsp;

"There are the Euros coming up, another World Cup, then another Euros. So we will see. And, as I have already said, if I see that the next generation is growing, for me there won't be a problem. I will cede my place to the younger ones."&nbsp;

Recently, former Belgium World Cup star Enzo Scifo described Hazard as the best Belgian player of all time.&nbsp;

Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard has denied reports that he has agreed to a deal to move from Premier League club Chelsea to Spanish giants Real Madrid. He said, "There's nothing there.

Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard has denied reports that he has agreed to a deal to move from Premier League club Chelsea to Spanish giants Real Madrid. He said, "There's nothing there. Today I'm focusing on tomorrow's match against Cyprus. That's the only thing in my head now." The media reports suggested Hazard had agreed to join Real after speaking to their coach, Zinedine Zidane. Hazard was speaking at a press conference in Cyprus ahead of Belgium's Euro 2020 qualifier in Nicosia on Sunday in which he will win his 100th international cap. Asked how long he hoped to continue playing for the national side, Hazard said, "I am going to see how, at 28, my body reacts." "I'm in great form, but with the accumulation of matches, sometimes it gets a bit complicated. Of course one wants to play in the maximum of major tournaments." "There are the Euros coming up, another World Cup, then another Euros. So we will see. And, as I have already said, if I see that the next generation is growing, for me there won't be a problem. I will cede my place to the younger ones." Recently, former Belgium World Cup star Enzo Scifo described Hazard as the best Belgian player of all time.

Chelsea's Eden Hazard denies reports he has signed deal with Real Madrid

Captain Eden Hazard scored twice for Belgium to spare the blushes of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and secure a 3-1 victory over Russia in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium on Thursday.

Courtois allowed Russia a soft equaliser after his error gifted a goal to Denis Cheryshev, but Belgium claimed a deserved victory when Youri Tielemans opened the scoring with his first international goal and Hazard added two more, one from the penalty spot.

Striker Michy Batshuayi was asked to lead the line in the absence of the injured Romelu Lukaku, while the Hazard brothers, Eden and Thorgan, played together for the third time in a national team shirt.

Belgium led on 15 minutes when Timothy Castagne’s pass fed Tielemans on the edge of the box and as Russia’s defensive line opened up, the midfielder fired a low shot past goalkeeper Guilherme Marinato.

But the lead lasted barely a minute as a horror error from Courtois gifted Cheryshev the equaliser.

The keeper dallied in possession following a back-pass and when pressed into action, passed the ball straight to Cheryshev on the edge of the box who finished into an empty net.

Batshuayi came close to restoring the lead when the Hazard brothers led a breakaway from a Russian corner and when the ball fell to the striker in the box, his shot beat Marinato but not defender Georgiy Dzhikiya on the goalline.

Belgium, World Cup semi-finalists last year, scored their second just before the break when Eden Hazard was fouled in the box by Yuri Zhirkov and stepped up to convert the spot-kick and give his side a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Batshuayi should have added a third for the home side when he was left unmarked and turned a low cross on to the post from eight yards out.

Skipper Hazard netted the third when he picked up the loose ball in the box after Batshuayi’s shot was blocked and the visitors finished the game with 10 following a late red card for Aleksandr Golovin.

Earlier, Cyprus stormed to the top of the Group I standings with a 5-0 victory over San Marino in Nicosia.

Striker Pieros Sotiriou converted two penalties to go with goals from Ioannis Kousoulos, Georgios Efrem and Konstantinos Laifis.

Captain Eden Hazard scored twice for Belgium to spare the blushes of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and secure a 3-1 victory over Russia in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium on Thursday.

Captain Eden Hazard scored twice for Belgium to spare the blushes of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and secure a 3-1 victory over Russia in their Euro 2020 Group I qualifier at the King Baudouin Stadium on Thursday. Courtois allowed Russia a soft equaliser after his error gifted a goal to Denis Cheryshev, but Belgium claimed a deserved victory when Youri Tielemans opened the scoring with his first international goal and Hazard added two more, one from the penalty spot. Striker Michy Batshuayi was asked to lead the line in the absence of the injured Romelu Lukaku, while the Hazard brothers, Eden and Thorgan, played together for the third time in a national team shirt. Belgium led on 15 minutes when Timothy Castagne’s pass fed Tielemans on the edge of the box and as Russia’s defensive line opened up, the midfielder fired a low shot past goalkeeper Guilherme Marinato. But the lead lasted barely a minute as a horror error from Courtois gifted Cheryshev the equaliser. The keeper dallied in possession following a back-pass and when pressed into action, passed the ball straight to Cheryshev on the edge of the box who finished into an empty net. Batshuayi came close to restoring the lead when the Hazard brothers led a breakaway from a Russian corner and when the ball fell to the striker in the box, his shot beat Marinato but not defender Georgiy Dzhikiya on the goalline. Belgium, World Cup semi-finalists last year, scored their second just before the break when Eden Hazard was fouled in the box by Yuri Zhirkov and stepped up to convert the spot-kick and give his side a 2-1 lead at halftime. Batshuayi should have added a third for the home side when he was left unmarked and turned a low cross on to the post from eight yards out. Skipper Hazard netted the third when he picked up the loose ball in the box after Batshuayi’s shot was blocked and the visitors finished the game with 10 following a late red card for Aleksandr Golovin. Earlier, Cyprus stormed to the top of the Group I standings with a 5-0 victory over San Marino in Nicosia. Striker Pieros Sotiriou converted two penalties to go with goals from Ioannis Kousoulos, Georgios Efrem and Konstantinos Laifis.

Belgium overcome Thibaut Courtois howler to sink Russia

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Belgium has agreed to take in former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo following his acquittal at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, a foreign ministry spokesman told AFP Saturday.

But under the terms of his release, he has to remain in a host country until the tribunal rules on whether to grant the prosecutors' request for a new trial.

He is also forbidden from contacting witnesses in the case and speaking publicly about it.

"In response to a request from the International Criminal Court, Belgium has agreed to take in Laurent Gbagbo," said spokesman Karl Lagatie.

"That is also part of the framework of our support for international criminal jurisdictions," he added.

Shock acquittal&nbsp;

The ICC finally freed Gbagbo on Friday after his shock acquittal last month on charges of crimes against humanity.

He and his aide Charles Ble Goude were cleared on January 15 over the wave of violence after disputed elections in the west African nation in 2010.

His release was also on condition that he stay in whichever host state accepted him until the court decided whether to let a new trial go ahead.

Defence lawyers had argued for the two men's immediate and unconditional release.

Under further conditions, Gbagbo also had to surrender his travel documents, report weekly, avoid contacting witnesses in Ivory Coast and refrain from making public statements about the case, the court documents said.

According to Belgian press reports, Gbagbo's second wife, 47-year-old Nady Bamba, lives in Belgium.&nbsp;

Gbagbo, now 73, was the first former head of state ever to stand trial at the ICC.

More than 3,000 people died on both sides after Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to his internationally backed-rival — and now-president — Alassane Ouattara.

He had been held by the ICC in the Netherlands since 2011.

The ICC's unwillingness to let Gbagbo return to Ivory Coast may be because of the country's refusal to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ivory-coast-ex-first-lady-simone-gbagbo-freed-after-amnesty-157974">surrender Gbagbo's wife Simone</a>, despite an outstanding ICC warrant for her arrest.

She was convicted and jailed by the courts there in 2015, but Ouattara granted her an amnesty last year, allow her release after seven years in detention.

Gbagbo's release comes at a particularly tense time in Ivory Coast.

With presidential elections due in 2020, Ouattara has not said whether or not he will run for a second term, and the coalition he formed with Henri Konan Bedie, his former ally against Gbagbo, has collapsed.

Belgium has agreed to take in former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo following his acquittal at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, a foreign ministry spokesman told AFP Saturday.

Belgium has agreed to take in former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo following his acquittal at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, a foreign ministry spokesman told AFP Saturday. But under the terms of his release, he has to remain in a host country until the tribunal rules on whether to grant the prosecutors' request for a new trial. He is also forbidden from contacting witnesses in the case and speaking publicly about it. "In response to a request from the International Criminal Court, Belgium has agreed to take in Laurent Gbagbo," said spokesman Karl Lagatie. "That is also part of the framework of our support for international criminal jurisdictions," he added. Shock acquittal The ICC finally freed Gbagbo on Friday after his shock acquittal last month on charges of crimes against humanity. He and his aide Charles Ble Goude were cleared on January 15 over the wave of violence after disputed elections in the west African nation in 2010. His release was also on condition that he stay in whichever host state accepted him until the court decided whether to let a new trial go ahead. Defence lawyers had argued for the two men's immediate and unconditional release. Under further conditions, Gbagbo also had to surrender his travel documents, report weekly, avoid contacting witnesses in Ivory Coast and refrain from making public statements about the case, the court documents said. According to Belgian press reports, Gbagbo's second wife, 47-year-old Nady Bamba, lives in Belgium. Gbagbo, now 73, was the first former head of state ever to stand trial at the ICC. More than 3,000 people died on both sides after Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to his internationally backed-rival — and now-president — Alassane Ouattara. He had been held by the ICC in the Netherlands since 2011. The ICC's unwillingness to let Gbagbo return to Ivory Coast may be because of the country's refusal to surrender Gbagbo's wife Simone, despite an outstanding ICC warrant for her arrest. She was convicted and jailed by the courts there in 2015, but Ouattara granted her an amnesty last year, allow her release after seven years in detention. Gbagbo's release comes at a particularly tense time in Ivory Coast. With presidential elections due in 2020, Ouattara has not said whether or not he will run for a second term, and the coalition he formed with Henri Konan Bedie, his former ally against Gbagbo, has collapsed.

Belgium to take in ex-Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo

FIFA ranking at the end of the year 2018

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WION Sports: Belgium captain Thomas Briels on team's historic World Cup victory

The UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by a wide majority a Global Compact on Refugees aimed at improving efforts to manage large refugee movements -- but without the support of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-central-bank-expected-to-raise-rates-tuesday-trump-lashes-out-at-it-184903">United States</a> and Hungary.

The refugee pact, which did not provoke the controversy unleashed over a similar pact on migration, was approved by 181 countries.

Only two voted no -- the US and Hungary. Three others abstained -- the Dominican Republic, Eritrea and Libya.

Much like the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- the refugee pact is not legally binding.

The two global agreements stem from the so-called New York Declaration adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly in September 2016, with the goal of better handling migrant and refugee flows worldwide.

The compact -- written under the auspices of the Geneva-based <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/250000-syrian-refugees-could-return-home-next-year-unhcr-183279">UN refugee agency (UNHCR)</a> -- hopes to ensure an adequate international response to large-scale refugee movements and extended displacement of refugees.

General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa told AFP the pact would help "strengthen the assistance to and protection of the 25 million refugees globally" and was based on burden -- and responsibility-sharing.

"Refugee-hosting countries continue to show extraordinary levels of generosity and commitment to refugee protection," said Espinosa, who is from Ecuador.

"It's a known fact that low and middle-income countries host over 85 per cent of all refugees. I believe that we must support the communities and states that host refugee."&nbsp;

In voting no, Hungary said no new agreement was needed. The US said recently that it backed most of the refugee pact, but not the part aimed at limiting detentions of asylum seekers.

Ahead of Monday's vote, two countries facing massive population flight addressed the assembly.

Syria said the debate should not be politicized and asked the UNHCR to do more to help Syrian refugees return to their war-wracked country.

Crisis-hit Venezuela, which has seen massive flight as its economic quagmire has deepened, urged the assembly to ensure that the new pact did not become a way for other countries to intervene in internal matters.

The document has four key objectives: ease pressure on refugee-hosting nations; improve refugee self-reliance; expand access to third countries for refugees via resettlement; and, support conditions for refugees to go home.

The compact is meant to set up a framework; national and regional solutions are supported, and it discusses financing and possible partnerships, as well as data sharing among nations.

It also includes systems to monitor progress, including a Global Refugee Forum held at ministerial level every four years.

Unlike the talks on the migration pact, the United States remained in the negotiations for the refugee pact.

The final text of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Legal Migration was agreed on in July, and it is to be formally ratified by the General Assembly on Wednesday.

Since July, a number of countries have either quit the pact or expressed serious reservations, including Hungary, Australia, Israel, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Latvia and Italy.

In Belgium, the migration pact sparked the collapse of the country's coalition government.

About 165 countries reaffirmed their commitment to the migration pact earlier this month in Morocco.

The UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by a wide majority a Global Compact on Refugees aimed at improving efforts to manage large refugee movements -- but without the support of the United States and Hungary.

The UN General Assembly on Monday adopted by a wide majority a Global Compact on Refugees aimed at improving efforts to manage large refugee movements -- but without the support of the United States and Hungary. The refugee pact, which did not provoke the controversy unleashed over a similar pact on migration, was approved by 181 countries. Only two voted no -- the US and Hungary. Three others abstained -- the Dominican Republic, Eritrea and Libya. Much like the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- the refugee pact is not legally binding. The two global agreements stem from the so-called New York Declaration adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly in September 2016, with the goal of better handling migrant and refugee flows worldwide. The compact -- written under the auspices of the Geneva-based UN refugee agency (UNHCR) -- hopes to ensure an adequate international response to large-scale refugee movements and extended displacement of refugees. General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa told AFP the pact would help "strengthen the assistance to and protection of the 25 million refugees globally" and was based on burden -- and responsibility-sharing. "Refugee-hosting countries continue to show extraordinary levels of generosity and commitment to refugee protection," said Espinosa, who is from Ecuador. "It's a known fact that low and middle-income countries host over 85 per cent of all refugees. I believe that we must support the communities and states that host refugee." In voting no, Hungary said no new agreement was needed. The US said recently that it backed most of the refugee pact, but not the part aimed at limiting detentions of asylum seekers. Ahead of Monday's vote, two countries facing massive population flight addressed the assembly. Syria said the debate should not be politicized and asked the UNHCR to do more to help Syrian refugees return to their war-wracked country. Crisis-hit Venezuela, which has seen massive flight as its economic quagmire has deepened, urged the assembly to ensure that the new pact did not become a way for other countries to intervene in internal matters. The document has four key objectives: ease pressure on refugee-hosting nations; improve refugee self-reliance; expand access to third countries for refugees via resettlement; and, support conditions for refugees to go home. The compact is meant to set up a framework; national and regional solutions are supported, and it discusses financing and possible partnerships, as well as data sharing among nations. It also includes systems to monitor progress, including a Global Refugee Forum held at ministerial level every four years. Unlike the talks on the migration pact, the United States remained in the negotiations for the refugee pact. The final text of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Legal Migration was agreed on in July, and it is to be formally ratified by the General Assembly on Wednesday. Since July, a number of countries have either quit the pact or expressed serious reservations, including Hungary, Australia, Israel, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Latvia and Italy. In Belgium, the migration pact sparked the collapse of the country's coalition government. About 165 countries reaffirmed their commitment to the migration pact earlier this month in Morocco.

UN General Assembly adopts refugee pact, without support of US and Hungary

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