<p>Two people were killed during a shooting incident in Brussels on Monday (Oct 17) evening and the suspect was on the run, the Belgian capital's prosecutor's office said. The alleged gunman in a fluorescent orange jacket fled the scene after using an automatic rifle, according to a video shared by the Flemish newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deceased individuals have been identified as two Swedish nationals and the incident occurred right before Belgium was set to host Sweden in a Euro 2023 qualifying match on Monday (Oct 17) evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/belgium-vs-sweden-euro-qualifier-suspended-after-shooting-incident-in-brussels-647732">Belgium-Sweden Euro qualifier suspended after shooting incident in Brussels</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Who is the suspect?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A video which surfaced on social media shortly after the incident showed a man in an orange motorbike outfit speaking in Arabic and claiming he carried out the attack in the name of God.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man described his allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group. He said in the video that he was targeting Swedes because of their disrespect for the Quran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspect can also be heard saying that he was motivated by the killing of a six-year-old Muslim boy in Illinois. The boy was stabbed to death by his landlord, allegedly because of his religion. The 71-year-old Joseph M. Czuba was arrested and charged with murder and hate crimes.</p>

<p>Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws claimed that the victims were likely two football supporters. &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Swedish supporters react as they wait in the stand during the Euro 2024 qualifying football match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on October 16, 2023, after an 'attack' that targeted Swedish citizens in a street of Brussels | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e12995a6-967a-4af4-aa59-b36bb0546e4b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-10-17T015842.374.png" /></p>

<p><em>Swedish supporters react as they wait in the stand during the Euro 2024 qualifying football match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels after an 'attack' that targeted Swedish citizens in a street of Brussels | AFP&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>Reacting to the shooting incident, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo described it as a "harrowing attack".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have just offered my sincere condolences to the Swedish PM following tonight's harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels," De Croo said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. As close partners, the fight against terrorism is a joint one."&nbsp;</p>

<p>European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen also slammed the 'despicable' Brussels attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tonight, my thoughts are with the families of the two victims of the despicable attack in Brussels. I extend my heartfelt support to the Belgian police, so they swiftly apprehend the suspect. Together, we stand united against terror," Von der Leyen wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron said: "Europe has been shaken."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Two people were killed during a shooting incident in Brussels on Monday (Oct 17) evening and the suspect was on the run, the Belgian capital's prosecutor's office said.

Two people were killed during a shooting incident in Brussels on Monday (Oct 17) evening and the suspect was on the run, the Belgian capital's prosecutor's office said. The alleged gunman in a fluorescent orange jacket fled the scene after using an automatic rifle, according to a video shared by the Flemish newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws. The deceased individuals have been identified as two Swedish nationals and the incident occurred right before Belgium was set to host Sweden in a Euro 2023 qualifying match on Monday (Oct 17) evening. Also read | Belgium-Sweden Euro qualifier suspended after shooting incident in Brussels Who is the suspect? A video which surfaced on social media shortly after the incident showed a man in an orange motorbike outfit speaking in Arabic and claiming he carried out the attack in the name of God. The man described his allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group. He said in the video that he was targeting Swedes because of their disrespect for the Quran. The suspect can also be heard saying that he was motivated by the killing of a six-year-old Muslim boy in Illinois. The boy was stabbed to death by his landlord, allegedly because of his religion. The 71-year-old Joseph M. Czuba was arrested and charged with murder and hate crimes. Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws claimed that the victims were likely two football supporters. Swedish supporters react as they wait in the stand during the Euro 2024 qualifying football match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels after an 'attack' that targeted Swedish citizens in a street of Brussels | AFP Reacting to the shooting incident, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo described it as a "harrowing attack". "I have just offered my sincere condolences to the Swedish PM following tonight's harrowing attack on Swedish citizens in Brussels," De Croo said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost their loved ones. As close partners, the fight against terrorism is a joint one." European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen also slammed the 'despicable' Brussels attack. "Tonight, my thoughts are with the families of the two victims of the despicable attack in Brussels. I extend my heartfelt support to the Belgian police, so they swiftly apprehend the suspect. Together, we stand united against terror," Von der Leyen wrote on X. French President Emmanuel Macron said: "Europe has been shaken." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ISIS terrorist kills 2 in Brussels to 'avenge' murder of 6-year-old Illinois boy

Two Swedish nationals have been shot dead and a third person injured in Brussels, in an attack that prosecutors are treating as terrorism. Brussels is on its highest terror alert as the gunman, who appeared to have an assault rifle, remains at large. With two ‘motivated by Israel-Hamas war’ attacks within 24 hours, the European Union leaders are now scheduled to hold an emergency summit on Tuesday.

How the Israel-Hamas war is keeping Europe at the edge

Two Swedish Nationals have been shot tent and a third person injured in Brussels in an attack which prosecutors are treating as terrorism. Brussels is on its highest Terror alert as the gunman who appeared to have an assault rifle remains at large in Europe. Belgium's Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden was suspended at half-time and subsequently abandoned.

Brussels shooting: 'Europe shaken' after two Swedes shot dead

<p>European football's governing body UEFA announced a "moment of silence" before Tuesday's (Oct 17) Euro 2024 qualifiers, in memory of the two Swedish fans shot dead in Brussels.</p>

<p>The two fans were killed by a suspected Islamist before Sweden's match against Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium on Monday.</p>

<p>The Group F encounter was halted at half-time with the score at 1-1, following consultations between the two teams and local police authorities.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/euro-2024-qualifiers-sweden-belgium-match-abandoned-after-terror-attack-in-brussels-647939"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Euro 2024 qualifiers: Sweden-Belgium match abandoned after terror attack in Brussels</strong></a></p>

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<p>The travelling Swedish supporters were held in the ground for security reasons, before being escorted away under police protection at around 2 am local time.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, the suspected attacker, a radicalised Tunisian national living illegally in Belgium, was killed in a police operation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brussels-shooting-long-wait-for-fans-held-in-stadium-after-belgium-sweden-euro-qualifier-suspended-647845"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Brussels shooting: Long wait for fans held in stadium after Belgium-Sweden Euro qualifier suspended</strong></a></p>

<p>FIFA president Gianni Infantino took to Instagram on Tuesday to say that he was "shocked" and "saddened" by the shooting of the supporters.</p>

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European football's governing body UEFA announced a "moment of silence" before Tuesday's (Oct 17) Euro 2024 qualifiers, in memory of the two Swedish fans shot dead in Brussels.

European football's governing body UEFA announced a "moment of silence" before Tuesday's (Oct 17) Euro 2024 qualifiers, in memory of the two Swedish fans shot dead in Brussels. The two fans were killed by a suspected Islamist before Sweden's match against Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium on Monday. The Group F encounter was halted at half-time with the score at 1-1, following consultations between the two teams and local police authorities. Watch | Euro 2024 qualifiers: Sweden-Belgium match abandoned after terror attack in Brussels × The travelling Swedish supporters were held in the ground for security reasons, before being escorted away under police protection at around 2 am local time. On Tuesday, the suspected attacker, a radicalised Tunisian national living illegally in Belgium, was killed in a police operation. Also read | Brussels shooting: Long wait for fans held in stadium after Belgium-Sweden Euro qualifier suspended FIFA president Gianni Infantino took to Instagram on Tuesday to say that he was "shocked" and "saddened" by the shooting of the supporters. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Football: 'Moment of silence' before Euro 2024 matches due to Brussels terror attack

Belgium: Two Swedes shot dead in Brussels, Belgium raises top-level alert

Brussels shooting: Suspected gunman 'neutralised' after Brussels attack

Brussels shooting: How Israel-Hamas war is keeping Europe at the edge?

Euro 2024 qualifier between Sweden and Belgium was abandoned after terrorist attack in Brussels. It is on its highest terror alert as the gunman who appeared to have an assault rifle remains at large in Europe. Belgium's Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden was suspended at half-time and subsequently abandoned.

Euro 2024 qualifiers: Sweden-Belgium match abandoned after terror attack in Brussels

Brussels shooting: Belgian police hunt for gunman with suspected terrorist motives

<p>The European Union's industry chief Thierry Breton&nbsp;on Wednesday (Oct 11)&nbsp;warned tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg about a surge in&nbsp;disinformation on his platform and asked the Meta chief to respond within 24 hours with the measures his organisation will take to counter the spread amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.</p>

<p>"I would ask you to be very vigilant to ensure strict compliance with the DSA rules on terms of service, on the requirement of timely, diligent and objective action following notices of illegal content in the EU, and on the need for proportionate and effective mitigation measures," Breton told Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a letter.</p>

<p>The letter from EU's top tech regulator followed a similar one he sent Tuesday to billionaire Elon Musk about content on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DSA</a> is here to protect free speech against arbitrary decisions, and at the same time protect our citizens &amp; democracies.<br />
<br />
My requests to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meta</a>’s Mark Zuckerberg following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel — and on tackling disinformation in elections in the EU ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/RnetUriRJX">pic.twitter.com/RnetUriRJX</a></p>
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThierryBreton/status/1712126600873931150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Breton warned Musk, on Tuesday (Oct 10), &nbsp;that his social media platform X is spreading "illegal content and disinformation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Following the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, we have indications that your platform is being used to disseminate illegal content and disinformation in the EU," Breton wrote in the letter.</p>

<p>He reminded Musk that EU law sets tough rules on moderating content, "especially when it comes to violent and terrorist content that appears to circulate on your platform".</p>

<p>He then asked X to respond to his complaint within 24 hours and also get in touch with Europol, the EU police coordinating agency.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against 🇮🇱, we have indications of X/Twitter being used to disseminate illegal content &amp; disinformation in the EU.<br />
<br />
Urgent letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DSA</a> obligations ⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/avMm1LHq54">pic.twitter.com/avMm1LHq54</a></p>
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThierryBreton/status/1711808891757944866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Given the urgency, I also expect you to be in contact with the relevant law enforcement authorities and Europol, and ensure that you respond promptly to their requests," Breton wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-launch-operation-ajay-for-stranded-nationals-in-israel-vows-safety-645563">India launches 'Operation Ajay' for stranded nationals in Israel, vows safety</a></p>

<p>"I urge you to ensure a prompt, accurate and complete response to this request within the next 24 hours," he said.</p>

<p>"We will include your answer in our assessment file on your compliance with the DSA," Breton said, referring to the new EU Digital Services Act which regulates online platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I remind you that following the opening of a potential investigation and a finding of non-compliance, penalties can be imposed," it said.</p>

<h2><strong>Breton and Musk's online duel</strong></h2>

<p>Breton's warning prompted an online clash between him and Musk where the SpaceX founder publicly asked the EU commissioner to "please list the violations you allude to on X", and said the platform's policy was that "everything was open source and transparent, an approach that I know the EU supports".</p>

<p>To which Breton responded that it was up to Musk to "demonstrate that you walk the talk" and added that his team was standing by to "enforce rigorously" DSA compliance.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The European Union's industry chief Thierry Breton on Wednesday (Oct 11) warned tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg about a surge in disinformation on his platform and asked the Meta chief to respond within 24 hours with the measures his organisation will take to counter the spread amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The European Union's industry chief Thierry Breton on Wednesday (Oct 11) warned tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg about a surge in disinformation on his platform and asked the Meta chief to respond within 24 hours with the measures his organisation will take to counter the spread amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. "I would ask you to be very vigilant to ensure strict compliance with the DSA rules on terms of service, on the requirement of timely, diligent and objective action following notices of illegal content in the EU, and on the need for proportionate and effective mitigation measures," Breton told Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a letter. The letter from EU's top tech regulator followed a similar one he sent Tuesday to billionaire Elon Musk about content on X. The #DSA is here to protect free speech against arbitrary decisions, and at the same time protect our citizens & democracies. My requests to #Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel — and on tackling disinformation in elections in the EU ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/RnetUriRJX — Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) October 11, 2023 × Breton warned Musk, on Tuesday (Oct 10), that his social media platform X is spreading "illegal content and disinformation". "Following the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, we have indications that your platform is being used to disseminate illegal content and disinformation in the EU," Breton wrote in the letter. He reminded Musk that EU law sets tough rules on moderating content, "especially when it comes to violent and terrorist content that appears to circulate on your platform". He then asked X to respond to his complaint within 24 hours and also get in touch with Europol, the EU police coordinating agency. Following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against 🇮🇱, we have indications of X/Twitter being used to disseminate illegal content & disinformation in the EU. Urgent letter to @elonmusk on #DSA obligations ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/avMm1LHq54 — Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) October 10, 2023 × "Given the urgency, I also expect you to be in contact with the relevant law enforcement authorities and Europol, and ensure that you respond promptly to their requests," Breton wrote. Also read: India launches 'Operation Ajay' for stranded nationals in Israel, vows safety "I urge you to ensure a prompt, accurate and complete response to this request within the next 24 hours," he said. "We will include your answer in our assessment file on your compliance with the DSA," Breton said, referring to the new EU Digital Services Act which regulates online platforms. "I remind you that following the opening of a potential investigation and a finding of non-compliance, penalties can be imposed," it said. Breton and Musk's online duel Breton's warning prompted an online clash between him and Musk where the SpaceX founder publicly asked the EU commissioner to "please list the violations you allude to on X", and said the platform's policy was that "everything was open source and transparent, an approach that I know the EU supports". To which Breton responded that it was up to Musk to "demonstrate that you walk the talk" and added that his team was standing by to "enforce rigorously" DSA compliance. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EU warns Zuckerberg to tackle spread of disinformation amid Israel-Hamas conflict

<p>European Union (EU) has launched the first phase of its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)&nbsp;aimed at imposing CO2 emissions tariffs on various imported goods, including steel, cement, and more, reported Reuters. This initiative is designed to safeguard the EU's commitment to sustainability by preventing the influx of environmentally detrimental foreign products that could jeopardise its green transition. The proposal has sparked concerns among trade partners, with China's top climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua, urging against unilateral actions, like the EU levy during a recent forum.</p>

<h2><strong>CBAM's initial phase</strong></h2>

<p>Although the EU will not start collecting CO2 emission charges at its borders until 2026, the commencement of CBAM's initial phase took place on Sunday (Oct 1).</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-reported-near-turkish-parliament-ahead-of-planned-session-641429">Suicide bomber triggers blast near Turkish parliament, another shot dead</a></p>

<p>"To help EU importers and non-EU installations in the practical implementation of the new rules, a new CBAM transitional registry will become available on 1 October to help importers perform and report these calculations," the EU said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During this phase, EU importers will be required to report the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of imported commodities, such as iron and steel, aluminium, cement, electricity, fertilizers, and hydrogen.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-caretaker-prime-minister-anwarul-haq-kakar-hints-military-picked-him-641537">Pakistan’s caretaker PM Kakar says military very strong, ‘picked’ him for post</a></p>

<p>Starting in 2026, importers will need to purchase certificates to offset these CO2 emissions. This will bring them to a level playing field compared to EU industries that must acquire permits from the EU carbon market to mitigate their pollution.</p>

<p>"It will equalise the price of carbon between domestic products and imports. This will ensure that the EU's climate policies are not undermined by production relocating to countries with less ambitious green standards or by the replacement of EU products by more carbon-intensive imports," the EU said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-bars-ex-pm-khaleda-zia-from-going-abroad-for-treatment-641561">Bangladesh bars ex-PM Khaleda Zia from going abroad for treatment</a></strong></p>

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<p>As per the EU, CBAM is a WTO-compatible measure that will inspire global industries to watch out for greener and more sustainable technologies.</p>

<p>EU added, "Reviews of the CBAM's functioning and product scope during its transitional phase will be concluded before the start of the definitive period, as well as the feasibility of extending the scope of CBAM to other goods produced in ETS sectors."&nbsp;</p>

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European Union (EU) has launched the first phase of its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) aimed at imposing CO2 emissions tariffs on various imported goods, including steel, cement, and more, reported Reuters.

European Union (EU) has launched the first phase of its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) aimed at imposing CO2 emissions tariffs on various imported goods, including steel, cement, and more, reported Reuters. This initiative is designed to safeguard the EU's commitment to sustainability by preventing the influx of environmentally detrimental foreign products that could jeopardise its green transition. The proposal has sparked concerns among trade partners, with China's top climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua, urging against unilateral actions, like the EU levy during a recent forum. CBAM's initial phase Although the EU will not start collecting CO2 emission charges at its borders until 2026, the commencement of CBAM's initial phase took place on Sunday (Oct 1). Also Read | Suicide bomber triggers blast near Turkish parliament, another shot dead "To help EU importers and non-EU installations in the practical implementation of the new rules, a new CBAM transitional registry will become available on 1 October to help importers perform and report these calculations," the EU said in a statement. During this phase, EU importers will be required to report the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of imported commodities, such as iron and steel, aluminium, cement, electricity, fertilizers, and hydrogen. Also Read | Pakistan’s caretaker PM Kakar says military very strong, ‘picked’ him for post Starting in 2026, importers will need to purchase certificates to offset these CO2 emissions. This will bring them to a level playing field compared to EU industries that must acquire permits from the EU carbon market to mitigate their pollution. "It will equalise the price of carbon between domestic products and imports. This will ensure that the EU's climate policies are not undermined by production relocating to countries with less ambitious green standards or by the replacement of EU products by more carbon-intensive imports," the EU said in a statement. Watch | Bangladesh bars ex-PM Khaleda Zia from going abroad for treatment × As per the EU, CBAM is a WTO-compatible measure that will inspire global industries to watch out for greener and more sustainable technologies. EU added, "Reviews of the CBAM's functioning and product scope during its transitional phase will be concluded before the start of the definitive period, as well as the feasibility of extending the scope of CBAM to other goods produced in ETS sectors." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

EU launches world's first carbon border tax to bolster green transition

A Belgian court on Friday handed out sentences ranging up to life in prison to eight men for the 2016 jihadist bombings in Brussels, ending the country's largest-ever criminal trial.

Belgian court sentences men behind Brussels bombings 2016

<p>An Irish tourist, on holiday in Belgium, was captured climbing a historic statue outside the Brussels stock exchange, causing a portion of it to break off. This is the latest in a spate of bad tourist behaviour incidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident, which was first reported by local newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, took place on Sunday (September 10).</p>

<p>The man was allegedly drunk and wanted to have his photo clicked while sitting on the back of the statue that comprises a lion and a figure of a man with a torch in hand, as per local media reports.</p>

<p>The video of the incident, which has been doing rounds on social media, shows the man climbing on the statue, but when he tries to get down, he somehow loses his balance and holds on to the torch, causing it to break off.</p>

<p>He was later arrested at a fast-food restaurant that was located near the statue, according to Het Nieuwsblad.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An Irish tourist has been arrested in Brussels for breaking off part of a statue outside the city's Stock Exchange building, one day after it was unveiled following £15,000 restoration.<br />
Belgium. <a href="https://t.co/Wa08vUYz6i">pic.twitter.com/Wa08vUYz6i</a></p>
— Funny News Hub (@Funnynewshub) <a href="https://twitter.com/Funnynewshub/status/1702402932820316214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The police arrived at the scene and found the tourist a bit further away. He was temporarily held in police custody and will face criminal charges," Insider quoted Brussels police as saying.</p>

<p>The incident took place just a day after the statue was opened to the public after a three-year restoration project that cost 17,600 euros, or around $18,750.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-cities-kyiv-lviv-on-unescos-list-of-heritage-in-danger-636352">Ukrainian cities Kyiv, Lviv on UNESCO's list of heritage 'in danger'</a></p>

<p>The Brussels Stock Exchange in a statement said that it expects the tourist to pay for the restoration of the statue that he broke.</p>

<p>"On Sunday evening, an Irish tourist in a merry mood wanted to climb onto the lion in front of the Brussels Stock Exchange building," project manager Nel Vandevennet of the renovated stock exchange building told VRT. In the process, the man broke off a newly restored sculpture 'The hand with a torch'."</p>

<p>"The repairs are going to cost a lot of money because the work will have to be done by real craftsmen. It is listed heritage and there will be follow-up from the monuments and landscapes agency of the Brussels region."</p>

<p>"We would like to carry out the repairs quickly, but it will surely take a few weeks or even months. The whole building has only just been restored to its former glory, including the two lions which were in a bad way. We thought the sculptures would enjoy greater respect. We just think it’s very sad this happened."</p>

<h2><strong>Bad tourist behaviour, bizarre things vacationers did</strong></h2>

<p>This summer, a woman stepped into Rome's iconic tourist attraction, Trevi Fountain, to fill her water bottle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The clip, which was filmed on July 18 by an onlooker Lex Jones, who witnessed the bizarre incident, shows how the woman casually makes her way out of the 18th-century landmark before a guard confronts her.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This tourist really walked across the Trevi Fountain to go fill up her water bottle.…🤦‍♂️<br />
<br />
(via Lex Jones - storyful) <a href="https://t.co/9vxxZsmgCL">pic.twitter.com/9vxxZsmgCL</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another bizarre incident, a tourist, who was later identified as Ivan Dimitrov (27) from England, was seen carving his and his fiancee's names on the walls of the Colosseum using a key.</p>

<p>Dimitrov said that he was unaware of the antiquity of the ancient monument and then handed a letter of apology to Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri.</p>

<p>“Through these lines, I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity,” he stated in the letter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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An Irish tourist, on holiday in Belgium, was captured climbing a historic statue outside the Brussels stock exchange, causing a portion of it to break off. This is the latest in a spate of bad tourist behaviour incidents.

An Irish tourist, on holiday in Belgium, was captured climbing a historic statue outside the Brussels stock exchange, causing a portion of it to break off. This is the latest in a spate of bad tourist behaviour incidents. The incident, which was first reported by local newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, took place on Sunday (September 10). The man was allegedly drunk and wanted to have his photo clicked while sitting on the back of the statue that comprises a lion and a figure of a man with a torch in hand, as per local media reports. The video of the incident, which has been doing rounds on social media, shows the man climbing on the statue, but when he tries to get down, he somehow loses his balance and holds on to the torch, causing it to break off. He was later arrested at a fast-food restaurant that was located near the statue, according to Het Nieuwsblad. An Irish tourist has been arrested in Brussels for breaking off part of a statue outside the city's Stock Exchange building, one day after it was unveiled following £15,000 restoration. Belgium. pic.twitter.com/Wa08vUYz6i — Funny News Hub (@Funnynewshub) September 14, 2023 × "The police arrived at the scene and found the tourist a bit further away. He was temporarily held in police custody and will face criminal charges," Insider quoted Brussels police as saying. The incident took place just a day after the statue was opened to the public after a three-year restoration project that cost 17,600 euros, or around $18,750. Also read: Ukrainian cities Kyiv, Lviv on UNESCO's list of heritage 'in danger' The Brussels Stock Exchange in a statement said that it expects the tourist to pay for the restoration of the statue that he broke. "On Sunday evening, an Irish tourist in a merry mood wanted to climb onto the lion in front of the Brussels Stock Exchange building," project manager Nel Vandevennet of the renovated stock exchange building told VRT. In the process, the man broke off a newly restored sculpture 'The hand with a torch'." "The repairs are going to cost a lot of money because the work will have to be done by real craftsmen. It is listed heritage and there will be follow-up from the monuments and landscapes agency of the Brussels region." "We would like to carry out the repairs quickly, but it will surely take a few weeks or even months. The whole building has only just been restored to its former glory, including the two lions which were in a bad way. We thought the sculptures would enjoy greater respect. We just think it’s very sad this happened." Bad tourist behaviour, bizarre things vacationers did This summer, a woman stepped into Rome's iconic tourist attraction, Trevi Fountain, to fill her water bottle. The clip, which was filmed on July 18 by an onlooker Lex Jones, who witnessed the bizarre incident, shows how the woman casually makes her way out of the 18th-century landmark before a guard confronts her. This tourist really walked across the Trevi Fountain to go fill up her water bottle.…🤦‍♂️ (via Lex Jones - storyful) pic.twitter.com/9vxxZsmgCL — Growing Up Italian (@GrowingUpItalia) August 16, 2023 × In another bizarre incident, a tourist, who was later identified as Ivan Dimitrov (27) from England, was seen carving his and his fiancee's names on the walls of the Colosseum using a key. Dimitrov said that he was unaware of the antiquity of the ancient monument and then handed a letter of apology to Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. “Through these lines, I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity,” he stated in the letter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | Drunk Irish tourist climbs onto ‘heritage’ statue in Belgium, breaks it; arrested

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<p>A Belgian court on Friday (September 15) sentenced eight men to prison for their&nbsp; involvement in the twin bomb blasts that killed 32 people in the capital city of Belgium in 2016, the local media reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Six men convicted of murder and attempted murder for their role&nbsp;in the bombings were handed sentences ranging from 20 years to life in jail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>French citizen Salah Abdeslam and Belgian-Moroccan Mohamed Abrini, already given a life sentence by France for a&nbsp;2015 massacre in Paris, were the highest-profile of six culprits found guilty of murder last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Belgian court said&nbsp;Abdeslam's prison sentence was enough and he did not receive a further sentence.&nbsp;He was seized in Brussels four days before the Belgian attacks, after fleeing the French capital.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Abrini, who fled the airport without detonating the bomb and testified the same during the proceedings was found guilty of being in one of the teams of the suicide bombers and handed a 30-year jail term.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Krayem, who is from Sweden, was accused of planning to be a second bomber on the Brussels&nbsp;metro. He was found guilty of murder along with defendants Ali El Haddad Asufi and Bilal El Makhoukhi and handed a life sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Osama Atar, who is believed to have been killed in an air strike in Syria, was convicted in absentia of masterminding the attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hunter-biden-indicted-on-gun-charges-will-president-bidens-reputation-go-south-636434"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hunter Biden indicted on gun charges | Will President Biden's reputation go south?</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened in Belgium?</strong></h2>

<p>Seven years ago on March 22, 2016, two jihadist attacks conducted by the Islamic State (IS) rocked the Belgian capital. Two suicide bombers set&nbsp;themselves off at&nbsp;Brussels Airport in Zaventem and&nbsp;on a train leaving Maalbeek/Maelbeek metro station in central Brussels. While 32 people were killed, more than 300 were injured in the attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attacks took place near the headquarters of both NATO and the EU. Subsequent investigation revealed they were part of a wave of attacks claimed by the IS in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-brussels-bombings-what-happened-in-2016-what-is-the-case-619506"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Brussels bombings: What happened in 2016? What is the case?</strong></a></p>

<p>The bombings caused widespread devastation, leaving hundreds of travellers and transport staff severely injured. Years and countless court appearances later, the&nbsp;victims, their families, and rescuers continue to suffer from the trauma inflicted on that&nbsp;day.</p>

<p>The trial, which&nbsp;started at the end of last year, was held under tight security at the converted former headquarters of the NATO military alliance. The proceedings aimed to bring justice to those affected and hold the perpetrators accountable.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A Belgian court on Friday (September 15) sentenced eight men to prison for their involvement in the twin bomb blasts that killed 32 people in the capital city of Belgium in 2016, the local media reported.

A Belgian court on Friday (September 15) sentenced eight men to prison for their involvement in the twin bomb blasts that killed 32 people in the capital city of Belgium in 2016, the local media reported. Six men convicted of murder and attempted murder for their role in the bombings were handed sentences ranging from 20 years to life in jail. French citizen Salah Abdeslam and Belgian-Moroccan Mohamed Abrini, already given a life sentence by France for a 2015 massacre in Paris, were the highest-profile of six culprits found guilty of murder last month. The Belgian court said Abdeslam's prison sentence was enough and he did not receive a further sentence. He was seized in Brussels four days before the Belgian attacks, after fleeing the French capital. Meanwhile, Abrini, who fled the airport without detonating the bomb and testified the same during the proceedings was found guilty of being in one of the teams of the suicide bombers and handed a 30-year jail term. Krayem, who is from Sweden, was accused of planning to be a second bomber on the Brussels metro. He was found guilty of murder along with defendants Ali El Haddad Asufi and Bilal El Makhoukhi and handed a life sentence. Osama Atar, who is believed to have been killed in an air strike in Syria, was convicted in absentia of masterminding the attacks. Watch | Gravitas: Hunter Biden indicted on gun charges | Will President Biden's reputation go south? × What happened in Belgium? Seven years ago on March 22, 2016, two jihadist attacks conducted by the Islamic State (IS) rocked the Belgian capital. Two suicide bombers set themselves off at Brussels Airport in Zaventem and on a train leaving Maalbeek/Maelbeek metro station in central Brussels. While 32 people were killed, more than 300 were injured in the attacks. The attacks took place near the headquarters of both NATO and the EU. Subsequent investigation revealed they were part of a wave of attacks claimed by the IS in Europe. Also read | Explained | Brussels bombings: What happened in 2016? What is the case? The bombings caused widespread devastation, leaving hundreds of travellers and transport staff severely injured. Years and countless court appearances later, the victims, their families, and rescuers continue to suffer from the trauma inflicted on that day. The trial, which started at the end of last year, was held under tight security at the converted former headquarters of the NATO military alliance. The proceedings aimed to bring justice to those affected and hold the perpetrators accountable. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Belgian court sentences 8 for 2016 Brussels twin bombings

<p>In a significant ruling, a Brussels court delivered convictions for French citizen Salah Abdeslam and Belgian-Moroccan Mohamed Abrini and found them guilty of “terrorist murder”&nbsp;for their roles in the 2016 bombings in the Belgian capital&nbsp;which resulted in the death&nbsp;of 32&nbsp;people.</p>

<p>This judgement comes after the largest-ever criminal trial in Belgium and adds to the life sentences both Abdeslam and Abrini had already received in France for their involvement in the 2015 Paris massacre.</p>

<p>Alongside them, four others were also found guilty of "murder linked to terrorism" in connection with the devastating attacks on March 22, 2016, at Brussels' main airport and metro system, which were claimed by the Islamic State group, as reported by AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>The trauma and aftermath of the 2016 attacks</strong></h2>

<p>The bombings caused widespread devastation, leaving hundreds of travellers and transport staff severely injured.</p>

<p>Even seven years after the attacks, many victims, their families, and rescuers continue to suffer from the trauma inflicted on that&nbsp;day. The trial proceedings aimed to bring justice to those affected and hold the perpetrators accountable.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gilgo-beach-serial-killings-walk-in-vault-with-big-iron-door-found-inside-rex-heuermanns-home-619322">Gilgo Beach serial killings: Walk-in vault with big iron door found inside Rex Heuermann’s home</a></p>

<h2><strong>Salah Abdeslam's connection to the Paris and Brussels attacks</strong></h2>

<p>Salah Abdeslam, now 33 years old, was the lone surviving perpetrator of the infamous 2015 Paris attack that resulted in the death&nbsp;of 130 people.</p>

<p>After participating in the Paris attacks, he fled to Brussels and hid in an apartment where members of the local terrorist cell resided. Authorities arrested him a few days before the Brussels attacks took place.</p>

<p>During the trial, Abdeslam denied any involvement in planning the violence, but the jury ultimately rejected his defence.</p>

<h2><strong>The role of Mohamed Abrini and others in the attacks</strong></h2>

<p>Mohamed Abrini faced charges for being part of the team of suicide bombers who targeted Brussels' airport and a metro station.</p>

<p>During the trial, Abrini claimed that he had decided at the last minute not to carry out the suicide bombing at the airport, a statement corroborated by another defendant, Osama Krayem, a Swedish national of Syrian descent.</p>

<p>The court also found Krayem guilty of murder, along with defendants Ali El Haddad Asufi and Bilal El Makhoukhi.</p>

<h2><strong>Verdicts and acquittals</strong></h2>

<p>The court handed down life sentences to those found guilty of murder in Belgium. However, sentencing was deferred until after the summer recess, scheduled to end in September.</p>

<p>While Salah Abdeslam and Mohamed Abrini were convicted of murder, two other suspects, Tunisian Sofien Ayari and Rwandan Herve Bayingana Muhirwa, were acquitted of murder charges but found guilty of participating in a terrorist group. Smail and Ibrahim Farisi, two brothers, were acquitted of the charges they faced.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post | 2020 Beirut blast: Fight for justice continues</strong></p>

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<p>The trial, which commenced at the end of the previous year, took place under strict security at the converted former headquarters of the NATO military alliance in Brussels.</p>

<p>The proceedings sought to ensure a fair trial while maintaining utmost safety and protection.</p>

<p>The verdicts against key suspects Salah Abdeslam and Mohamed Abrini mark a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families affected by the 2016 Brussels attacks.</p>

<p>The trial serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals responsible for acts of terrorism and providing closure to those impacted by such heinous acts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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In a significant ruling, a Brussels court delivered convictions for French citizen Salah Abdeslam and Belgian-Moroccan Mohamed Abrini and found them guilty of “terrorist murder” for their roles in the 2016 bombings in the Belgian capital which resulted in the death of 32 people.

In a significant ruling, a Brussels court delivered convictions for French citizen Salah Abdeslam and Belgian-Moroccan Mohamed Abrini and found them guilty of “terrorist murder” for their roles in the 2016 bombings in the Belgian capital which resulted in the death of 32 people. This judgement comes after the largest-ever criminal trial in Belgium and adds to the life sentences both Abdeslam and Abrini had already received in France for their involvement in the 2015 Paris massacre. Alongside them, four others were also found guilty of "murder linked to terrorism" in connection with the devastating attacks on March 22, 2016, at Brussels' main airport and metro system, which were claimed by the Islamic State group, as reported by AFP. The trauma and aftermath of the 2016 attacks The bombings caused widespread devastation, leaving hundreds of travellers and transport staff severely injured. Even seven years after the attacks, many victims, their families, and rescuers continue to suffer from the trauma inflicted on that day. The trial proceedings aimed to bring justice to those affected and hold the perpetrators accountable. Also read | Gilgo Beach serial killings: Walk-in vault with big iron door found inside Rex Heuermann’s home Salah Abdeslam's connection to the Paris and Brussels attacks Salah Abdeslam, now 33 years old, was the lone surviving perpetrator of the infamous 2015 Paris attack that resulted in the death of 130 people. After participating in the Paris attacks, he fled to Brussels and hid in an apartment where members of the local terrorist cell resided. Authorities arrested him a few days before the Brussels attacks took place. During the trial, Abdeslam denied any involvement in planning the violence, but the jury ultimately rejected his defence. The role of Mohamed Abrini and others in the attacks Mohamed Abrini faced charges for being part of the team of suicide bombers who targeted Brussels' airport and a metro station. During the trial, Abrini claimed that he had decided at the last minute not to carry out the suicide bombing at the airport, a statement corroborated by another defendant, Osama Krayem, a Swedish national of Syrian descent. The court also found Krayem guilty of murder, along with defendants Ali El Haddad Asufi and Bilal El Makhoukhi. Verdicts and acquittals The court handed down life sentences to those found guilty of murder in Belgium. However, sentencing was deferred until after the summer recess, scheduled to end in September. While Salah Abdeslam and Mohamed Abrini were convicted of murder, two other suspects, Tunisian Sofien Ayari and Rwandan Herve Bayingana Muhirwa, were acquitted of murder charges but found guilty of participating in a terrorist group. Smail and Ibrahim Farisi, two brothers, were acquitted of the charges they faced. Also watch | The West Asia Post | 2020 Beirut blast: Fight for justice continues The trial, which commenced at the end of the previous year, took place under strict security at the converted former headquarters of the NATO military alliance in Brussels. The proceedings sought to ensure a fair trial while maintaining utmost safety and protection. The verdicts against key suspects Salah Abdeslam and Mohamed Abrini mark a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families affected by the 2016 Brussels attacks. The trial serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals responsible for acts of terrorism and providing closure to those impacted by such heinous acts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Brussels 2016 attack trial: Six found guilty of murder in terrorist act that killed 32

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<p>A Belgian court on Tuesday (July 25) convicted six men of murder and two others of terrorism charges for the 2016 bombings in Brussels that killed 35&nbsp;people, and injured hundreds. The trial revived painful memories for the nearly 1,000 registered to attend. They included those who lost loved ones or were injured and witnesses to the bombings.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the court found that the six men, of the 10 facing charges, were guilty of murder and attempted murder in a terrorist context for their part in the twin bombings at Brussels airport and the third bomb on the city's metro on March 22, 2016.</p>

<p>These six men were also convicted of participating in the activities of a terrorist group. Two men were acquitted of murder but were found guilty of participating in the activities of a terrorist group and two others were acquitted of the charges they faced.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened on that day?</strong></h2>

<p>On the morning of March 22, 2016, two men blew themselves up at the Brussels-Zaventem International Airport. An hour later, a third explosion was reported in a metro train near the seat of the European Union (EU).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bombings, which took place near the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the EU, were part of a series of attacks claimed by the Islamic State group in Europe. On Tuesday, the court increased the death toll from the bombings from 32 to 35 after it found a link between the trauma suffered and the deaths of three more people subsequently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency AFP, one of the persons in the latest death toll was a 23-year-old woman who was at the airport at the time of the explosion. The woman decided to end her life through euthanasia due to the mental suffering inflicted.</p>

<h2><strong>Who was convicted?</strong></h2>

<p>Among those convicted in the twin bombings was French citizen Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect in the trial over the 2015 Paris attacks that killed 130 people. Others found guilty included Mohamed Abrini and Osama Krayem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abrini, a man of Belgian-Moroccan descent, went to the Brussels-Zaventem International Airport with the two suicide bombers but fled without detonating his suitcase of explosives. Meanwhile, Krayem, who is from Sweden, was accused of planning to be a second bomber on the Brussels&nbsp;metro.</p>

<p>Krayem was found guilty of murder along with defendants Ali El Haddad Asufi and Bilal El Makhoukhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Osama Atar, who is believed to have been killed in an air strike in Syria, was convicted in absentia of masterminding the attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two other defendants -- Tunisian Sofien Ayari and Rwandan Herve Bayingana Muhirwa -- were acquitted of murder but found guilty of participating in a terrorist group. Brothers Smail and Ibrahim Farisi were acquitted of the charges they faced.</p>

<h2><strong>Trial&nbsp;held under tight security</strong></h2>

<p>Tuesday's trial was held under tight security<strong>&nbsp;</strong>at the converted former headquarters of NATO. The trial started at the end of 2022 and dozens of wounded survivors and bereaved relatives often gave emotional testimony during the hearings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Presiding Judge Laurence Massart rattled through the list of nearly 300 separate charges in minutes on Tuesday evening and then spent five hours outlining the jury's reasoning. The jury members sat facing the accused, seven of them seated behind glass screens and guarded by police officers in balaclavas.</p>

<h2><strong>Verdict 'will help turn a page': Victims</strong></h2>

<p>Pierre Bastin, whose daughter was killed in the metro blast, said he hoped the trial would "help to turn the page". "Yes it (the verdict) will help turn a page, of course. It's a process which has to happen, yes," Bastin added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pierre Yves Desaive, who was a survivor of the airport bombing, thanked the jurors for the verdict. "You need to remember that the jurors have really been with us throughout. They have all my gratitude because, of course, they did their duty as citizens, but I think no citizen is prepared to cope with that and I'm not just talking about being cut off from one's family and work life for seven months," Desaive said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think what they've seen and what they've heard will affect them terribly and if I can pass on a message, I know they are allowed psychological support but they have done their duty to society and now it's up to society to help them," Desaive added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happens next?</strong></h2>

<p>The murder convictions leave those found guilty facing a life sentence in Belgium. Sentencing is expected after the summer recess ends in September. Vincent Lurquin, who is the lawyer for Bayingana Muhirwa, one of the two acquitted of murder in the case, reacted to the verdict by saying, "I think it's a judgement that will be remembered, an important judgement. And also the jurors have worked very well, have worked very hard, and that proves that a criminal court is one of the best responses to terrorism."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Belgian court on Tuesday (July 25) convicted six men of murder and two others of terrorism charges for the 2016 bombings in Brussels that killed 35 people, and injured hundreds.

A Belgian court on Tuesday (July 25) convicted six men of murder and two others of terrorism charges for the 2016 bombings in Brussels that killed 35 people, and injured hundreds. The trial revived painful memories for the nearly 1,000 registered to attend. They included those who lost loved ones or were injured and witnesses to the bombings. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the court found that the six men, of the 10 facing charges, were guilty of murder and attempted murder in a terrorist context for their part in the twin bombings at Brussels airport and the third bomb on the city's metro on March 22, 2016. These six men were also convicted of participating in the activities of a terrorist group. Two men were acquitted of murder but were found guilty of participating in the activities of a terrorist group and two others were acquitted of the charges they faced. What happened on that day? On the morning of March 22, 2016, two men blew themselves up at the Brussels-Zaventem International Airport. An hour later, a third explosion was reported in a metro train near the seat of the European Union (EU). The bombings, which took place near the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the EU, were part of a series of attacks claimed by the Islamic State group in Europe. On Tuesday, the court increased the death toll from the bombings from 32 to 35 after it found a link between the trauma suffered and the deaths of three more people subsequently. According to a report by the news agency AFP, one of the persons in the latest death toll was a 23-year-old woman who was at the airport at the time of the explosion. The woman decided to end her life through euthanasia due to the mental suffering inflicted. Who was convicted? Among those convicted in the twin bombings was French citizen Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect in the trial over the 2015 Paris attacks that killed 130 people. Others found guilty included Mohamed Abrini and Osama Krayem. Abrini, a man of Belgian-Moroccan descent, went to the Brussels-Zaventem International Airport with the two suicide bombers but fled without detonating his suitcase of explosives. Meanwhile, Krayem, who is from Sweden, was accused of planning to be a second bomber on the Brussels metro. Krayem was found guilty of murder along with defendants Ali El Haddad Asufi and Bilal El Makhoukhi. Osama Atar, who is believed to have been killed in an air strike in Syria, was convicted in absentia of masterminding the attacks. Two other defendants -- Tunisian Sofien Ayari and Rwandan Herve Bayingana Muhirwa -- were acquitted of murder but found guilty of participating in a terrorist group. Brothers Smail and Ibrahim Farisi were acquitted of the charges they faced. Trial held under tight security Tuesday's trial was held under tight security at the converted former headquarters of NATO. The trial started at the end of 2022 and dozens of wounded survivors and bereaved relatives often gave emotional testimony during the hearings. Presiding Judge Laurence Massart rattled through the list of nearly 300 separate charges in minutes on Tuesday evening and then spent five hours outlining the jury's reasoning. The jury members sat facing the accused, seven of them seated behind glass screens and guarded by police officers in balaclavas. Verdict 'will help turn a page': Victims Pierre Bastin, whose daughter was killed in the metro blast, said he hoped the trial would "help to turn the page". "Yes it (the verdict) will help turn a page, of course. It's a process which has to happen, yes," Bastin added. Pierre Yves Desaive, who was a survivor of the airport bombing, thanked the jurors for the verdict. "You need to remember that the jurors have really been with us throughout. They have all my gratitude because, of course, they did their duty as citizens, but I think no citizen is prepared to cope with that and I'm not just talking about being cut off from one's family and work life for seven months," Desaive said. "I think what they've seen and what they've heard will affect them terribly and if I can pass on a message, I know they are allowed psychological support but they have done their duty to society and now it's up to society to help them," Desaive added. What happens next? The murder convictions leave those found guilty facing a life sentence in Belgium. Sentencing is expected after the summer recess ends in September. Vincent Lurquin, who is the lawyer for Bayingana Muhirwa, one of the two acquitted of murder in the case, reacted to the verdict by saying, "I think it's a judgement that will be remembered, an important judgement. And also the jurors have worked very well, have worked very hard, and that proves that a criminal court is one of the best responses to terrorism." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Brussels bombings: What happened in 2016? What is the case?

Opening of the EU-CELAC summit between Europeans and Latin Americans after eight years of absence. It was held in Brussels on Monday. This meeting comes in light of the EU's decision to strengthen its ties with these countries.

EU seeks to renew ties among amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war

On Sunday, June 18, the capital of Belgium played host to the second annual pedal boat world championship, in which athletes raced in a four-hour relay and competed for best costumes. The majority of the teams, according to the organiser Jean-Christophe Ghys, were from Belgium, although some also came from Spain, France, and England.

Brussels hosts second edition of 'Pedal boat championship'

Government officials in Brussels are pleading with the UK to join a pan-European deal on goods trade in order to mitigate the harm that higher post-Brexit tariffs have caused to the automotive industry in the UK.

UK car industry opposes post-Brexit export rule

<p>European Sleeper, a startup railway company launched the first direct sleeper train between Berlin and Brussels in more than a decade this week, and it is now operational. Passengers were served champagne on board to commemorate the event. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The aim of the company is to push for less polluting alternatives to air travel in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sleeper train is the only direct nightly service between the two capitals since 2009. The first train left Brussels at 7:22pm (1722 GMT) on Friday and was scheduled to arrive in Berlin at 8:01am (0601 GMT) on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>European Sleeper was set up in 2021 and its first overnight route is from Brussels to Berlin. The railway will be expanded to Dresden and Prague in 2024, with further routes planned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>European Sleeper's co-founder Chris Engelsman said, "We're making good progress" when it comes to the financing side for extra carriages and "this is one of the areas where the European Commission can help".&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the inauguration of the Brussels-Berlin route, Engelsman also hopes to capitalise on a sudden increase in interest in rail which is seen as a green alternative to cheap airfares.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Engelsman said, "It's a nice way to travel - especially by night train, it is a very pleasant way, it's very comfortable and it's also an adventure. Your holidays start when you are boarding."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also weighed in on the challenges, as he stated that establishing the service had been tough due to the lack of cross-border slots and a lack of cooperation across national railway networks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We think there is a major challenge in the administrative and bureaucratic processes on the track access, the infrastructure managers because they are organised nationally in essence and they are all different. The rules are all different. The regulations are terrible," Engelsman added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Engelsman said that he got Belgian subsidies to establish the route. An upcoming night service train from Amsterdam to Barcelona, which is scheduled to start in 2025, will be one of ten pilot cross-border train services slated to get financial backing from the European Commission, he further mentioned.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Nice way to travel'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Laurence Couvreur, 49, a passenger and doctor living in Brussels, told news agency Reuters, "I think it's the best (means of transport). It's the best for the climate but it's also a nice way to travel."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a nice way to meet people, to meet people from the country, to take time. For me, it was already nice before (the Brussels-Berlin night service was suspended in 2009). And that it came back - I find it amazing - except the price," Couvreur added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about why she picked the train, Heather Grabbe, 52, a passenger and political scientist living in Brussels, told Reuters, "I love trains both because they are sustainable. I believe that we must have low-carbon transport and trains are by far the best way of travelling with much lower impact on the environment than flying and also than driving. So I want to support the train industry."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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European Sleeper, a startup railway company launched the first direct sleeper train between Berlin and Brussels in more than a decade this week, and it is now operational.

European Sleeper, a startup railway company launched the first direct sleeper train between Berlin and Brussels in more than a decade this week, and it is now operational. Passengers were served champagne on board to commemorate the event. The aim of the company is to push for less polluting alternatives to air travel in Europe. The sleeper train is the only direct nightly service between the two capitals since 2009. The first train left Brussels at 7:22pm (1722 GMT) on Friday and was scheduled to arrive in Berlin at 8:01am (0601 GMT) on Saturday. European Sleeper was set up in 2021 and its first overnight route is from Brussels to Berlin. The railway will be expanded to Dresden and Prague in 2024, with further routes planned. European Sleeper's co-founder Chris Engelsman said, "We're making good progress" when it comes to the financing side for extra carriages and "this is one of the areas where the European Commission can help". With the inauguration of the Brussels-Berlin route, Engelsman also hopes to capitalise on a sudden increase in interest in rail which is seen as a green alternative to cheap airfares. Engelsman said, "It's a nice way to travel - especially by night train, it is a very pleasant way, it's very comfortable and it's also an adventure. Your holidays start when you are boarding." He also weighed in on the challenges, as he stated that establishing the service had been tough due to the lack of cross-border slots and a lack of cooperation across national railway networks. "We think there is a major challenge in the administrative and bureaucratic processes on the track access, the infrastructure managers because they are organised nationally in essence and they are all different. The rules are all different. The regulations are terrible," Engelsman added. Engelsman said that he got Belgian subsidies to establish the route. An upcoming night service train from Amsterdam to Barcelona, which is scheduled to start in 2025, will be one of ten pilot cross-border train services slated to get financial backing from the European Commission, he further mentioned. 'Nice way to travel' Laurence Couvreur, 49, a passenger and doctor living in Brussels, told news agency Reuters, "I think it's the best (means of transport). It's the best for the climate but it's also a nice way to travel." "It's a nice way to meet people, to meet people from the country, to take time. For me, it was already nice before (the Brussels-Berlin night service was suspended in 2009). And that it came back - I find it amazing - except the price," Couvreur added. On being asked about why she picked the train, Heather Grabbe, 52, a passenger and political scientist living in Brussels, told Reuters, "I love trains both because they are sustainable. I believe that we must have low-carbon transport and trains are by far the best way of travelling with much lower impact on the environment than flying and also than driving. So I want to support the train industry." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Night train connecting Brussels-Berlin starts operations. Push for less polluting alternatives to air travel

In pics | Thousands of Belgian union members march against 'social dumping' in Brussels

Top European Union official, Helena König, said that artificial intelligence will be among the key issues at the upcoming India EU trade and technology council (TTC) meeting that will take place in Brussels next week. König, who is the Deputy Secretary General for Economic and Global Affairs , European External Action Service, said, "In terms of technology India is very advanced, we're very advanced, so we'll work on it together."

India-EU Trade & Tech Council to Discuss AI at Brussels Meeting: Top EU Official

<p>India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is set to embark on a visit to Sweden and Brussels next month, where he will engage with several of his counterparts on a range of issues spanning trade to security. The visit will see him participate in the EU's second Indo-Pacific ministerial forum, scheduled to take place in Stockholm on May 13. Several EU member countries have issued their outlooks on the region, where one of the biggest concerns has been China's aggressive actions from the South China Sea to the Himalayas, bordering India.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-moscow-to-boost-defence-ties-russias-participation-in-make-in-india-587088">New Delhi, Moscow to boost defence ties, increase Russia's participation in ‘Make in India’</a></p>

<p>The first such meeting was held last year in Paris, hosted by France, and focused on Europe's approach to the Indo-Pacific region. Thirty foreign ministers, including those of Japan and South Korea, participated in last year's Paris meet, but China was not present. The Indo-Pacific region is set to account for 60 per cent of global wealth and three-fifths of the world's population, making it the centre of global attention.</p>

<p>The External Affairs Minister will also travel to Brussels for ministerial meetings related to the India EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which will focus on digital transformation, green technologies, and trade. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to launch the EU-India Trade and Technology Council last year. Ministerial meetings of the TTC will take place at least once a year, alternating between the EU and India.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | US-India ties: US President Joe Biden to visit India in September | World News | WION</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-india-ties-us-president-joe-biden-to-visit-india-in-september-world-news-wion-585472/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The establishment of the council is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the EU and India. The EU-India Trade and Technology Council is the second such bilateral forum for the EU and the first one established with any partner for India. The EU and the US launched a TTC in June 2021. Meanwhile, India and the EU will hold the next round of talks on Free Trade negotiations (FTA) in Delhi.</p>

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India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is set to embark on a visit to Sweden and Brussels next month, where he will engage with several of his counterparts on a range of issues spanning trade to security.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is set to embark on a visit to Sweden and Brussels next month, where he will engage with several of his counterparts on a range of issues spanning trade to security. The visit will see him participate in the EU's second Indo-Pacific ministerial forum, scheduled to take place in Stockholm on May 13. Several EU member countries have issued their outlooks on the region, where one of the biggest concerns has been China's aggressive actions from the South China Sea to the Himalayas, bordering India. ALSO READ | New Delhi, Moscow to boost defence ties, increase Russia's participation in ‘Make in India’ The first such meeting was held last year in Paris, hosted by France, and focused on Europe's approach to the Indo-Pacific region. Thirty foreign ministers, including those of Japan and South Korea, participated in last year's Paris meet, but China was not present. The Indo-Pacific region is set to account for 60 per cent of global wealth and three-fifths of the world's population, making it the centre of global attention. The External Affairs Minister will also travel to Brussels for ministerial meetings related to the India EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which will focus on digital transformation, green technologies, and trade. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to launch the EU-India Trade and Technology Council last year. Ministerial meetings of the TTC will take place at least once a year, alternating between the EU and India. WATCH | US-India ties: US President Joe Biden to visit India in September | World News | WION The establishment of the council is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the EU and India. The EU-India Trade and Technology Council is the second such bilateral forum for the EU and the first one established with any partner for India. The EU and the US launched a TTC in June 2021. Meanwhile, India and the EU will hold the next round of talks on Free Trade negotiations (FTA) in Delhi. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to visit Brussels next month

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