Expatica news

Belgian news in brief, 17 March 2006

DHL might leave Zaventem earlier

Courier firm DHL could leave Brussels much earlier than anticipated (April 2008) because works at Leipzig are nearing completion. The move from Zaventem Airport could be coupled with an early withdrawal of DHL from Cologne to Leipzig. DHL could stop its activities at Cologne in September 2007, three months earlier than announced, to move to Leipzig where extension works are progressing. DHL has submitted new requests to Belgian trade unions in order to leave Zaventem earlier. The partial departure of DHL from Brussels will mean a loss of 1,700 jobs from 2,700.

Father held for girl’s death in church

The organist of a church in Le Roeulx was arrested on Friday for the alleged murder of his four-year-old daughter. The child died at the start of March after she fell from the choir gallery of the church. She was at the church with her father, who had to practise for a Eucharist mass. The exact circumstances of the girl’s death remain unclear, but it is alleged the man killed his daughter because he thought she was suffering too much from the divorce of her parents.

Nine Sunday shopping days

Shops will from now on be allowed to open on nine Sundays per year, the federal government has decided. Up until now, shops could only open on three Sundays each year and then only during the end-of-year festive season. Legislation now guarantees six extra Sundays, plus an extra three if city councils give consent.

A day when everyone is Irish

Irish expats were expected to be joined en masse by the would-be Irish on Friday night to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Large crowds are expected at Irish pubs as green beers are served in honour of the patron saint of Ireland.

[Copyright Expatica News 2006]

Subject: Belgian news