An exciting week full of remarkable events and festive highlights.
The past week was filled with remarkable events and political uncertainty in both Belgium and the Netherlands. From a runaway cruise ship to public transport problems, here's a rundown of the major events of the past week.
A terrifying incident took place in the port of Zeebrugge on Saturday afternoon when the cruise ship Norwegian Prima became detached. A strong gust of wind caused the mooring lines to snap and two footbridges to fall into the water. The port authorities were quickly on the scene to get the situation under control.
transport poverty
In Flanders, Jeanine Braekenier, also known as Babousch, made headlines with her petition against the cancellation of the bus service to the Crematorium stop in Lochristi. Despite her age of almost 80, she decided to take action to draw attention to the impending transport poverty and the impact of the bus line cancellation on the local community. We spoke Jeanine Braekenier who pleads for the restoration of the bus stop.
"It's all coming in minutes. Everything that happens there. No one can pass. Unless they're slit and inspected."
In Ghent, the inhabitants celebrated the annual Gentse Feesten, during which people traditionally drink a lot, sleep little and eat greasy food. In the smallest and oldest cafe in Ghent, people from Ghent sang along with Noël Fack and Charlène. The atmosphere was exuberant and the Ghent Festivities brought the city to life.
The success of the Gentse Feesten can be attributed to the rich mix of activities on offer. In addition to the many musical performances, there are theater performances, art exhibitions, street theater and much more.
political uncertainty
In the Netherlands there was political uncertainty after Sigrid Kaag, former Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, announced her departure from politics. Kaag, who fought for new leadership, security and an end to hatred and harassment, chose to end her political career and spend more time with her family.
In Mariënheem in Overijssel, the dangerous situation on the N35, the national highway that rushes through the village, remained a subject of discussion. Although there were plans to address the problem, the political uncertainty following the cabinet fall left the future approach unclear.
In the technological field, both successes and problems were reported. The new onboard computer taxi continued to make progress despite the political uncertainty. This system aims to modernize taxi services and improve efficiency. On the other side seemed Dutch e-bike company VanMoof on its way to bankruptcy. Despite previous investments of 200 million euros, the company failed to make a profit and applied for a deferment of payment.
Founders brothers Ties and Taco Carlier raised 200 million euros in several capital rounds, but never made a profit.
Public transport was also in the spotlight. Motorhuis, a supplier of electric vehicles, has delivered 341 fully electric vehicles to Noot Passenger Transport in a short period of time. Noot has the ambition to create the most sustainable fleet in the Netherlands, and the new vehicles contribute to this goal.
Finally, preparations for the train-free period in Groningen started in 2025. Last year it was announced that the work would be postponed for two years, but now the deadline is fast approaching. Prorail promised more clarity about the exact dates of the work in the summer of 2023.
There was also news at European level, as the European Commission has launched official proceedings against the Netherlands over the plan to award the main rail network concession to NS privately. The Commission stresses that EU competition rules must be respected when awarding rail public transport contracts.
