Martin Banks.


Martin Banks has been a journalist for over 40 years, working in Brussels since 2001 where he has covered EU politics, initially for European Voice and more recently for The Parliament Magazine plus a raft of other titles. He also writes about other topics including culture and travel. Prior to coming to Belgium he had worked in regional (including a 6 year stint as Chief Reporter for the 2nd biggest selling regional in the UK) and national journalism in the UK since 1980.

30 November 2023

Enjoying a “wee dram” in Belgium

It’s a matter of the past that when you think of whisky you immediately think of just one place: Scotland. While Scottish whisky is still a […]
13 September 2023

Dragons are “stars” of a new show in Belgium this autumn

An exciting new show is set to “breathe fire” into autumn for its Belgian audience. “Night of the Dragons” (La Nuit des Dragons) is the name […]
30 August 2023

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo comes to Belgium in September

The Edinburgh Military is an event performed annually by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams in the Scottish capital. Not […]
30 August 2023

World’s artists converge on Brussels for latest Cirque du Soleil spectacular

An old favourite is heading back to Brussels this autumn. Cirque du Soleil is back under the big top from September with its latest offering: “Kurios […]
30 August 2023

French parks flying the flag for conservation and leisure

A flagship EU scheme designed to promote nature protection has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. Natura 2000 is a European network of natural land and marine sites designed to protect […]
16 August 2023

Why you should consider visiting Cotswolds

Looking for last minute ideas for a great vacation? If so, you’d do well to consider one area of the United Kingdom that is often overlooked […]
29 May 2023

Injured Ukrainian war veterans ran Brussels 20km to inspire others

Almost 40,000 people participated in the “Brussels 20 km” on 28 May. 33,000 runners and 5,600 walkers had signed up for the event. Among the participants, […]
11 May 2023

How to spend a family friendly getaway in London

The glorious Coronation of King Charles III has again put the focus on London. It is generally agreed the weekend’s majestic event in the British capital […]
15 March 2023

5 reasons to visit Strasbourg in 2023

As in other European countries, France is seeking to improve the environment and the quality of life of its residents in larger cities. These include Strasbourg, the […]
13 February 2023

Best wines from Alsace showcased at Paris’ Vinexpo

Are you a wine lover, especially wines from Alsace in France? If so, a popular international annual wine event may go down a treat. WineParis gives […]
3 February 2023

Two out of five Belgians will opt for less expensive holidays in 2023

Two out of five Belgians will opt for less expensive holidays in 2023 due to the current crisis and rising prices, a new survey says. According […]
26 January 2023

Ukrainian Railways awarded European Rail Champion Award 2023

This year’s European Rail Champion Award 2023 has been awarded to Ukrainian Railways.  The annual award is made by the Association of the European Rail Supply Industry and the Community […]
29 November 2022

Emirates posts record profits as industry continues to rebound from pandemic

A leading airline is set to embark what is believed to be one of the biggest ever refurbishments in the air industry. Emirates has launched a […]
9 November 2022

TV series Peaky Blinders helps put Birmingham on the map

The huge TV hit Peaky Blinders and the Commonwealth Games are not typical “bedfellows”. One is all about a notorious gang of criminals who wreak havoc […]
8 September 2022

Brussels’ Autoworld exhibition celebrates Ferrari’s 75th anniversary

Calling all Ferrari fans – an expo devoted to one of the world’s best-known sports brands is set to open in Brussels… there couldn’t be a […]
23 August 2022

Suffolk makes for great getaway for summer

Mention the word “Belgium” to many and they will still immediately think of two things: frites and beer. Well, two of the country’s most iconic symbols […]