Covid-19.


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.

15 April 2021

Me first attitude tarnishes the Brits

You may have noticed that this week, the UK took a giant step towards coming out of its latest corona virus lockdown. There was much rejoicing […]
14 April 2021

Belgium: Travel possible again from 19 April, terraces to open on 8 May

Belgium’s Consultative Committee today reached a compromise on the reopening of terraces on May 8th. As of Monday April 19th, schools are to reopen and travel […]
14 April 2021

Covid-19: Council agrees its negotiating mandate on the Digital Green Certificate

EU ambassadors today agreed a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the proposal for a Digital Green Certificate. This certificate will facilitate safe and […]
14 April 2021

Belgium has reached 2 million Covid-19 vaccines milestone

Three weeks ago Belgium reached 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine administered, and yesterday it doubled this, according to the announcement at Tuesday morning’s joint press conference […]
12 April 2021

Travel & Tourism contribution to UK GDP slumped a shocking £148 billion in 2020

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) today reveals that the dramatic collapse of the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector has wiped out a […]
12 April 2021
Berlin

Travel & Tourism contribution to Germany’s GDP dropped a staggering €161 billion in 2020

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals that the dramatic collapse of Germany’s Travel & Tourism sector has wiped out €161 billion from […]
9 April 2021

Rapid testing on departure aimed to revive international travel

Rapid testing on departure at airports is the key to unlocking international travel, says the World Travel & Tourism Council in its submission to the UK […]
9 April 2021

USA: Fully vaccinated people can travel

In its latest updated guidance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has announced a significant easing of restrictions for those who […]
9 April 2021

A smell of post-Covid-19 times: an intellectual rebel honoured by German conservatives

The debate about Covid-19 has a multitude of facets: one of the most important (nevertheless a quite neglected aspect), is the “post Covid-19” one. While the […]
9 April 2021

High-risk groups for priority vaccination announced in Belgium

Authorities in Belgium have announced who will be considered a patient of high risk, which would then be used to determine who is granted priority to […]
8 April 2021

Australia and New Zealand to launch travel bubble on April 19th

New Zealand will allow Australian travelers to enter the country without mandatory hotel quarantine from April 19th. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the start date of […]
7 April 2021

This summer parking places make way for terraces in Brussels

When the situation allows it, many Brusselers will again enjoy our great bars and restaurants.  Because there is no better place than a terrace and because we want to […]
7 April 2021

56% of Europeans are feeling positive about taking their summer holidays

The hope of summer getaways is encouraging travel sentiment in Europeans, as a majority (56%) say they will go on holiday by the end of August […]
6 April 2021

Covid-19 self-tests now available in Belgian pharmacies

Starting today, Tuesday 6th April, Covid-19 self-tests will be available to purchase in pharmacies across Belgium. Following the country’s health minister’s decision a week ago that […]
6 April 2021

Belgium’s national vaccine registration list officially open

As of today, Tuesday 6th April, anyone in Belgium aged over 18 can register on the reserve list for Covid-19 vaccinations. The list offers registered people […]
6 April 2021

Why post-Brexit has embarrassed the EU over the vaccine roll out

Spare a thought, if you will, for the 450 million people who live on mainland Europe – they have been very badly let down over the […]
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