After nearly eight months of negotiations, Belgium now finally has a fully-fledged Federal Government, led by Bart De Wever. As the country's brand new Prime Minister, he immediately has a very busy day ahead.
De Wever and his team of 14 ministers were sworn in by the King at 09:00 on Monday, followed by the traditional "family portrait' photo on the steps of the Palace.
Afterwards, the new premier had to rush off to Rue de la Loi 16, where his predecessor Alexander De Croo welcomed him to his new office.
Normally, this symbolic exchange of power would be followed by the traditional government statement in the Belgian Parliament. Exceptionally, however, this has been postponed a day so De Wever could attend his first European meeting at 11:00.
European heads of state and government are meeting at the Egmont Palace for an informal summit on defence, having lunch with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and dinner with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer later today.
A good start is half the battle?
Belgium in Brief
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