Hidden Belgium
The writer who was mad, bad and dangerous to know
Bestselling author Derek Blyth picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets of Belgium every day
Le Chou’s week in review
Boris Johnson Kidnaps Sweden’s Prime Minister, EU's Oil Gambit, And Zelenskyy's U2 Crimes
EU Tracker
- Today - Ukraine stocktake
Foreign affairs and defence ministers meet 16-17 May in Brussels. Russia’s invasion dominates the agenda unsurprisingly, with the Western Balkans and Latin America relations also featuring.
- Today - DMA seal of approval
The European Parliament’s internal market committee is set to vote on the approved Digital Markets Act deal. A vote in plenary could then be held in June.
- Tomorrow - Carbon markets, taxes
MEPs on the environment committee vote 17 May on a reform of the Emissions Trading System (ETS). The current deal on the table will increase emission cuts, cancel free permits for industry and create a new separate ETS for heating and transport. A plan for a carbon border tax also is put to vote.
- May 18 - REPowerEU
The European Commission will publish its action plan for getting the EU off of Russian energy imports.
- May 18 - Power games
There will also be a new strategy on international cooperation on energy policy, a hot topic in Brussels right now given that the EU is looking for new suppliers to replace Russia’s exports. More details here.
- May 18 - Build back better
Ursula von der Leyen is also scheduled to unveil a plan to help rebuild Ukraine’s torched infrastructure. Early indications are that it may involve a new round of borrowing to finance the billions that will be needed.
- May 18 - EU army upgrade
A new report into defence gaps within the EU is also on the cards for 18 May. Issues like interoperability are crucial factors in better common EU defence. Look out for whether there is any mention of Finland and Sweden’s potential NATO bids.
- June 21 - Golden gateway
The EU’s development days will this year focus on Brussels’ plan to up investments in energy, digital and transport in partner countries, in a bid to compete with China’s mammoth Belt and Road initiative.
- June 22 - Rescheduled mother nature
The European Commission’s postponed nature protection package — which includes targets for reducing pesticide use — has been tentatively rescheduled for 22 June.
- June 23 - EU growth spurt?
EU leaders are on course to be given an update on the membership applications of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine at a European Council meeting. The Commission is expected to issue its opinions on whether talks should be opened.
- July 1 - Czech in
Czech Republic takes over the rotating EU presidency from France.
- July 5 - Right to repair
The European Commission will publish its plan for new design requirements and consumer rights for electronics. This will likely include a definition on the ‘right to repair’, potentially unlocking longer-lasting electronics and reshaping how consumers purchase smartphones and other devices.
- December 1 - EU-US TTC
The next round of the EU-US trade and technology council is scheduled for December.
