The Brussels Times

Iran-Belgium exchange deal aimed at freeing innocent Belgian NGO employee

Besides VUB guest lecturer Djalali, who has been sentenced to death in Iran, Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele has also been detained without charge.

Covid-19 infections continue to rise, surpassing 5,500 per day

The number of new Covid-19 cases in Belgium surpassed 5,500 for the first time since mid-May this year.

Brussels Airlines will need to cancel more flights, unions say

“Did they abolish 700 flights that suit them, or that suit the workload of the staff?”

Solution for Place De Brouckère renovation helped ‘avoid creating urban cancer’

The previous suspension of the building permit for the redevelopment of the square " threatened to aggravate the current situation in the area."

Belgian Red Cross opens 27th reception centre for asylum seekers

Despite the new centre, the organisation states that the reception network is still overloaded.

King Baudouin Foundation raises €1.5 million for flood relief

In total, the charity has supported over 112 charitable projects in Belgium, especially in areas especially affected by severe flooding.

Two Belgian restaurants included in European top 50

Two Belgian restaurants, located in the provinces of Namur and Antwerp, were included in a recent ranking of the best restaurants in Europe.

PromotedBetter recycling? We’re working on it

Understanding Belgium’s rampant inflation and what’s in store

The inflation rate in Belgium is nearing 10%, but what does this mean for households, and is it set to decrease again?

EU auditors: Is the Commission overdependent on external consultants?

"The Commission should better define the different forms of support that external consultants can provide."

Charleroi public buildings to be sold off to balance budget

The hospital alone could bring in €2.5 million. In total, the sale of these assets is projected to amount to nearly €5 million.

Flanders offers financial support to GPs to tackle chronic shortage

Various regions are struggling with a shortage of doctors, resulting in people having to sign up with GP practices outside of their local community.

Gentse Feesten: Drive to increase sustainability and reduce waste

"After two years without the 'Feesten', the time has come to enter the next phase: more parties with less waste."

EU Tracker

On the agenda

Today - 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.
Today - Taxonomy D-day
Two Parliament committees voted to reject the Commission’s plan to label fossil gas and nuclear power as sustainable investments. A tight result is expected in plenary next month and alliances are now being built. Keep an eye on the draft agenda here.
Today - In the odeon
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the latest EU leader to be invited to a debate at the European Parliament. On 5 July, he will give a speech and likely field questions from MEPs on a variety of topics, including migration.
Today - Innovation strategy
The European Commission publishes on 5 July its strategy to boost innovation in the EU, especially in startups and SMEs. How to actually access financing will be the main objective of this new innovation agenda.
Today - Plenary day 2
European Parliament plenary day 2. Agenda here.
Tomorrow - Taking stock
The plenary session will review the conclusions of the latest European Council summit, where EU leaders agreed to grant Moldova and Ukraine candidate status. The Parliament had already voted in favour of that plan.
Tomorrow - Expansion talks
Committee of the Regions delegates will discuss EU enlargement policy on 6 and 7 July. Members from EU-hopefuls Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine will attend the event for the very first time. Full agenda here.
Tomorrow - Plenary day 3
European Parliament plenary session day 3. Agenda here.
July 7 - Plenary final day
European Parliament plenary final day. Agenda here.
December 1 - EU-US TTC
The next round of the EU-US trade and technology council is scheduled for December.