The Brussels Times

Controlled blackouts: France braces for winter electricity shortage

Though controlled blackouts sound drastic, they help prevent unexpected outages which would have far more serious consequences and even affect other countries.

Finland's PM Sanna Marin faces backlash over leaked party video

"I have a family life, I have a work life and I have free time to spend with my friends. Pretty much the same as many people my age," the Finnish Prime Minister reacted.

A storm from space? Dark plasma hits earth today

Auroras will be visible this week in much of the northern hemisphere.

150 refugees camp outside closed gates of Brussels Petit Château

Chaotic scenes unfolded in front of the refugee reception centre after control barriers were removed, making it impossible for staff to enter.

WRC Ypres Rally starts today

The first day of the rally will cut across the scenic Flemish countryside and Ypres’ market square, known to be a taxing and compact route.

130 Belgians under police protection

Threatened journalists, police officers, magistrates, and others may receive bodyguards, panic buttons, and even temporary alternative accommodation.

Ukrainian official says fighting is at a 'deadlock' before UN visit

As Russian shelling pushes up civilian deaths in Kharkiv, Ukraine has pushed back Russioan forces in the southern region of Kherson.

PromotedThe all-new Subaru Solterra - are you ready for an electric adventure?

Belgium in Brief: Giving up on driving into town

At what point will people simply abandon the idea of driving through the city?

Four-hour long 'traffic jams' on Albert Canal due to drought

"The canal is an important economic artery in Flanders, not only for shipping, but also for the drinking water supply."

Monkeypox infections rise exponentially, more than 35,000 global cases

The WHO fears the uneven access to vaccines seen during the Covid-19 pandemic will be repeated, and that "the poorest will be left behind."

Man severely injured after new traffic pole pierces car

“It must have come up at an enormous speed because the sensors of my car did not go off.”

From finance to energy: The sectors profiting from high inflation

In the second quarter of this year, Saudi state oil company Saudi Aramco broke the world record in making the biggest profit in three months ever: €47.4 billion.

EU Tracker

On the agenda

August 26 - NATO milestone
Finland, Sweden, Turkey officials meet for counter-terrorism discussion, organised under terms of the two NATO-aspiring nations’ deal with Ankara. It is an important step to secure Turkey’s ratification of their NATO bid.
September 1 - Green Deal D-Day
EU lawmakers and governments have now brokered their negotiating positions on a lot of the main Green Deal updates. That means that talks between them and the Commission can now start. The bulk of this work will start in September.
September 9 - Finance ministers meet
Finance ministers meeting, agenda here.
October 3 - Eurogroup meeting
Eurogroup meeting agenda here.
October 6 - EU Presidency summit.
Czech EU presidency Council summit.
October 11 - Energy chiefs meet
Energy ministers meet for an informal summit. Preparing for the winter heating season will likely be the main item on the agenda.
October 18 - Commission to-do list
EU Commission publishes its work programme for 2023.
October 18 - Agri meet
EU farm ministers meet for a two-day agricultural summit. Details here.
October 20 - EUCO comes back
Full EUCO summit. Meeting page here.
October 26 - Zero pollution
Commission publishes its zero pollution package of rules and regulations.
November 30 - Recycle, reuse, recycle again
European Commission publishes its updated circular economy package.
December 1 - EU-US TTC
The next round of the EU-US trade and technology council is scheduled for December.
December 31 - Czech out time
Czechia hands over the reins of the EU presidency to Sweden.