The Brussels Times

E-Scooters are here to stay – for better or worse

"Overprotected, overvalued children, whose needs are met instantly are at risk of suffering from mental health and physical problems, becoming more narcissistic and less mature and developing fewer cognitive skills.

Belgian start-up offers napping cocoons in offices for tired employees

WeNap designs nap boxes and cocoons for quick snoozes during the workday, with the goal of improving the health of employees.

Doctors discuss new definition of ‘fever’ as average body temperature changes

Over the course of the twentieth century, people have become healthier, leading to a lower body temperature. Research shows that the average temperature has been falling in the last ten years.

New Belgian oceanographic research ship christened

Built at the cost of 54 million euros, the Belgica conducted a mission on the Mediterranean Sea in April with the King on board.

298 people set swimming pool “bomb” world record in Ghent

The 298 correctly performed “bombs” is an improvement of 66 people compared to the previous record.

PromotedUzbekistan – a pronounced “green” reaction, emergence and traceability in the textile industry

Property prices higher in Brussels than anywhere else in Belgium

The average apartment in Belgium is now worth €225,000, which indicates that the median price has gone up by 7% since 2021.

Belgian video games get EU funding, cultural status questions persist

Seven projects are receiving funds to assist with their development phase. Disagreements over their cultural element and Tax Shelter status continue.

Hidden Belgium: One of the largest rose gardens in Europe

The Coloma rose garden is divided into countries, so you can study typical British roses or wander among tough species that survive in Canada.

Belgian politicians want constitutional protection for abortion right

"The idea is to prevent any regression of women’s rights already enshrined in Belgium, after what has just happened in the United States."

Ryanair’s entire fleet in Belgium grounded due to strike

"Ryanair has preferred to leave 30,000 people in Belgium without flights rather than comply with Belgian law.”

EU Tracker

On the agenda

Today - G(ermany)7
The big G7 summit kicks off 26 June. Ukraine dominates the schedule. Look out for more details on cutting Russian energy imports and if the rich economies decide anything on food security.
Tomorrow - Energy talks
On 27 June, energy chiefs will try to agree on reforms of the renewables and energy savings directives. Energy prices and gas storage rules will also be on the agenda for what is one of the French EU presidency’s last big summits.
June 28 - Bells and whistles
Environment and climate ministers meet 28 June to broker deals on emissions trading, effort sharing, land-use rules, car CO2 targets and a social fund. This really is the last chance for France to make a success of its six months in charge.
June 30 - Consultations open
The EU auditors will publish a report on 30 June on the Commission’s use of external consultants for reports, studies and other advice. Billions are spent on these services and the report will conclude whether that is money well spent.
July 1 - Czech in
Czech Republic takes over the rotating EU presidency from France.
July 4 - Digital votes
MEPs will debate and then vote on the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act at the July plenary.
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.
July 5 - 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.
December 1 - EU-US TTC
The next round of the EU-US trade and technology council is scheduled for December.