The Brussels Times

Hundreds of tonnes of chocolate destroyed following salmonella outbreak

"Liquid chocolate that was already in our heated trucks for transportation to the customers will be driven directly to the waste processor to be destroyed."

Audit confirms childcare in Flanders facing systemic problems

"There is clearly work to be done, the challenges are not insignificant."

Urgent action needed to meet Belgian employment target of 80%

The report from Belgian High Council for Employment notes that the shortage of professionals in vital areas of the economy is “worrying.”

Brussels transport sector bears the brunt of energy crisis

The Brussels economy is more dependent on electricity than on oil, making it more sensitive to the sharp rise in electricity prices.

Annual hot dog eating competition takes place in Mons

Some of the most great sporting inventions of the land of the free include basketball, baseball, volleyball, and obviously, competitive eating.

More than 100 professions in short supply in Brussels

“Pursuing training or studies that lead to one of these shortage occupations greatly increases the chances of finding a job,” Actiris notes.

Belgians who made America: 246 years of Belgian-American connections

While the United States celebrates its independence on Monday, it's important to note that thousands of Belgians have left their mark on America.

PromotedLet’s talk about the transition, not just the targets

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?

Brussels Airlines cancels almost 700 flights in July and August

"Today we are clearly meeting the demand of the unions. We hope to be able to rule out further actions definitively and to give our passengers a real guarantee."

Drop in Brussels unemployment, especially among young people

There are currently 84,475 jobseekers in Brussels, 3,465 fewer than in June last year.

Government to take over MSF centre for unaccompanied minors following criticism

Accompanied minors are a challenging group to reach, but they are usually in dire need of support, as they often struggle with physical and mental health issues.

An American in Brussels: Where to eat on July 4th

While the beer and frites in Belgium can't be beat, sometimes an American ex-pat just wants a little taste of home. This way for your fix of straight Americana.

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.