The Brussels Times

Quality of life for Jewish community worst in Belgium of 12 European countries

Jewish people feel less safe in Belgium compared to other countries in Europe. A recent survey indicated that as many as one in four Belgians are prone to discriminate against Jewish people.

Brussels Airlines unions demand meeting with CEO following three-day strike

The conflict between unions and management at Brussels Airlines has been dragging on since last summer when staff had complained about excessively heavy workloads.

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.”

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.

Sustainable-forest initiative in Belgium reviews its first five years

Regiowood II was created to respond to current forestry challenges by analysing the management of 950,000 hectares of private forest.

WHO calls for more investment in treatment of mental health

Even before Covid-19, nearly a billion people were living with a mental disorder. During the first year of the pandemic, rates of depression and anxiety increased by 25%, but investment has not increased.

Flemish communes see high inflation as a major financial threat

Local taxes may have to increase in order to relieve pressure on budgets from salary indexations, increased expenditure on police and relief services, higher raw material prices, and skyrocketing energy costs.

PromotedApplause is not enough, change is needed

More flexible rules for foreign nationals to work and reside in Belgium

Belgium will make it easier for more non-EU people to get a single permit to work and live here, while Flanders is looking to Brussels to fill its vacancies.

Brussels Behind the Scenes: Salon de la dernière chance

France's EU presidency draws to a close next week. Emmanuel Macron has one last chance to score a big win but can the French pull it off?

‘It’s a particular niche’: Kefirs, kombuchas fascinate gourmet foodies

The naturally sweet, yet sugar-free, qualities of fermented beverages have piqued the interest of sommeliers.

More companies advocate against excessive egos in the workplace

We always have a little ego when we choose to be a leader, but it is the excess that is the problem: "The ego can kill the leader that we are".

EU democracy: How to give citizens a voice in the future of Europe

“Citizens' participation in the EU must be an ongoing effort."

EU Tracker

On the agenda

Tomorrow - 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.
June 27 - 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.