The Brussels Times

A quarter of employees to receive a bonus this year

By simply applying foil to your windows, you can reduce the amount of cold air entering your house by up to 35%. This can lead to savings of up to €800 per year.

Belgium wants to end export of banned pesticides

Belgium is one of the European countries which exports the most chemicals banned within the European Union to other countries.

CD&V wants suspension of unemployment benefits after three years

The CD&V party wants to suspend unemployment benefits for people who, after three years, have not found or refused work.

Belgium Unlocked

Where to ski in Belgium, and is it worth it?

While not generally known for its skiing, Belgium can still provide a more affordable and sustainable option to locations in the Alps.

What to do in Brussels this weekend: 2–4 December

From a film festival anchored in the Mediterranean landscape to an alternative Christmas market, here's what's on our agenda this weekend.

Sleep tourism: Putting rest at the centre of the hotel experience

Major luxury hotel chains are adapting their offering to ensure that its clients get the best sleep possible.

EU trade of electric cars steadily increasing

Since 2017, the value of imports of full electric vehicles into the EU increased by 2,400%.

Many Belgians lower heating to 19 degrees

Notably, 31% of Belgians have set their heating to 19℃, a setting recommended by Belgian authorities.

European Commission carries out checks on dangerous bamboo products

Some bamboo products react poorly to heat and fat, and can introduce toxic chemicals into our bodies.

PromotedCelebrating contemporary women artists

What to do in Brussels this weekend: 2–4 December

From a film festival anchored in the Mediterranean landscape to an alternative Christmas market, here's what's on our agenda this weekend.

Experts claim time management is more a problem than a solution

Optimising your time doesn't leave you with more time, but allows you to do even more things during that time – overwhelming you and not making your work better.

EU auditors call on the Commission to improve the quality and timeliness of European statistics

"Statistics is a public good and must be generated first and foremost with users in mind."

Iranian morality police abolished

In September, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died at the hands of morality police in Tehran, sparking a wave of protests against the clerical government.

Fire, carbon monoxide and higher bills: Reasons to clean your chimney

It is extremely important to have your chimney cleaned before use after a long time dormant because of the risk of fires, poisoning and even higher bills.

EU Tracker

On the agenda

Tomorrow - Networking
Transport ministers meet 5 December and will aim to agree on updated rules for the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The aim is to have a completely seamless network in place by 2050.
6 December - WB6 summit
The EU’s latest Western Balkans summit will be held in Tirana, Albania.
6 December - e-Robot
Telecoms ministers will meet on 6 December and hope to agree on new rules for artificial intelligence and electronic identification documents. The AI act and eID regulation are both crucial elements of the EU’s broader digital agenda.
7 December - Passenger rights fight
A European Commission consultation on amending passenger rights rules closes on 7 December. Details here.
7 December - EUgalité
The European Commission will publish a package of new equality rules on 7 December, including provisions that will recognise parenthood between member states. Ursula von der Leyen pledged in 2020 to address this issue.
7 December - Capital ideas
The EU executive is also supposed to publish its capital markets package and a proposal on VAT in the digital age. A review of the tobacco taxation directive is also due on 7 December.
9 December - Schengen push
The Commission recommended (again) that Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania be admitted to the Schengen zone. Ministers meet 9 December where a vote is likely to be held, meaning the next couple of weeks will be time for one last diplomatic push.
21 December - Disaster relief
The Commission will publish its plans for the EU’s disaster resilience goals.
31 December - Czech out time
Czechia hands over the reins of the EU presidency to Sweden.