The Brussels Times

EU ministers agree on 'skimming off' energy producers excess profits

The EU will be able to skim off the excess profits of electricity producers this winter, which Member States can then use to try to reduce citizens' energy bills.

What to do in Brussels this weekend – 30 September to 2 October

Not sure what to do this weekend in Brussels? Worry not, from dining in the dark to the city's first Oktoberfest, our list will surely inspire you.

New Brussels rules for Airbnb may impact rent prices

According to Rudi Vervoort, the government wants to streamline the process so that residents may utilise their houses to welcome visitors on platforms such as Airbnb.

Ukraine officially applies for NATO membership

"De facto, we have already proved that we are compatible with the alliance's norms. We are already helping and protecting each other in practice."

Flanders launches DIY roof insulation programme

DIYers who install roof insulation in their own homes before May 2023 can call on a temporary new support programme from the Flemish government

Norway weighs up ban on Russians tourists

Norway joins neighboring countries in restricting border crossings from Russia after President Vladimir Putin announced partial mobilisation last week.

Belgium in Brief: Is Brussels selling out to Airbnb?

There's a price tag on living in the capital, but is the government making it too easy for short-term renters and ignoring the need for affordable accommodation?

PromotedExpecting to see more recycled soft drinks bottles in the EU? Let us first get the amount of recycled plastic we need

The bigger picture: Belgium's highest and lowest paying jobs

Figures released by Statbel revealed the average gross salary in Belgium is €3,832 per month. Have a closer look at Belgium's highest and lowest paid sectors.

Golden Afro Artistic Awards return to the Brussels National Theatre this Saturday

“The objective of the ceremony is to give visibility to Afro-descendant artists in Belgium who desperately need it," says Director Nel Tsopo.

'Suspicious white powder' discovered at European Commission

While some mistook the incident for a fire, the Brussels Fire Brigade reported that the Commission had received a suspicious envelope.

Recession 'inevitable' warn Flemish companies

On Friday, the Flemish employers’ organisation Voka published a survey on company expectations and fears for the current economic state. The verdict is bleak.

Russia formally annexes four Ukrainian regions in 'dangerous escalation'

On Friday morning, the Russian Army shelled a convoy in Zaporizhzhia of civilians trying to flee the annexed territories, killing 23.

EU Tracker

On the agenda

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 21 - Private jet ban?
France’s transport minister has floated the idea of a ban on private jets, in a bid to save fuel and curb their planet-warming ways. A full ban is highly unlikely but with a heavyweight like France fighting for green measures, look out for compromises around using sustainable fuels or financial penalties at an informal meeting of ministers. Meeting details 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 7 - Passenger rights fight
A European Commission consultation on amending passenger rights rules closes on 7 December. Details here.
December 31 - Czech out time
Czechia hands over the reins of the EU presidency to Sweden.