Good afternoon,
As I write, the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is welcoming EU leaders to Downing Street for a summit which should reset EU/UK relations post Brexit. Some deals have already been penned according to briefings overnight and this morning, including one on fishing rights, food checks, and defence.
The one that actually has the potential to affect most people's lives – a youth mobility and travel scheme – has yet to be finalised. Whatever is eventually agreed, this is the most significant shift in relations between the EU and the UK since Brexit took effect.
Speaking of mobility, there will be more major disruption to public transport again tomorrow as there is another public sector strike, to protest the Federal Government's fiscal and social plans. Check our article today to see if your routine will be affected – we will of course be updating all through the day tomorrow, Tuesday, to keep you across all the developments. So make sure you visit The Brussels Times regularly in order to be forewarned.
Finally, in our efforts to help you understand the major political figures in Brussels and Belgium, we have an interview with a Belgian historian. He also happens to be Belgium's new Interior Minister, Bernard Quintin. He has a lot on his plate currently, as he explains in our interview. We shall see over time how much of that plate he is able to clean.
Belgium in Brief
is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. The man behind Belgium’s security and home affairs
Bernard Quintin is the man of the hour, trying to implement structural changes to combat Brussels' rising insecurity. Read more.
2. Belgium’s public sector strike tomorrow: What we know so far
Daily life will be disrupted by another strike in Belgium, as workers in all public services will protest against the Federal Government's austerity plans. Read more.
3. ‘Breakthrough’ EU-UK deal ahead of historic post-Brexit summit
The UK and the EU have reportedly reached a deal just hours before the start of the first post-Brexit UK-EU summit in London on Monday. Read more.
4. European Commission predicts budget deficit increase to 5.5% in 2026
According to the forecasts, Belgium's public debt is set to rise from 104.7% at the end of last year, to 109.8% in 2026. Read more.
5. One person shot in Anderlecht
A man was hospitalised with chest wounds following a Saturday night shooting in Brussels’ Anderlecht district, investigation is underway. Read more.
6. Ozempic’s little brother soon available in Belgium
Unlike Ozempic – which is mainly aimed at people with Type 2 diabetes – Wegovy is specifically aimed at people with obesity. Read more.
7. Trial for Jürgen Conings’ comrades postponed to 6 October
Jürgen Conings made nationals news in May 2021 when he stole heavy weapons from the Leopoldsburg barracks and went missing. Read more.
