Hidden Belgium

The Statue of Peter the Great

Bestselling author Derek Blyth picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets of Belgium every day
Le Chou’s week in review
Germany sends Ukraine arms | Sanchez is on fire | XR forget the first rule of EU

Abdeslam faces life imprisonment for his involvement in France's worst-ever terror attack.
Germany sends Ukraine arms | Sanchez is on fire | XR forget the first rule of EU
EU Tracker
- 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.
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