The Brussels Times

Internet bills: Belgian Minister proposes VAT cut from 21% to 6%

In a bid to support the purchasing power of households, Digitalisation Minister Mathieu Michel suggests slashing VAT on household internet bills from 21% to 6%.

‘Devastating’: US Supreme Court overturns constitutional right to abortion

The expectation is that abortion will become illegal in about half of the American states – essentially taking away women's rights to decide over their own bodies.

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.

Belgium produces 4.1% more CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in 2021

In 2021, as Covid-19 restrictions were lifted and economic activity began to recover, Belgium returned to its previou polluting habits.

Europe could face gas shortages this winter

Storage could run out this winter unless other measures are taken, or additional gas is sent via available booked capacity via Ukraine, but this seems unlikely.

Case dismissed for Migration Minister’s violation of asylum seekers’ rights

"This judgement does not alter the fact that Mahdi's reception policy is illegal and that there are people sleeping on the streets every day," one NGO said.

Oral sex and throat cancer link increasingly apparent, UZ Leuven claims

Smoking remains the greatest risk factor for developing throat cancer, but new insights in recent years have shown that there is another cause of throat cancer.

PromotedHow tech can help feed the world

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.

Paris attacks: Defence presents closing arguments in Abdeslam trial

Abdeslam faces life imprisonment for his involvement in France's worst-ever terror attack.

Le Chou’s week in review

Germany sends Ukraine arms | Sanchez is on fire | XR forget the first rule of EU

Propaganda war: Russia launches cyberattacks against 42 countries

42 different countries (including Belgium) and 128 organisations have been targeted by Russian cyberattacks.

Only 18% of Flemish people are happy with their jobs

A demanding culture, long working hours and conflicts with colleagues undermine Flemish people's happiness at work.

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.