Good Afternoon!
Accountability and transparency are the watchwords today, and we are reflecting that issue in several of our articles.
The biggy is of course today's European Union General Court ruling overturning a decision by the European Commission denying a request for access to text messages exchanged between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla during 2021-2022 vaccine purchase negotiations. This effectively means that journalists like ourselves can now request access to see those texts officially - and remember, these are texts that the Commission initially refused to admit even existed. VDL herself has never commented - and up to now still hasn't. This matters because transparency of government - particularly when it comes to money and influence - is at the heart of a functioning democracy.
We've been here on many occasions with the European institutions, and things don't seem to be improving. Just a few months ago, at the very beginning of the new mandate, the Commission after a long drawn out saga refused to apologise for concealing that Ursula von der Leyen was indeed hospitalised with severe pneumonia. Not a great start to a relationship with the press and the people.
Regarding today's ruling, the European Commission still has the option to appeal if it wishes to contest the decision, and in a statement, it suggested it would still not release the text messages, and will instead "provide a more detailed explanation - whatever that means.
Another example of a lack of transparency and accountability resulting in real-world problems for the people involved is the update on our exclusive report about the Brussels Sculptura Festival. The festival has now been declared bankrupt, meaning many of its suppliers and contributors will never see a penny for their work. These are not global multinational companies - these are small businesses and artists. And Sculptura received taxpayers' money - your money - and endorsements, from several public bodies, including the European Parliament and the Brussels-Capital Region.
Both failed to provide a concrete explanation of the checks and balances in place when choosing to endorse Sculptura. This was also the case last year when they were repeatedly approached by us at The Brussels Times.
The Brussels Times has also seen communication that indicates that the use of public funds within 'Sculptura' is being investigated by the European Public Prosecutor's Office, following a complaint from one of the participating artists. We will continue to keep across this story and report any further developments. In addition, we will continue to try to hold those in power to account, particularly when it comes to the use or misuse of public funds - your money - by institutions, public bodies and governments.
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. Pfizergate: EU court annuls refusal to hand over von der Leyen texts
The Commission did not convincingly explain why the text messages were deemed not to contain "substantial information" that required withholding. Read more.
2. ‘Sculptura’ festival declared bankrupt – artists left unpaid
The Brussels sculpture festival received public funds from the Region as well as non-financial endorsement from the European Parliament. Read more.
3. Brussels communes with high crime see boom in business activity – study
A paradoxical boom in business activity has been found in Belgian municipalities with high crime rates – with the top three found in Brussels. Read more.
4. Union Saint-Gilloise’s battle for new stadium kicks off again
The bitter battle for Union Saint-Gilloise's new home continues, with the club to soon submit a new stadium permit "in the spring". Read more.
5. Flemish socialists call for taking Hungary to ECHR over Pride ban
Last month, the Hungarian parliament overwhelmingly approved an amendment enshrining a ban on pride parades of the LGBTQI+ community in the constitution. Read more.
6. Belgium’s coalition parties reach agreement on resolution on the Middle East
Members of Belgium’s majority coalition reach agreement in parliament on a resolution proposal for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Read more.
7. Belgium dumped out of Eurovision in semi-finals
Belgium had been among some of the favourite to win the competition but were eliminated on Tuesday. Read more.
