Stories from Brussels · Belgium

Brussels had expressed concerns about a potential shift in Bulgaria's alignment towards Moscow.

Brussels has formed a new government after 600 days, a development described as a "good thing" by Elke van den Brand, Brussels' minister for mobility for Groen. The new government is a coalition of seven parties, and discussions among them are expected.

The head of the statue of cyclist Eddie Merckx, known as 'The Cannibal,' has been recovered. The face of the statue had previously been torn off.

European countries allocate 60% of their defense expenditures for the purchase of American weapons. This suggests that while they may appear to be withdrawing, they remain dependent on US arms, implying the US will not leave NATO.

A second building has been occupied since yesterday evening, according to the source.

Belgian hospitals can unknowingly hire doctors who have been struck off the medical register in their country of origin due to a flaw in the current verification process.

Euroclear CEO Valérie Urbin announced intentions to sue if the European Union proceeds with seizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. The depository aims to protect itself from potential bankruptcy resulting from possible retaliatory measures by Moscow.

The European Union has decided to withhold 400 million Euros from Bulgaria. The reason for this action is related to concerns over rule of law and corruption. This decision impacts Bulgaria's access to EU funds.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed she held a conversation with US President Donald Trump. Officials noted that several core requirements previously proposed by the US have not been included in the current draft.

The Royal Observatory of Belgium's seismology and gravimetry section recorded earthquake activity. Witnesses reported feeling the tremor, with one individual stating they fell from a chair. A listener reported their dog woke up at 2:00 AM following the event.