Stories from Brussels · Belgium

A physicist responsible for the MétéoSuisse pollen measurement network successfully produced viable sperm following a testicular tissue transplant. The patient had previously lost all viable sperm due to treatment for a hereditary blood disease.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU has made good progress toward ratifying its tariff deal with the United States. Members of the European Parliament oppose hasty ratification, citing the need for stronger safeguards due to the US administration's threats and inconsistent stance. The agreement requires oil-producing companies to supply at least 90% of the volume supplied in March and April of the previous year. The South Korean government has pledged financial support to oil companies affected by this measure. The report also mentions that the EU is considering suspending the Mercosur trade deal. Lawmakers cited threats from the Trump administration and inconsistent positions as reasons why stronger guarantee mechanisms are necessary for the agreement.

The European Union has extended its civilian monitoring mission on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border for another two years.

Brussels will provide 60 billion euros for local authorities between 2028 and 2034. Romania plans to provide 2 billion lei for its local authorities.

The European Union has set a goal to lift 15 million people out of poverty. This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve living standards and ensure income and welfare stability.

Negotiators from the European Union and the European Parliament in Brussels are attempting to reach an agreement regarding targeted agreements with the United States. The process involves reaching a consensus on specific terms between the two entities.

An investigation by Pano revealed that a handful of surgeons in Flanders are performing unnecessary back surgeries. Patients testified to being operated on quickly, sometimes without a prior physical examination.

Swiss citizen Lin Freiberg, a 37-year-old special assistant to a prominent Swiss politician, is under investigation following a potential political murder. Authorities noted there are currently no obvious clues regarding the incident.

Donald Trump's recent actions are creating challenges for the European automotive industry. The European Union exports approximately 717,000 vehicles annually to the United States, representing 16% of all cars manufactured in the EU.

The European Commission has relaunched a plan to reduce the number of Europeans at risk of poverty. Bogdan Isopescu reported from Brussels that the Commission believes member states and Brussels must act in three specific directions, starting with the creation of quality jobs. The European Commission has proposed a new strategy to combat poverty through a combination of European-level contributions and commitments from member state governments. The plan includes measures to improve social cohesion and economic stability. A specific chapter of the plan addresses child poverty, noting that no progress has been made in reducing these rates over the last five years. The initiative involves at least five partner credit institutions to facilitate a minimum 60% banking credit intermediation.