Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The Criminal Assets Bureau and Europol conducted a joint operation resulting in the seizure of €30 million in cryptocurrency. This operation targeted illicit financial flows and aimed to disrupt criminal networks operating in the digital asset space.

The European Union may suspend financial payments to certain regions due to concerns over violence during administrative elections. According to reports from Süddeutsche Zeitung and Frankfurter Rundschau, Brussels is increasing demands toward autocrats in the Western Balkans.

Martin Lang, Chairman of the EU Parliament Trade Committee, disputed claims made by US President Donald Trump regarding trade agreements. Lang stated that the European Union is adhering to the trade agreement despite the complexity of its implementation. He noted that the ongoing processes are part of democratic procedures that must be respected. The statement comes as German political parties CDU, CSU, and SPD report a decline in public standing for their governing coalition. Former President Trump stated that claims regarding Brazil's import taxes are not true, asserting that Brazil does apply such taxes.

Economists are calling for the European Union to implement retaliatory tariffs and taxes on US technology companies. This follows President Donald Trump's announcement of proposed tariffs on EU automobiles and trucks.

Japanese artist Yukichiba is currently on tour in the United States. The artist is scheduled to perform in Europe later, including an appearance at the Les Ardentes festival in Belgium on July 3. Yukichiba is noted as the first Japanese artist to perform on the MTV stage.

Ukraine and the European Union have agreed on a deal to facilitate the release of Ukrainian raw materials for climate protection measures. This agreement will make the import of Ukrainian raw materials tax-free, potentially providing Ukraine with revenue against Russia. The deal also aims to offer Europe a more attractive supply of critical resources needed for strengthening its military capabilities. Metals are among Ukraine's most valuable export goods. Ukrainian producers are reportedly facing a potential suspension of contracts, possibly linked to recent correspondence from Turkey's secretariat. Despite these concerns, memorandums of intent are continuously being signed with various countries, including the Netherlands, Finland, the UK, and Saudi Arabia.

An expert has proposed the creation of a constitution for a European Defense Community. This initiative aims to strengthen defense cooperation and integration among European nations. The expert believes this framework is necessary for collective defense.

Parliaments from EU member states are meeting in Brussels today for their second session. European Parliament members are meeting to discuss community resilience and the expansion of the European Union.

NATO members are experiencing mutual anxiety due to unilateral actions taken by the United States. The source claims US officials are concealing issues and notes uncertainty regarding the number of senior officials who have resigned or been dismissed.

European forces are planning a food stockpile system to ensure rapid access and uninterrupted supply during crises. The system will store products in government warehouses, producer facilities, and the private sector.