Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The Eurozone is experiencing severe inflation, leading to a worrying economic situation. The current economic situation in Europe is described as very worrying, with the entire European economy experiencing weakness and political uncertainty. France reported 2.5 percent inflation for April, contributing to broader concerns about economic stagnation within the Eurozone. This economic slowdown poses challenges for member states. OPEC+ members' crude oil production fell to 35.06 million tons per day in March, a decrease of about 7.7 million tons per day from February, with Iraq and Saudi Arabia showing the largest production cuts. The quota increase of 188,000 tons per day has little impact on actual global supply.

The European Union is considering a ban on the import of Huawei technology into its member states. This follows concerns regarding the security and use of Chinese surveillance equipment.

A strike force has frozen $580 million in cryptocurrency. The operation involved Europol and the Criminal Assets Bureau. The total value of the seized assets is €30 million.

An advisor to the European Union has urged caution regarding United States tariffs.

The US Pentagon has confirmed plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 military personnel from Germany. Donald Trump has reaffirmed the plan for the withdrawal of US soldiers from Germany.

The US is using threats to extract greater concessions from the EU and encourage them to play a larger role in regional affairs.

The European Union is considering imposing equivalent tariffs on specific categories of US export goods in response to US trade measures. The European Union is considering implementing equivalent taxation measures against specific categories of US exports to Europe.

The European Union is considering imposing equivalent tariffs on specific U.S. The EU is considering implementing equivalent retaliatory tariffs on specific categories of US exports to Europe.

Iberia released a waiver on 2 May allowing passengers on Madrid–Brussels routes to change dates or routes for free. The measure responds to a potential Belgian general strike scheduled for 12 May.

European Union officials are scheduled to deliberate on import fees for cars and trucks from the United States next week. The discussion follows claims that the US has violated existing deals by imposing additional tariffs on over 400 products containing steel and aluminum.