Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The EU Council formally approved the establishment of a European Security Action Tool in May last year. Poland has become the first country to sign an agreement with the EU under this initiative.

A competition will award Pablo Casals' 1733 cello as one of the prizes to its first laureate. Pablo Casals is described as one of the world's greatest cellists.

Belgian actress Virginie Effira is starring in two films currently in competition. These films include 'Histoire parallèle d'Ajgar Faradi' and 'Soudain' by Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

A television production house has been selected for a project set on a deserted island.

Brussels-based clearing house Euroclear is prepared to sue European institutions if the European Union decides to seize frozen Russian assets for transfer to Ukraine. Euroclear CEO Valerie Urbain stated this intention in an interview with Le Monde newspaper.

Brussels has declared that companies cannot impose surcharges for kerosene price increases after tickets have been purchased. Volotea was reportedly charging customers around 14 euros for such surcharges, according to the source.

A signed agreement has been viewed positively, according to the source. Great Britain and France, both nuclear powers with military potential, are participating in these negotiations. Poland is described as a frontline country, and Scandinavia is also entering the discussions.

Belgium's public service broadcaster, RTBF, is sometimes accused by print media actors of unfair competition due to its free website.

The takeover of EN24 is in progress, and its future remains uncertain.

A situation in Brussels, initially believed to be a hostage-taking, has been clarified as a robbery.