Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The European Commission has introduced new trade quotas and tariff adjustments for Mercosul-EU trade. Beef imports are capped at a maximum of 99,000 tonnes with a 7.5% tariff remaining. Sugar imports are set at 180,000 tonnes at a zero percent tariff rate.

The European Research Council has reversed a policy intended to manage a high volume of award applications. The decision follows backlash from the research community. European Council President Antonio Costa said the relationship between Europe and Canada during a recent address. Costa stated that the two entities are more than just partners sharing similar ideas. He noted that together they are building a new alliance. The comments follow a call for the union of middle powers by Prime Minister Marc Keuné.

Paulo Rossi has been handed a two-year suspension following a football-related investigation. The ruling comes amid ongoing scrutiny of financial irregularities within Belgian football clubs.

Judge Guido Bellemans has been mandated to lead an investigation into the accounting practices of professional football clubs in Belgium. The report references historical precedents from 1981 involving the club Berskot A.C.

NATO officials have not held any formal discussions regarding a potential US military withdrawal from Germany, according to reports from the UK. Sources indicate that neither the United States nor Germany have raised the issue within the North Atlantic Council. This follows recent comments from Donald Trump regarding the possibility of reducing US military presence in Germany. NATO's North Atlantic Council has not held formal discussions on US troop withdrawals from Germany, according to officials cited by British media. Both the United States and Germany have reportedly made no mention of such a move. As of December 2025, approximately 68,000 US military personnel were stationed at overseas bases and facilities in Europe. Data shows 68,000 US personnel were in Europe as of December 2025.

The European Union is lowering customs duties on high-quality beef. This move is expected to change the market for consumers and producers.

G7 nations signed a document expressing concern regarding rising national debt levels, poverty, food insecurity, and humanitarian needs. The document calls for increased efficiency in international cooperation aimed at low-income countries.

The European Commission has granted authorization for IMCIVREE (setmelanotide) to treat acquired hypothalamic obesity. This marks the first therapy of its kind to receive both FDA approval and EC authorization.

An EU military force has completed military preparations for an operation against Iran. The force is reportedly awaiting approval from Donald Trump to launch the operation. The move follows reports of military readiness to deliver a final blow to Iran.

A European Commissioner stated they will not attend an upcoming awards ceremony as long as Russians are invited and Ukrainians are being attacked. The decision follows a move by the organizers to exclude artists from countries where leaders are accused of crimes against humanity.