Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The European Commission has released an open-source version of a new digital passport app for age verification. Users can download the app and verify their age by syncing it with a national identity card or passport. An EU Commissioner stated that the open-source version allows anyone to test or attempt to hack the software. The Commission claims the final online version will be absolutely secure.

The European Parliament voted to allow politicians on maternity leave to vote by proxy for the first time. Female members can delegate their votes to a trusted colleague for up to three months before their due date and for six months after giving birth. The decision was announced by the European Parliament. This follows a revision process initiated by Parliament in November 2025. The Parliament stated the measure is intended to strengthen gender equality. The vote was conducted by the MEPs to address accessibility for parents.

The European Commission is temporarily allowing higher electricity price subsidies for certain companies to ease the energy crisis. This temporary state aid framework is set to remain in effect until December 31, 2026.

New EU reform proposals aim to regulate the amount of hazardous substances allowed in consumer products. The reform will distinguish between food and cosmetics, a distinction previously not made. The proposal is moving to negotiations between representatives from the European Parliament and the Council of the 27 EU member states. Manufacturers must prove that specific quantities of substances are harmless to continue use. Fraud repression authorities found that 46% of products tested on platforms such as Temu, China, and AliExpress are dangerous. The report highlights safety risks associated with goods sold on these major Chinese-linked platforms. More than 100,000 products have been flagged in an alert and must be withdrawn from sale. The report details concrete issues occurring on the ground regarding fraud repression.

Kids Life Wallonie, Brussels Family, and Kids Life Brussels announced intentions to merge into a single organization named Camille by 2027. The merger aims to create a more agile organization.

The European Parliament voted for relaxed regulations regarding chemicals used in cosmetics. The reform aims to close a regulatory gap where no distinction was previously made between cleaning agents and cosmetics. Under the new rules, such substances may only be used if manufacturers prove they are harmless. The European Parliament voted for a proposal from the EU Commission regarding cosmetic product standards. Under the new rules, cosmetic products may contain higher amounts of certain potentially harmful chemicals. The substances in question include those classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction. Manufacturers can apply for exemptions to use substances listed as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction if no alternatives are available. To qualify, companies must demonstrate that the quantity used is not harmful.

The European Union has given the green light for 500 million euros to cover costs associated with the war. The estimate was provided during a discussion regarding defense spending.

Pieter Timmerwans of the VBO stated that inflation calculations do not correctly account for Middle East war-related energy price fluctuations. He noted that current calculations assume variable energy contracts for everyone, ignoring the impact of fixed-price annual contracts.

The European Commission has increased the limit for energy cost subsidies from 50 percent to 70 percent. The relief measures are set to remain in effect until the end of the year. Direct aid of up to 50,000 euros will be made available through simplified processes. New EU regulations allow for up to 70% of extra costs for fertilizers and pesticides to be covered by state aid. Previously, the threshold was set at 50%. European Union Member States may now compensate up to 70% of additional costs incurred from rising fuel and fertilizer prices compared to levels before February 28. A simplified compensation option of up to 50,000 euros per beneficiary has also been introduced. European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera presented solutions for member states to support electricity-intensive companies.

The European Union plans to further implement a joint natural gas procurement system to address energy challenges. This follows two major energy crises in Europe over the last four years. The strategy aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels by developing affordable clean energy, including renewable and nuclear sources. The plan is part of a broader agenda to prioritize energy security across the continent. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe must reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels following two major energy crises in four years. Von der Leyen noted that conflicts could persist for months or years, making energy a top priority for the EU agenda. The transition is intended to mitigate ongoing energy challenges within the region. The initiative is described as a top priority for the EU to mitigate ongoing conflict-related energy risks.