Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The European Commission is demanding that social media platforms enforce their self-set minimum age of 13 years. Pavel Durov criticized the initiative, warning that such solutions could function as tools for digital surveillance. Igor Berezin, president of the Marketers Guild, commented on the European Commission's regulatory actions regarding Meta. The EU Commission Vice President presented a long-awaited app designed for age verification on the internet. The current systems make it too easy for children to navigate these platforms. France, Spain, Denmark, and Austria are already implementing national age limits. Online platforms will be required to implement corresponding verification tools. The Vice President of the European Commission also stated that US-based Meta is not doing enough to protect children or prevent access to problematic content.

Nathalie Grangeant is conducting a research project evaluating the ethical aspects of introducing artificial intelligence into the healthcare sector. The research notes that while AI tools show promise and precision, they are high-tech and can be difficult to integrate into hospitals. Many hospitals currently face challenges with underfunding and staff competency levels required to control such technologies. The study examines how these tools align with the reality of hospital environments. Challenges include an incompatibility between existing hospital infrastructure and new technological requirements. The introduction of these tools raises questions regarding machine responsibility that require collective and political responses. The source noted that many hospitals are currently suffering from underfunding.

Scientists report that renewable energy sources provided almost half of Europe's electricity last year. The growth in renewables is noted as a positive development amidst environmental concerns. The findings are intended to assist in making political decisions regarding energy policy. The report also states that Europe is warming faster than other continents due to climate change. Scientists noted that nature faces increasing stress due to shrinking habitats, rising temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns. Dujan Krenek from the European Union's Directorate-General for Climate Policy provided context on the growing supply of renewable energy. The findings are part of a comprehensive study involving approximately 100 contributors. The report aims to provide actionable insights to support political decision-making.

An European Commission spokesperson told ANSA that member states cannot unilaterally leave the Stability and Growth Pact. The spokesperson explained that the fiscal rules are part of Union law and are binding for all member states. This follows discussions regarding Italy potentially abandoning the pact. These requests were intended to address rising energy costs. The decision follows discussions on using existing flexibility within the pact. European Commission Commissioner Paolo Dombrovskis rejected a request from Italy to relax European budgetary rules. Italy proposed that additional costs incurred from energy measures should be excluded when calculating government debt and budget deficits. The IMF noted that excise tax reductions primarily benefit wealthy Europeans rather than vulnerable households.

A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed a meeting to discuss progress on unblocking 17 billion euros in funds. Of this total, 10 billion euros are from the recovery fund and must be spent by August.

The European Commission issued a preliminary finding accusing Meta of failing to mitigate risks for users under 13 on Facebook and Instagram. This follows a preliminary investigation launched in 2024 into how minors access the platforms. This development marks a new confrontation between the European Union and Meta. Green Party MEP Alexandra Gese provided technical context on the existing control loopholes. Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen previously alleged that platforms possess precise knowledge of users' ages, including month and year. Despite these claims, the Commission notes that children can easily provide false ages without sufficient verification. Users can currently bypass restrictions by entering false birth dates. The Commission noted that reporting a violation requires up to seven clicks and is not automatically completed with user information.

The European Union intends to grant manufacturers more time to remove products from the market after ingredients are tested as harmful. Current regulations include testing substances for skin contact and ingestion, such as in creams.

A study surveyed more than 11,000 students regarding their sports gambling behavior. Researchers looked for profiles and factors that influence these gambling habits. The study found a strong connection between sports participation and specific sports like football and cycling.

Residents in Schaarbeek, Etterbeek, and Sint-Jans-Molenbeek have been complaining about noise pollution for several weeks. The noise is attributed to a new flight approach pattern for Brussels Airport. The source noted that the issue persists even after flights have landed. Unions are reportedly assisting all eligible individuals in filing these appeals. Approximately 5,000 unemployed individuals in Belgium are contesting the removal of their unemployment benefits.

Interbank transfers will be exceptionally blocked this Friday, May 1, due to the closure of the European system. This follows a similar pattern seen during the Easter weekend. The restriction affects all transfers made during this period.