Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The Belgian federal government plans to gradually eliminate the divorced spouse pension and the self-employed pension, while also reforming the survivor's pension. The government views these mechanisms as an 'employment trap' that discourages beneficiaries from seeking work.

The European Commission has initiated a measure to extend the period during which a specific pesticide can remain on the market and be sold. This extension is occurring despite the pesticide's acknowledged harmfulness.

An ad-hoc mission by the European Union or an EU partner took place last week. This mission focused on the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Iraq, Israel, and the USA.

European Union member states are facing additional complications in executing an investment arbitration decision.

A play, associated with Romain Canard and set in 2026, is inspired by an 80s M6 show. The production involves the audience choosing between 3-4 suspects. It is described as 'nicely messy' and relies heavily on the public's active observation.

The internationally successful interactive play 'Dernier coup de ciseaux' is returning to Brussels. It will transform the stage of the Théâtre de la Toison d'Or into a live Cluedo-style experience, with each performance becoming a unique story.

Member states of the European Union could agree on sanction measures through the use of so-called passerelle clauses. A source indicated that unanimous voting is required for sanctions, a detail relevant to discussions on EU member states agreeing on sanctions via passerelle clauses.

A huge hard confrontation occurred in the parliament, according to the source. During this confrontation, there was a call for the president to resign. The president responded by stating that the homeland still exists.

The nominees for the Brusselse Prijs 2026, an award recognizing the best journalistic book of the past year, have been presented. The radio program will feature weekly interviews with the nominees in the lead-up to the award ceremony.

Belgian football club Union Saint-Gilloise is reportedly under pressure, according to a radio broadcast.