Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The European Commission can immediately act to declare US embargo laws against Cuba illegal. This action would target legislation that penalizes European companies for trading with countries under US sanctions. The move could be executed rapidly following the adoption of a resolution. The source argues that the EU must not be constrained by US extraterritorial legislation or the US dollar. This move is described as a strong political signal to be presented to the Assembly. The resolution aims to address the impact of US legislation on European sovereignty.

The European Commission is scheduled to examine a new bill tomorrow aimed at implementing retaliatory measures against the United States. The legislation seeks to allow the European Union to apply countermeasures to avoid complying with certain American laws. The proposal will move from the Commission of European Affairs to the National Assembly before potentially reaching the European Commission. The source noted that rapid action is required to avoid assuming the costs of US policies. The European Commission may move to declare US embargo laws against Cuba illegal. This action could involve decreeing laws that penalize European companies for trading with countries under US sanctions. The source stated that the Commission can act immediately to counter US extraterritorial legislation and the use of the dollar to impose laws on the rest of the world.

The European Union and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 28, 2026. The agreement establishes a critical minerals partnership between the two entities.

Federal Minister of Consumer Protection Rob Beenders has launched an investigation into new rates from telecom operator TeleNet. The operator is increasing its cheapest internet subscription by 20 euros. Beenders aims to determine if TeleNet can justify the price hike. The investigation follows reports that customers may face higher costs overnight.

Demand for Nazi-era art has risen following the re-election of Donald Trump. A gallery located in Benelux operates both online and physically to supply this art. One collector, who requested anonymity, noted that finding insurers for Nazi-era collections is difficult. One gallery owner, who requested anonymity, noted that his collection of Nazi art cannot find an insurer. The gallery is identified as German Art Gallery.

Bogdan Rządza stated that the European Union budget must remain an investment tool rather than a mechanism for uncontrolled growth in spending and competencies. The European Commission has proposed a new EU budget totaling 2 trillion euros. Member states are currently working on the proposal within the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament.

Her partner was also prosecuted and received a 12-year sentence. The partner is currently being held in Arlon. The convictions stem from the abuse of several minors at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Brussels. The investigation began in 2024 following disturbing reports regarding messages shared on a social network. These messages allegedly detailed sexual acts involving minors. The perpetrator targeted young people by providing gifts and taking them to amusement parks. A psychiatrist warned of a high risk of recidivism, resulting in an additional five years of mandatory supervision following his sentence. During her initial police hearing, the woman admitted to possessing certain images. She claimed she was acting under the coercion of her former partner, but the court rejected this explanation.

A plan presented in March 2025 allows countries under excessive deficit procedures to divert up to 1.5% of GDP toward defense infrastructure, equipment, personnel, and training. This mechanism is designed to operate over a four-year horizon starting in 2025. The measure aims to prevent countries in deficit procedures from facing further corrective actions by allowing these specific structural budget allocations. The plan covers spending through 2030. The European Union has proposed a mechanism allowing countries in excessive deficit procedures to deviate from net spending targets. This activation aims to prevent countries from entering certain deficit procedures by reallocating funds to defense needs.

The European Commission is monitoring Google's AI product integration, which currently primarily allows Android users to access certain services. The regulatory focus remains on maintaining fair competition and user choice in the AI sector. The EU Commission's focus includes protecting user privacy and security against market dominance. The European Commission is requiring Google to grant third-party AI services access to Android functions currently used by Gemini. Regulators aim to ensure competitors have the same capabilities as Gemini, such as access to functions within applications. Brussels stated this move is necessary to ensure fair competition in the AI services market. Google faces potential multi-billion euro fines for advertising-related market distortions. Apple is under scrutiny for platform restrictions, while TikTok is being monitored regarding protections for young users.

The Flemish government entered an agreement with the company 3M in July 2022 to address environmental issues. The settlement includes 571 million euros, with 250 million euros specifically allocated for soil decontamination. Reports suggest the Flemish government may have been aware of the situation since at least 2017 but initially suppressed the matter. The scandal was originally revealed by the Flemish press in 2021. Noëlle suggested the settlement amount may not be sufficient to cover the actual costs.