Stories from Brussels · Belgium

The Belgian Cancer Registry projects a increase in cancer diagnoses over the next decade. Julie Franckard, deputy director of the Cancer Registry Foundation, addressed the rising trend. Healthcare expenditures partially reimbursed by INAMI are expected to increase by nearly 11 billion euros between 2025 and 2035. According to forecasts from the Federal Planning Bureau, the most increases will occur in medication costs, followed by physician fees, hospitalizations, and home nursing care. The Federal Planning Bureau attributes these rising costs primarily to the aging population. The report notes that partially reimbursed healthcare expenses are already seeing a strong upward trend. Cancer cases in Belgium are expected to increase by 21 percent between 2023 and 2035. The projected rise prompted discussions regarding necessary responses and preparations.

A Belgian economic mission is expected to include approximately 450 participants, comprising 250 business people, academics, and ministry representatives. The delegation covers five distinct sectors including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, logistics, sustainable and green energy, digital transformation, defense, and aviation. The mission is being organized at a royal level.

European Parliament members are proposing a 10% increase in funding for key European Union programs. The proposal includes allocations for food and energy security, defense, direct payments to farmers, and local development programs. The increase aims to meet existing obligations and address major challenges without requiring additional funds for administration or decentralized agencies. The proposal is being discussed during the current session. The additional spending will be subject to strict monitoring to ensure fiscal discipline. Flexibility in these funds will be granted exclusively for the specific expenditure items requested. This measure aims to prevent member states from deviating from their public account correction paths.

The average age of the approximately 100 active nuclear reactors in the European Union is 40 years. Countries such as France are planning to extend reactor lifespans to 50 or 60 years. There are concerns that new strategies to promote nuclear energy could face rising operating costs for older reactors. Debates regarding the long-term success of these strategies are ongoing.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is advocating for 200 million euros in support for energy independence through nuclear power. Currently, only 12 of the 27 EU member states operate active nuclear power plants. Countries including Poland and Estonia are reportedly evaluating the adoption of small modular reactors for future energy needs. European Union officials are engaged in intense debates regarding the role of nuclear energy 40 years after the Chernobyl disaster. Green EU MEP Jutta Paulus noted that despite previous assumptions that nuclear power was too expensive and uninsurable, debates are currently running at full speed. The discussion centers on whether nuclear technology remains a viable component of the energy mix. The average age of approximately 100 active reactors is a central point of the ongoing political discourse.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) plans to invest 6 billion euros into a production alliance for drones in Ukraine by the end of 2025. According to the report, 45 billion euros will be available in 2026 and the remaining 45 billion euros will be distributed in 2027. The funding is intended to address Ukraine's solvency and economic needs during the conflict. The first tranche of this loan is expected to be paid out in the next quarter. The source noted the situation remains uncertain regarding broader EU-Ukraine relations. The European Commission will pay Ukraine approximately 6 billion euros in the current quarter. This payment is part of a 90 billion euro loan agreement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen provided the update regarding the funds.

A new phenomenon dubbed 'Hubbersheet' or 'Hubberspeed' uses social media platforms to facilitate rapid narcotics delivery. The delivery model relies on specific codes to coordinate the transactions. Criminal organizations are using social media to recruit drug delivery personnel through highly organized logistics and call centers. Investigators found that traffickers recruit via social media and even approach food delivery drivers to use their apps as cover for illegal transactions. One individual reported potential earnings of 3,000 to 7,000 euros in a week and a half due to the invisibility of the delivery method. The operation functions with a clear hierarchy, including dispatchers and couriers. The use of delivery bags provided invisibility to avoid police controls.

China reports that the United States is attempting to establish a US-led structure within NATO where European members must offer unconditional obedience.

A NATO official stated that the NATO treaty does not contain provisions for suspending the membership status of member states. Military expert Song Xiaojun characterized recent U.S. rhetoric regarding membership as a threat rather than a formal legal mechanism. The expert suggested the U.S. is using the concept of expulsion to draw a red line for members like Spain. This follows recent discussions regarding potential consequences for member states' actions. Discussions also touched upon why the United Kingdom might be included in potential penalty lists.

High-value racing pigeons have been targeted in a series of thefts across Europe. A raid was conducted in a Brussels suburb in March 2025 following these developments. Fanciers are increasingly using DNA genetic libraries to prove parentage and protect against theft. Police in a Brussels suburb are using DNA testing to identify birds recovered from a March 2025 raid. Genetic analysis has successfully identified 20 of the recovered pigeons. Ruben Landkreet provided the DNA analysis used to link the birds to their owners. Belgian federal police used DNA analysis to identify 20 recovered pigeons following a series of robberies. A raid in March 2025 recovered 27 pigeons, though the original identity rings were missing. Genetic testing helped confirm the identity of two grandchildren of a bird named Finn. The pattern of abductions has been noted by local reports.