Stories from Brussels · Belgium

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.

A delegation from the Taliban is expected to visit to discuss matters with the European Commission. The meeting follows concerns regarding the authoritarian regime and potential human rights violations. Observers noted that individuals returned to the country face risks of torture or the death penalty. The specific details of the upcoming discussions remain pending. The news has reportedly caused concern among some European members of parliament.

European Commissioner Magnus Brugner has been officially summoned to appear before the Parliament. The summons follows an initiative by 20 governments, led by Migration Minister Mme Van Bossoy of the NVA.

The commercial portion of a trade agreement with Mercosur countries will enter into force on May 1. Consumers in Brazil are expected to see gradual changes in pricing for products such as wines, cheeses, olive oils, and chocolates from the European Union. The transition to these new tariff structures is described as gradual for the Brazilian consumer. The commission calculates this will increase exports by up to 40% in the coming years. The agreement establishes annual limits on the entry of sensitive products, such as beef, and includes safeguard clauses. The agreement removes customs duties on more than 90 percent of products from the South American trade bloc. Polish beef producers have expressed concerns that the deal will lead to an influx of low-quality, cheap food into Poland.