Stories from Brussels · Belgium

On May 8, the European Commission issued guidance allowing European airlines to use US-standard aviation fuel to alleviate supply tension in Europe.

Employers in Belgium may increase mileage reimbursement from 23 to 25 cents per kilometer, according to ANP. This potential increase is attributed to significantly risen gasoline prices due to the Middle East conflict.

The European Commission has allowed an entity to withdraw from a project based on human rights violations. This decision sets a precedent, leading many other universities to attempt similar withdrawals.

A cross-party alliance of EU parliamentarians has called for a rapid expansion of European defense capabilities.

School directors in Belgium are reportedly experiencing stress over a new education policy requiring all classes of a certain grade to receive religious education simultaneously.

A board meeting is scheduled to proceed as planned despite practical and technical objections. The primary demand of an ongoing action is a total academic boycott.

Waddefoel is calling for an end to the unanimity principle, particularly in foreign and security policy, to overcome decision-making delays. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also criticized the current system, stating that a qualified majority should be adopted in some areas, such as foreign policy. Delays have occurred in recent years, including with sanctions packages against Russia. The European Union's unanimity principle is currently under discussion. Jean-Marie Magro reported on these discussions. Gozzi has advocated for years to abolish unanimity, stating that the veto has become a tool for blackmail by individual states. He believes the veto should only be used as a last resort for very national interests.

The European food supply chain is urging the European Union to recognize the strategic nature of food production and distribution. This request comes as prices are constantly rising, severely impacting vulnerable households.

A new European migration pact is set to enter into force next month, in June 2026. This pact modifies the former Dublin regime, establishing that every asylum request must be examined regardless of the applicant's entry status.

The freezing of assets is creating an automatic barrier for middle-class representatives, according to a source. There are no specified processing times or guarantees for individuals to access their funds.