Stories from Belgium

The European Parliament voted for new rules intended to curb illegal wildlife trade. The regulations require dogs and cats to be fitted with microchips for identification purposes. Private pet owners have at least ten years to comply with the new microchipping mandate.

European fishing resources are projected to decrease from over 6 billion to just over 2 billion in the next programming cycle. This represents a 67 percent reduction in funding. The source noted that the numbers leave no room for interpretation.

The nuclear research center in Mol, near Antwerp, will transition to using lower-enriched uranium. This change is intended to prevent potential misuse of the material. The facility is part of the research infrastructure in the Antwerp region.

The UN Commission for Europe announced an online observatory to facilitate goods transport in the Gulf. This initiative responds to increased land traffic caused by the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

TeleNet announced yesterday that it will discontinue its classic telecom bundles. The company's cheapest internet subscription will see an immediate price increase of 20 euros. TeleNet plans to allow customers more freedom to create customized service packages.

Researchers have developed a new DNA testing method that can collect evidence for up to five days. The resulting DNA profiles are described as purer and more accurate for comparison with reference material from male perpetrators or donors.

The European Union has passed new regulations to protect dogs and cats from mistreatment by a decisive majority. The rules mandate the microchipping and registration of animals and prohibit mutilation, specifically banning the cutting of tails and ears. New European Union regulations will mandate labeling requirements for dogs and cats to combat illegal transport from countries including Romania, Hungary, and Poland. Animal dealers and shelters must ensure animals have access to fresh water, quality food, and sufficient space. The regulation also prohibits using animals with extreme breeding traits, such as curly tails or wrinkled necks, for breeding purposes. These rules aim to improve traceability of animal origins.

European Parliament members from the Solidarity movement have nominated journalist Andrzej Poczobut for the European Peace Prize. The announcement was discussed in connection with the award's significance for human rights defenders. The source did not specify the exact date of the ceremony. The European Parliament honored Andrzej Poczobuta with a prestigious freedom award. The award was presented to highlight the situation regarding the Lukashenko regime. The broadcaster noted the prestige of the decoration in the context of current political tensions.

The European Parliament intends to include an active consent principle in a Commission proposal. Additionally, the Parliament seeks to prevent national capitals from having sole authority over the distribution of these EU funds. The plan is being discussed by leaders including Jordan Bardella, chairman of the Patriots faction. The EU Commission has passed a decision to establish a binding definition for rape. The proposal received support from German political parties including the Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Liberals, Greens, and the Left. However, right-wing factions such as Patriots for Europe, ECR, and the AfD voted against the initiative. The European Commission must provide a position on a proposal to establish a uniform EU-wide definition of rape within three months.

Approximately 100 activists and unionists gathered at Place des Deux Chanvre in Brussels to protest pension reform. A national strike organized by the Front Commun Syndical is scheduled for May 12. Belgium's Council of Ministers has approved a pension reform agreement, moving the proposal to the Chamber of Representatives for a plenary session. Pension Minister Jan Jambon described the reform as essential to guarantee the country's financial viability. The measure faces opposition from labor unions, which have held multiple protests in recent months. The announcement comes amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the future of the Volvo plant in Ghent. The Belgian Chamber's Social Affairs Commission has approved a text for pension reform. The federal government's plan includes a penalty for those retiring too early and a bonus for those working beyond the retirement age.