Stories from Belgium

The European manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 52.2 points in April. The report coincided with a session where the FTSE MIB (Piazza Affari) rose by 0.35%. This indicates a continued expansion in the manufacturing sector.

The Criminal Assets Bureau and Europol have seized €30 million in cryptocurrency assets. This action was reported by multiple sources. The operation involved law enforcement agencies from multiple countries. The cryptocurrency was seized in Brussels and The Hague.

The agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries has been provisionally applied as of May 1. The development was reported from Brussels. Further ratification processes are expected. This development follows geopolitical talks held by EU leaders in Cyprus.

The European Digital Identity wallet is scheduled to be launched in 2027. This initiative aims to provide citizens with a secure and unified digital identity across the European Union.

Chris Frantz, co-founder and drummer of the band Talking Heads, will turn 75 this Friday. Frantz also founded Tom Tom Club and contributed to the first Gorillaz record. The announcement was made during a broadcast on VRT Radio 1.

The trial of Paolo Falzone began today at the HNO assizes court. Falzone is accused of driving into a group of revelers during the Strepie-Bracigny carnival four years ago. The incident resulted in seven deaths and dozens of injuries.

European Union governments are divided regarding countermeasures following potential US policy shifts. France is advocating for a hardline approach, with President Macron defending the use of safeguard clauses to protect European interests against Trump administration policies.

The head of the European Commission stated that the deployment of 5,000 German soldiers was a complete surprise to the European Union. The Pentagon stated on Friday that the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers from Germany will be reduced to 1,000.

Sixty-four candidates have applied for the Chapelle program in Waterloo.

A vehicle has driven into a carnival crowd in Belgium. Multiple casualties are reported following the incident. Emergency services are on the scene. The motive behind the act is currently under investigation.