Stories from Belgium

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.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that CO2 emissions have decreased by 39% since the introduction of the EU emissions trading system in 2005. The system is designed to provide an economic advantage to companies that produce little to no CO2 compared to competitors using fossil fuels. The emissions trading scheme has been in operation for over 20 years. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed a need to discuss the established system following recent criticism. Markets reacted to these discussions within 24 hours, according to Linda Kalker of the Brussels-based think tank Strategic Perspectives. This mechanism is being viewed as a way to make climate protection economically viable. The report notes that while US President Trump denies climate change, other regions are utilizing such systems.

The Expert Commission on Artificial Intelligence has recommended increased financial support for AI development within the European Union. The commission proposed the creation of a state fund totaling 300 million euros. This recommendation aims to bolster the EU's position in the AI sector. The proposal also includes calls to reduce bureaucratic hurdles within the European Union. The Commission was commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs last autumn.

A rally car crashed into a tree during an event. The driver and navigator reportedly escaped the accident without injuries. The specific dynamics of the accident are currently unknown.

The European Parliament has called on the Commission to launch a legislative initiative to protect women from sexualized violence and rape across the European Union. The European Parliament has passed a resolution requiring microchipping for dogs and cats. Senator Giulia Bongiorno, the rapporteur for the sexual violence bill, stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera that the European Parliament's pronouncement serves as an indication to proceed. The resolution follows recent incidents involving non-consensual sexual contact. The move aims to establish shared standards across the community. The European Parliament adopted a resolution requesting effective and strong sanctions for crimes of harassment and sexual violence. No specific implementation dates or enforcement mechanisms were detailed in the report. The decision aims to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from harmful practices.

Unions and several federations are calling on Yves Copiters, the Minister for Health and Social Economy, for urgent measures regarding rising fuel prices. The groups are requesting full funding for all kilometers traveled by family assistants and social domestic workers. Minister Copiters previously stated he was prepared to implement targeted and temporary exceptional measures to assist Walloon non-market sector operators facing federal mandates. These measures aim to support workers amidst rising costs. The Socialist Trade Union (ABVV) is calling for the reversal of government measures that limit unemployment benefits to two years. Since January 1, 86,000 long-term unemployed individuals have lost their benefits due to this decision. ABVV representative Rofte Weerd stated the union hopes to achieve a full rollback of these restrictions.

The European Commission can immediately act to declare US embargo laws against Cuba illegal. This action would target legislation that penalizes European companies for trading with countries under US sanctions. The move could be executed rapidly following the adoption of a resolution. The source argues that the EU must not be constrained by US extraterritorial legislation or the US dollar. This move is described as a strong political signal to be presented to the Assembly. The resolution aims to address the impact of US legislation on European sovereignty.

The European Commission is scheduled to examine a new bill tomorrow aimed at implementing retaliatory measures against the United States. The legislation seeks to allow the European Union to apply countermeasures to avoid complying with certain American laws. The proposal will move from the Commission of European Affairs to the National Assembly before potentially reaching the European Commission. The source noted that rapid action is required to avoid assuming the costs of US policies. The European Commission may move to declare US embargo laws against Cuba illegal. This action could involve decreeing laws that penalize European companies for trading with countries under US sanctions. The source stated that the Commission can act immediately to counter US extraterritorial legislation and the use of the dollar to impose laws on the rest of the world.

The European Union and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 28, 2026. The agreement establishes a critical minerals partnership between the two entities.