Stories from Belgium

One quarter of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in Brussels are currently out of service. These cameras are used to monitor the city and the low emission zone by scanning and recording license plates. The outage is occurring alongside highly regulated exercises scheduled to continue until Thursday. The source stated these exercises pose no danger to the population. The outage affects the region's ability to enforce these environmental regulations. The cameras are intended to monitor vehicle compliance within the zone. The source noted that while the cameras are currently operational in some capacities, the specific status of the monitoring network is under scrutiny. No specific timeline for repairs was provided.

More than 200 combatant graves were desecrated in the Braine-l'Alleud cemetery. Metal thieves stole lead commemorative plaques that displayed the names of the deceased. The local municipality is considering replacing lead plaques with plastic versions to prevent future vandalism. Relatives of the deceased are reported to be in shock.

A working group was discreetly established in January to address concerns regarding the automotive sector. The group follows closures of Renault plants in Villefort and Ford plants in Gaines. There are fears that Volvo may lose electric model production to a factory in Slovakia. The initiative aims to protect the country's remaining automotive manufacturing capacity.

A rating agency has issued an alert regarding Belgium's public debt, warning that current fiscal measures may be insufficient to maintain credibility. The agency's findings were reported in the evening news. The report suggests the country's debt is drifting due to these budgetary concerns. The report was highlighted by the news agency Extamdar Zenpours.

Europe is pursuing industrial policies to protect its manufacturing base and prevent erosion. This movement follows a global shift toward industrial policy models used by the United States. The tension in global trade has shifted from export volumes to the establishment of regulatory rules. China's model of low cost and expansion is being countered by European efforts to secure geopolitical and industrial interests.

European Union efforts are focused on reshoring strategic value chains in sectors including electric vehicles and clean energy. This move aims to support bloc industries against competition from China. The proposal is linked to the Net-Zero Industry Act, reflecting a trend toward domestic production to counter Chinese industrial dominance. China has threatened to take countermeasures if such measures are enacted. The dispute between China and Europe is described as an open conflict over production rules. This move follows Chinese perceptions that the European Union is adopting an industrial policy model similar to the United States' extensive support programs. The shift aims to protect Europe's industrial base and prevent erosion amidst geopolitical competition. The tension has shifted from export competition to the establishment of global regulatory rules.

Researchers from UZ and KU Leuven have developed a new DNA test. The test is capable of identifying evidence even when minimal biological material is present. The development was described as an international first. The development aims to improve the identification of unknown offenders. The technique allows for easier separation of victim cells from perpetrator sperm cells. This method remains effective even when minimal traces are present. Perpetrator DNA can now be established within two days, and the window for testing has been extended to five days. Researchers from the University of Leuven and a local hospital have developed a new DNA testing technique to better identify perpetrators of sexual violence. The technique involves using fluorescent colors on samples to enhance results, according to the source.

Brussels is discussing measures to prevent illegal animal trade and animal cruelty. The regulation seeks to enable authorities to trace the origin of animals. The regulation also mandates that traders and animal shelters maintain animals under good conditions, including access to fresh water and sufficient space. Additionally, the proposal bans the breeding of animals with extreme physical traits such as curly tails or wrinkled necks. The source did not specify a deadline for implementation. A majority of EU member states must approve the mandate. In Switzerland, dogs are already required to be microchipped, but the parliament rejected mandatory microchipping for cats one year ago. Currently, such requirements vary by country, such as in Slovakia where breeders and owners face fines for non-compliance.

A concrete slab requires replacement in the tunnel under Place Bara in Brussels. Repairs to the deteriorated slab are expected to last for one year. The work affects tram lines 4 and 10. An accident was also reported on the E313 highway near Hill Est heading towards Leuven. The source noted that the repairs are necessary.

A survey by the Vlaamse Scholierenkoepel reveals 30% of Flemish high school students use artificial intelligence multiple times per week. An additional 20% of students report using AI on a daily basis. Students primarily utilize the technology to request explanations, seek inspiration, generate summaries, or test their knowledge. The findings highlight increasing integration of AI tools in regional educational settings.