Stories from Belgium

A NATO official stated that the NATO treaty does not contain provisions for suspending the membership status of member states. Military expert Song Xiaojun characterized recent U.S. rhetoric regarding membership as a threat rather than a formal legal mechanism. The expert suggested the U.S. is using the concept of expulsion to draw a red line for members like Spain. This follows recent discussions regarding potential consequences for member states' actions. Discussions also touched upon why the United Kingdom might be included in potential penalty lists.

High-value racing pigeons have been targeted in a series of thefts across Europe. A raid was conducted in a Brussels suburb in March 2025 following these developments. Fanciers are increasingly using DNA genetic libraries to prove parentage and protect against theft. Police in a Brussels suburb are using DNA testing to identify birds recovered from a March 2025 raid. Genetic analysis has successfully identified 20 of the recovered pigeons. Ruben Landkreet provided the DNA analysis used to link the birds to their owners. Belgian federal police used DNA analysis to identify 20 recovered pigeons following a series of robberies. A raid in March 2025 recovered 27 pigeons, though the original identity rings were missing. Genetic testing helped confirm the identity of two grandchildren of a bird named Finn. The pattern of abductions has been noted by local reports.

China's Ministry of Commerce submitted formal comments to the European Commission regarding the EU Industrial Accelerator Act on April 24. China's submission specifically cites concerns regarding intellectual property agreements and potential discrimination against Chinese investors under new subsidy rules. Beijing expressed concerns that the act includes discriminatory requirements for foreign investors and local content mandates. The Chinese government also flagged potential forced technology and intellectual property transfer requirements. China warned that these measures could impact investment expectations and hinder the EU's green transition process. Beijing suggests the European Union remove requirements that mandate local content, forced technology transfers, and intellectual property transfers.

The energy crisis triggered by ongoing conflict is costing Europe approximately $600 million USD every day. The European Commission has presented the Accelerate EU plan to address the energy crisis. The framework utilizes energy vouchers to support sectors most exposed to price volatility. It also aims to reduce electricity taxes for vulnerable households. Brussels announced an additional plan for next May to reduce fiscal pressure on energy-intensive industries and fragile households. European Commissioner for Energy Danjorgensen stated that the war's cost is approximately 500 million euros per day. The impact of the conflict extends beyond travelers and airports, potentially keeping energy prices high for months or years. According to Kepler estimates, even if the strait is opened tomorrow, supply returns to normal levels may not occur until at least July.

The European Commission is evolving its position on age restrictions for social media users. The European Commission has assessed that age verification controls on Instagram and Facebook are currently insufficient. While the platforms maintain a minimum age requirement of 13 years, users are permitted to self-report their birthdates. The Commission indicated it could impose fines if these measures are deemed inadequate. The Bundestag is still required to vote on related regulatory changes in Germany. The Commission may use specific data to exert pressure on these platforms, according to a Brussels correspondent. Potential fines for non-compliance could reach up to 6% of the company's global annual turnover. Analysts suggest a solution may be emerging through the use of specific apps designed for more secure age verification. The investigation remains ongoing as of today.

Workers at a Takeda facility in Lessines are currently on sick leave, resulting in staff absences. The situation involves weekend workers not being at their posts.

The European Commission is reviewing whether Serbia meets necessary conditions to access funds from the €6 billion Western Balkans growth initiative. Officials expressed concern regarding the current situation in Serbia. The Commission is currently evaluating if the state satisfies the requirements to obtain these financial resources. The Serbian government is utilizing strategic reform documents adopted in October 2024 to access funds from the EU Growth Plan. Serbia is actively pursuing these funds by implementing a strategic reform agenda adopted in October 2024 to facilitate EU accession. Serbia has already received approximately 110 million euros in pre-financing from the EU Growth Plan. The European Commission transferred 51.7 million euros in the first half of 2025 as a concessional loan. Denial of further funds would represent a loss for the country.

Ethiopian cyclist Tigist Assefa won the Liege-Bastogne-Liege race with a time of 2h 15m 41s. Her winning time was nine minutes faster than the previous record set during her victory in the UK capital last year. French cyclist Paul Sextas finished immediately behind Tadej Pogacar in the race.

In a volleyball match, the fourth set between Bevere and Roeselare is tied at 21-21 after 1 hour and 50 minutes of play. Roeselare's coach requested a challenge, but play continued with the score at 18-19. Roeselare is now one point away from winning the set at 23-24, which would force a fifth set.

Cyclist Demi Vollering secured her 62nd career victory by winning the women's race in Liège. Demi Vollering won the race in London, finishing with a lead of over one minute. She has demonstrated recent form with victories in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Ronde van Vlaanderen, and La Flèche Wallonne. She won the event following a solo breakaway lasting over 34 kilometers. Puck Pieters finished the race in second place. This victory follows recent wins for Vollering in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and La Ronde de Wallonie. Slovenian cyclist Demi Vollering secured his fourth victory in Liège by riding as a soloist. Vollering overcame a four-minute deficit against a leading group including Remco Evenepoel during the Ardennes segment. He launched a decisive attack 35 km from the finish line, eventually outpacing 19-year-old Frenchman Paul Sexxas.