Brussels

The European Union has launched a call for tenders to build seven AI gigafactories—three large and four smaller—with €5-10 billion in EU funding, part of a total €30 billion public-private investment. Announced on July 30, 2026, by Commissioner Henna Virkkunen, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign tech (notably Nvidia chips) and comply with the EU AI Act. Eighteen EU countries have expressed interest, with construction expected to start in 2027 and full completion by 2032.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 8, 03:15 AM UTC

On July 26, 2026, Union Saint-Gilloise striker Mohammed Fuseini, 24, was violently robbed by five masked individuals in Brussels. The attackers dragged him from his car, used a chokehold, and stole his Rolex watch (€8,000–14,000), phone, and wallet. A teammate’s video helped police arrest one suspect, charged with gang-related robbery. Fuseini was hospitalized but unharmed and returned to training the next day. Two similar robberies occurred in the same area that day.

5 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 30, 07:57 AM UTC

Mohammed Fuseini, a striker for Belgian first division club Saint-Gilloise, was brutally attacked by five men in Brussels after a club visit. The assailants dragged him out of his car during the incident, which was reported by Bild Sport on July 30, 2026. The attack highlights security concerns for professional athletes in urban settings. No further details on injuries or arrests were provided in the brief report.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 06:28 AM UTC

RC Lens goalkeeper Hervé Koffi is set to be loaned to Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise for the 2026 season, marking his fourth stint in Belgium. The 29-year-old Burkinabe international, who was blocked at Lens after returning from a successful loan at Angers, is expected in Brussels on Thursday. Union Saint-Gilloise is seeking a replacement for their number one goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, who recently left for Ipswich Town. Koffi, who appeared in a friendly against Crystal Palace on Tuesday, could be available for Union's Champions League third preliminary round matches against Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt on August 4 and 11. The loan is for one season.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 09:22 PM UTC

Philippe Musquar, a French national, has been selected to head the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations (APPF) in Brussels, starting September 2026. The appointment, made by secretaries-general of the European Commission, Parliament, and Council, has drawn criticism from several EU member states due to its opaque process and Musquar's perceived closeness to the French conservative Les Républicains party. France, Spain, Portugal, and the Czech Republic abstained from the vote, but their objections were insufficient to block the appointment. The APPF, which oversees European parties' compliance with EU values and financial transparency, has operated largely in the shadows since its creation a decade ago. The outgoing head is also Frenchman Pascal Schonard.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 06:27 PM UTC

Philippe Musquar, a French national, has been selected to head the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations (APPF), a little-known EU body that oversees party financing and adherence to EU values. The appointment, decided by secretaries-general of EU institutions, faced criticism for its lack of transparency. France, along with Spain, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, abstained from the validation vote, though this did not block the process. Musquar's closeness to the Les Républicains party and the opaque procedure have caused embarrassment for Paris. The appointment is set to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 06:27 PM UTC

Philippe Musquar, a French national, has been selected to head the Authority for European Political Parties and European Political Foundations (APPF) in Brussels, taking over from fellow Frenchman Pascal Schonard in September 2026. The appointment, decided by the secretaries-general of the European Commission, Parliament, and Council, has drawn criticism from several member states due to its opaque nomination process and Musquar's perceived closeness to the French conservative Les Républicains party. France itself abstained from the vote at the last minute, along with Spain, Portugal, and the Czech Republic. Despite these abstentions, the procedure was not blocked, and the appointment will soon be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The APPF, which oversees European parties' compliance with EU values and financial transparency, has operated largely in the shadows since its creation a decade ago.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 06:27 PM UTC

On July 25, 1966, the worst bus accident in Germany up to that time occurred near Limburg an der Lahn. A tour bus carrying a Belgian youth group returning from a holiday in Austria to Brussels crashed through a highway bridge railing and plunged 15 meters onto a country road, landing on its roof. 33 people died, including 28 children and five adults. The driver was among the dead. Eyewitness Fausto Montero, a Spanish guest worker, described the horrific scene: the bus was crushed flat, blood dripped from the wreck, and he heard a child's faint whimpering. Many children lacked identification, causing agonizing delays for parents at Brussels police headquarters. The wreck was towed to Limburg police yard, and the bodies were laid out in a local school gymnasium. King Baudouin of Belgium sent a wreath.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:33 AM UTC

On July 2, 2026, the European Court of Justice dismissed Google’s final appeal, upholding a €4.34 billion (approx. $4.7 billion) antitrust fine originally imposed by the European Commission in 2018. The penalty was for Google forcing Android phone manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome, abusing its dominant market position. The ruling ends an eight-year legal battle, reinforcing the EU’s crackdown on Big Tech and potentially encouraging further regulatory actions and private damages claims.

29 reports · 11 sources · Updated Jul 24, 03:16 AM UTC

The European Commission fined Google €890 million for two breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), including self-preferencing in search results and restricting third-party app developers on Google Play. This is the largest DMA penalty to date, though critics argue it is too lenient. Google has 60 days to comply or face daily penalties. The EU faces political pressure from the Trump administration not to sanction US tech companies.

14 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:06 PM UTC

This article from The Hindu archives, dated July 23, 1976, reports on the ongoing efforts by the nine Common Market countries to create a uniform European passport. Foreign ministers struggled with contentious issues including the passport's colour (a delicate shade of lilac was favored but disliked by the British), symbols (objected to by France and Germany), cover design, and language. These disputes highlighted the challenges of European unity. Separately, government heads agreed to create the first popularly elected European Parliament, replacing the current appointed body with limited power. To promote unity, 106 young women were hired to distribute leaflets at border crossings extolling Common Market achievements since 1958.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:47 PM UTC

The Slovenian government, led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, blocked former foreign minister Tanja Fajon from becoming the EU's special representative for the Sahel region. Fajon, a social democrat, was the front-runner but was denied the post after Slovenia's new foreign minister, Tone Kajzer, raised procedural objections and formally opposed her candidacy. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas then withdrew Fajon's nomination and approved the second-ranked candidate, Danish diplomat Birgitte Nygaard Markussen. The move is seen as a power play by the European People's Party (EPP), which supported Janša's right-wing government. Critics, including Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar and MEP Matjaž Nemec, called it a loss for Slovenia and questioned the EPP's commitment to democratic values. Fajon accused Ljubljana of lobbying against her and discrediting her personally. The incident follows Janša's earlier failed attempt to block Slovenia's EU commissioner nomination.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:08 PM UTC

The Slovenian government has blocked former foreign minister Tanja Fajon from taking a senior EU diplomatic post as special representative for the Sahel, with the role going to Danish diplomat Birgitte Nygaard Markussen. Fajon, a social democrat, was the front-runner but faced a sustained campaign against her by Slovenia's right-wing government led by Janez Janša. Foreign minister Tone Kajzer raised procedural concerns, leading EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to withdraw Fajon's candidacy. The move is seen as a power play by the European People's Party (EPP), the dominant EU political force. Slovenia's president Nataša Pirc Musar called it a major defeat for the country, while Fajon said Ljubljana lobbied against her and sought to discredit her personally. The controversy highlights tensions between domestic politics and EU appointments, with critics accusing the EPP of tolerating Janša's confrontational style.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:08 PM UTC

Serbian Minister Snežana Paunović sparked outrage by stating she would have 'ethnically cleansed' Kosovo in 1998 if she had been Slobodan Milošević. The Kosovo interior minister declared her permanently unwelcome. Paunović later clarified she meant expelling non-loyal citizens and 'eliminating' KLA members, not killing all Albanians. The article notes that despite EU efforts, Serbia-Kosovo relations are at an impasse, and experts argue Belgrade never abandoned Milošević-era narratives but merely softened its rhetoric for Brussels. The 1998-1999 war killed over 13,000 people, mostly Kosovo Albanians.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:06 PM UTC

The European Commission is planning a major overhaul of public procurement rules, proposing that public authorities prioritize goods and services 'Made in Europe' over the cheapest bidder. A draft of the 'Public Procurement Act,' obtained by taz, outlines measures to reject bids with less than 50% European value-added and apply a European preference in strategic sectors like steel, cement, and electric vehicles. The move aims to counter low-cost providers from China and reduce dependence on the US. The Commission also seeks to centralize oversight by replacing three non-binding directives with a single EU regulation, creating a 'digital marketplace' for tenders. This would give Brussels control over a market worth 2.5 trillion euros annually (15% of EU economic output). The proposal has drawn criticism from Green MEP Anna Cavazzini for lacking mandatory climate and social standards, and it faces potential opposition in the Council of Ministers over the shift of power from member states to Brussels.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:27 PM UTC

Chinese automakers, including BYD and Chery, have captured a record 34% share of plug-in hybrid vehicle deliveries in Europe as of June 2026. This surge in sales is driven by a strategic push to increase market presence ahead of potential additional tariffs by the European Union on Chinese-made electric vehicles. The article, published by The Business Times Singapore on July 22, 2026, highlights the rapid growth of Chinese brands in the European automotive market, particularly in the plug-in hybrid segment, as they seek to establish a foothold before trade barriers potentially increase.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:17 AM UTC

In an interview with WELT, Monika Hohlmeier, a powerful CSU member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee, calls for a fundamental shift in Brussels' approach. She criticizes the 'overweight influence of left-green NGO networks' and argues that the EU Commission, under Ursula von der Leyen, has not gone far enough or fast enough in reducing bureaucracy. Hohlmeier advocates for less micromanagement and more trust in the social market economy, citing examples like EU funding rules for electric cars that favor specific models. She also makes a provocative demand regarding Europe's coronavirus aid, though the full details of that demand are not fully elaborated in the provided excerpt. Hohlmeier acknowledges von der Leyen's power-oriented leadership but calls for more respect towards Parliament and real-world circumstances.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:10 AM UTC

In an interview with WELT, Monika Hohlmeier, a powerful CSU member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee, criticizes the European Commission's pace of bureaucratic reform under Ursula von der Leyen. Hohlmeier argues that the Commission has regulated too heavily for decades, particularly under the previous left-green influence of Frans Timmermans, and calls for a fundamental shift toward less regulation and more trust in the social market economy. She specifically criticizes micromanagement in areas like tree planting and electric car subsidies, citing a rule that limits EU funding to cars under 4.20 meters, which matches the Renault Mégane E-Tech. Hohlmeier also makes a provocative demand regarding Europe's coronavirus aid, warning that the fraud, abuse, and corruption seen so far are 'just the tip of the iceberg.' She urges Brussels to become more capable of action and less 'dependent and sanctimonious.' The interview highlights tensions between the Commission and Parliament over leadership style and policy direction.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:10 AM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) has appointed Boris Kisselevsky as Director General Secretariat, effective 1 November 2026. Kisselevsky, currently Head of the ECB Representative Office in Brussels, will oversee the strategic direction of the Directorate General Secretariat and manage its three divisions. He will represent the ECB on internal and external committees and at high-level forums. He succeeds Petra Senkovic, who becomes Director General Legal Services. Kisselevsky, a French national, joined the ECB in 1998 as an economist and has held roles including Deputy Head of the Press and Information Division and the Outreach Division. He also served as Financial Counsellor at the French Treasury and worked at the Banque de France. He holds master's degrees in law, economics, and business administration.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:00 PM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) has appointed Boris Kisselevsky as Director General Secretariat, effective 1 November 2026. Kisselevsky, currently Head of the ECB Representative Office in Brussels, will oversee the strategic direction of the Directorate General Secretariat and manage its three divisions. He succeeds Petra Senkovic, who becomes Director General Legal Services. Kisselevsky, a French national, joined the ECB in 1998 as an economist and has held various roles including secondments to the IMF and Central Bank of Russia, management positions in media relations, and service as Financial Counsellor at the French Treasury. He holds master's degrees in law, economics, and business administration. The Directorate General Secretariat is responsible for steering decision-making, fostering collaboration, and ensuring good governance at the ECB.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:00 PM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) has appointed Boris Kisselevsky as Director General of its Secretariat, effective 1 November 2026. Kisselevsky, currently Head of the ECB Representative Office in Brussels, will oversee the strategic direction of the Directorate General Secretariat and manage its three divisions. He will also represent the ECB on internal and external committees and at high-level forums. He succeeds Petra Senkovic, who will become Director General Legal Services. Kisselevsky, a French national, joined the ECB in 1998 as an economist and has held various roles including secondments to the IMF and the Central Bank of Russia, management positions in media relations, and a stint as Financial Counsellor at the French Treasury. He holds master's degrees in law, economics, and business administration.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:00 PM UTC

The European Commission has pushed back against claims that its proposed electrification target for 2040 lacks ambition, insisting that a 46% electrification rate by that year is both realistic and achievable. The denial comes amid criticism from industry groups and some member states who argue the target is too low to meet climate goals. The Commission maintains the figure is based on thorough analysis and aligns with the EU's broader decarbonization strategy. The debate highlights tensions between ambition and feasibility in the bloc's energy transition plans.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:54 AM UTC

FC Bayern Munich released a promotional video for their new white away kit for the 2026/27 season, which has been widely celebrated online, particularly by younger fans. The video features head coach Vincent Kompany discussing the team's 'Mia san mia' aura and energy. In a humorous twist, Kompany is joined by his personal assistant and childhood friend, Rodyse Munienge, who wears the kit with the number 100 and the inscription 'Mr. Aura.' Munienge, who grew up with Kompany in Brussels and has followed him to multiple clubs, has achieved cult status among Bayern fans for his laid-back demeanor. The kit itself is a retro design reminiscent of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:43 AM UTC

The EU Council has agreed on a negotiating position for the 2028-2034 multi-annual financial framework (MFF) that shifts border and internal security funding from centralized EU regulations to national plans. This move, announced on July 15, 2026, aims to speed up implementation of the EU pact on migration and asylum, improve border management, visa processing, and address internal security threats. Member states will prepare their own reform plans for topics like visas, returns, and security. While the Council and Irish presidency minister Jim O'Callaghan tout this as a simplification and efficiency measure, critics warn that delegating funding oversight to national capitals could allow human rights abuses to continue with less scrutiny from Brussels.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:01 PM UTC

A senior EU official stated that Donald Trump's 15-percent trade tariffs have had negligible impact on European companies over the past year. Briefing reporters in Brussels, the official noted that European exports to the US have actually increased since the EU-US trade deal signed in July 2025. A second EU official emphasized that US importers, not European exporters, pay the tariffs, framing the issue as a matter between US importers and US authorities. The comments suggest that Trump's tariff threats, often used as leverage in trade disputes, have not significantly harmed EU firms.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:07 PM UTC

The European Commission has decided to waive penalties under the EU's methane emissions law, citing concerns that strict enforcement could jeopardize critical oil and gas imports. The move, reported by Euractiv on July 20, 2026, reflects a tension between climate goals and energy security, as the bloc seeks to maintain stable energy supplies amid geopolitical pressures. The waiver temporarily suspends financial penalties for non-compliance with methane reduction targets for certain energy imports, aiming to prevent supply disruptions. This decision marks a significant policy shift, prioritizing short-term energy security over immediate climate enforcement, and has sparked debate among environmental groups and member states.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:45 PM UTC

The European Commission has decided to waive penalties under the EU's methane emissions law, citing concerns that strict enforcement could jeopardize critical oil and gas supplies. The move, reported by Euractiv on July 20, 2026, reflects a tension between climate goals and energy security, as the bloc seeks to balance its environmental commitments with the need to maintain stable energy imports amid ongoing geopolitical pressures. The decision marks a significant policy shift, potentially weakening the EU's flagship methane reduction regulation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:45 PM UTC

The European Commission has signaled it will accept new US tariffs on EU goods over forced labor allegations, provided Washington honors a 15% duty cap agreed under the July 2025 Turnberry deal. A temporary 10% US tariff expires Friday, with a Section 301 probe expected to impose a flat 10% rate. The EU rejects the forced labor claims but prioritizes stability, seeking exemptions for cheese, pasta, olive oil, and LNG machinery. Meanwhile, the EU fined Google €890 million, risking trade tensions.

8 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:55 PM UTC

Publicly, European politicians are calling for tougher sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting oil exports. However, behind-the-scenes negotiations in Brussels over the 21st sanctions package reveal a different reality. An increasing number of EU member states are demanding special exemptions, threatening to derail the entire package. The article highlights the growing gap between political rhetoric and practical consensus-building within the bloc, as national interests complicate efforts to maintain a unified front against Russia. The report, sourced from Die Welt, underscores the challenges the EU faces in sustaining and tightening its sanctions regime amid internal divisions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:35 PM UTC

Publicly, European politicians continue to call for new sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting oil exports. However, behind-the-scenes negotiations in Brussels over the 21st sanctions package reveal growing resistance. An increasing number of EU member states are demanding exemptions, signaling what analysts describe as 'sanctions fatigue.' The article, published by Die Welt, highlights a widening gap between political rhetoric and the practical challenges of maintaining a unified sanctions front against Russia, as economic pressures and domestic concerns mount across Europe.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:35 PM UTC