Habemus papam: Robert Francis Prevost elected new Pope
The American Robert Francis Prevost has been elected Pope. At 19:24 local time, he stepped onto the balcony of St Peter’s to greet the faithful for the first time as Leo XIV.
Habemus papam: the new Pope has been elected
The 133 cardinals, gathered in conclave since last night, have elected a new Pope. White smoke has just billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, signalling the decision.
US embassy asks Flemish universities about diversity policy
The US embassy has sent a survey to several Flemish universities asking about their diversity policies, Flemish Education minister Zuhal Demir told the Education Committee on Thursday. The survey also asks about
Tariff panic pushed Belgian exports to US to record levels
In March, the US imported goods from Belgium worth almost 3.4 billion dollars. That is 46 percent more than a year earlier and more than double the February figure, De Tijd reported
US and Israel discuss possible American administration in Gaza
The United States and Israel have discussed the possibility of a temporary American administration in the Gaza Strip, according to Reuters, based on five anonymous sources. The proposal is for a Washington-led
European Commission warns Belgium over lack of implementation of EU directives
The European Commission has sent Belgium formal warnings for failing to implement fully or correctly several key EU directives, in particular those relating to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The Commission communicated
France and Germany set up joint defence and security council
France and Germany have agreed to set up a joint defence and security council that will meet regularly to discuss common strategic challenges, French president Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday. The initiative
EU moves to cut off Russian gas by 2027
The European Commission has unveiled a plan to end all imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027, in a bid to boost energy security and reduce financial support for Russia
Friedrich Merz elected German Chancellor in second round of voting
On Tuesday afternoon, Friedrich Merz managed to secure a majority to become Germany’s new chancellor. He had failed to do so in a vote earlier in the day. In the second round
Friedrich Merz fails to secure majority in first vote for German chancellor
CDU leader Friedrich Merz failed to secure the required majority in the Bundestag on Tuesday to become Germany’s next chancellor. He fell six votes short with 310 out of 621 cast. Despite
Ukraine’s Ceasefire Proposal Exposes the Kremlin’s Hollow Gestures
As Russia continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the two countries have once again offered competing visions of what a “ceasefire” really means — and the contrast could not be starker. Ukraine,
EU announces €500 million package to attract researchers
The European Union plans to offer a new 500 million euro package for 2025-2027 to make Europe a “magnet for researchers”, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday. Stressing
Orbán’s Double Game: How Hungary’s Leader Undermines the West from Within
In the heart of Europe, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has become much more than just a dissenting voice within the EU. His strategic maneuvers have evolved into a calculated game that actively undermines Western
TikTok fined €530 million for sending EU user data to China
Ireland’s data protection watchdog has fined the Chinese video sharing app TikTok 530 million euros, it announced in a press release on Friday. TikTok was found guilty of illegally sending personal data
EU willing to spend €50 billion on US products to address trade deficit
The EU is ready to spend 50 billion euros more on US products to reduce its trade deficit with the country, according to trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic. The problem could be solved
Pakistan army chief’s Kashmir remarks cause anger in India
Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, is not known for seeking the spotlight. Yet in recent weeks, it has found him – not only in Pakistan, but across the border in India
US urges India and Pakistan to defuse tensions after Kashmir killings
The US has urged India and Pakistan to work together to “de-escalate tensions” after a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last week killed 26 civilians. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held
Vietnam marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon
Wednesday marks exactly fifty years since the fall of Saigon, the event that signalled the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of the country under communist rule. On April 30,
US and Ukraine sign resources deal
The United States and Ukraine have signed a resources deal, known as the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, the US Treasury confirms. Ukraine’s Economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, announced on X that she
China lifts sanctions against members of European Parliament
China is lifting sanctions on members of the European Parliament (MEPs), its president Roberta Metsola announced on Wednesday. China is increasingly seeking rapprochement with the EU amid its trade war with the
Trump’s first 100 days: Brazen moves and global tensions
During the first 100 days of his second term, US president Donald Trump has dominated international headlines. His attempts at rapprochement with Russia, growing rifts within the transatlantic alliance and controversial plans
Russia awaits Ukraine’s response to May ceasefire offer
Moscow – On Tuesday, the Kremlin stated that Ukraine had yet to reply to multiple proposals made by Russian President Vladimir Putin for direct peace talks. It remains uncertain if Ukraine will
Putin announces temporary ceasefire, Ukraine responds with 30-day proposal
On the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Second World War, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine. Later on Monday, Ukraine’s Foreign minister responded by
Lobbying for next pope heats up, with outcome less predictable than ever
Francis sought to lower age profile and broaden spread of college of cardinals and for most it is their first conclave Conservative and progressives will intensify efforts to shape the future of
Greenland PM visits Denmark amid Trump annexation push
On Sunday, Greenland’s newly elected Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, made his first visit to Denmark since assuming office, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to annex the island. What are Nielsen’s
China Claims to Be a Neutral Power. In Reality, It Helps Russia Prolong the War
Beijing’s official policy of “neutrality” regarding the war in Ukraine is increasingly diverging from reality. While Chinese diplomats talk about peace and call for negotiations, Chinese companies are quietly supplying Russia’s military
Serbian students’ run from Belgrade to Brussels shines light on government corruption
Serbian students began an 18-day run from Belgrade to Brussels on Friday to address the European Parliament about the massive anti-corruption protests shaking Serbia. After a 13-day, 1,400km bicycle journey from Novi
Serbian students’ run from Belgrade to Brussels shines light on government corruption
Serbian students began an 18-day run from Belgrade to Brussels on Friday to address the European Parliament about the massive anti-corruption protests shaking Serbia. After a 13-day, 1,400km bicycle journey from Novi
The EU as a Guarantee of Real Peace and Stability in Europe
In recent decades, Europe has become accustomed to peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial economic relations. However, since the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the entire continent has found itself under threat,
“Vladimir, stop”: Trump’s first appeal to Putin after the massive terrorist attack on Kyiv
In the night of April 24, 2025, Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone attacks on Kyiv since the war began. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 215 air targets
Peace dictated by an aggressor is not peace — it’s a delay of the next war
Europe knows this lesson too well. Appeasement has never brought lasting peace. It has only emboldened the next tyrant. Today, Ukraine is not just defending its own borders — it is protecting
Ukraine and allies demand ceasefire before entering peace talks with Russia
Ukraine and several European allies have told the United States that any negotiations over a peace agreement with Russia should be preceded by an immediate ceasefire and firm security guarantees for Kyiv,
Russian missile attack on Kyiv overnight: 9 dead and 63 injured, people feared trapped under rubble
In Ukraine, 9 people were killed and another 63 injured due to Russian shelling in Kyiv overnight. Rescue workers reported: “Residential buildings were damaged, and the search for people under the rubble
Zelensky renews call for ‘immediate, full and unconditional’ ceasefire
On Wednesday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his country’s call for an “immediate, full and unconditional” ceasefire as European leaders gathered in London for a peace summit. Referring to a proposal originally
Moscow and Budapest: How the Kremlin Channels Millions Through Orbán’s Bank
While the European Union continues to impose sanctions on Russia, Hungary is carving out a unique path of cooperation with the Kremlin—one that increasingly resembles a large-scale corruption scheme. The latest meeting
Crowds paying tribute to Pope lying in state at St Peter’s Basilica
The body of Pope Francis, laid out in an open coffin, was carried in a solemn procession from his residence within the walls of the Vatican City to St Peter’s Basilica. Cardinals,
IMF warns of ‘major negative shock’ from Trump’s tariffs
Lender cuts forecasts for every major economy, with UK expected to grow by 1.1% this year, down from 1.6% Donald Trump’s tariffs have unleashed a “major negative shock” into the world economy,
Sanchez: Spain to meet NATO spending goal of 2% GDP in 2025
Span’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said thaty his government will meet NATO’s target of 2% of GDP on defence spending this year, much earlier than its previously self-imposed deadline of 2029. U.S.
How did King Philippe and Queen Mathilde remember Pope Francis?
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde honour Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025. They praised his compassion, leadership and remembered his meaningful visit to Belgium. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of
Pope Francis dies aged 88
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 at his residence Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican has announced. “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of
‘A good shepherd with a big heart’: Belgian clergy and politicians on death of Pope Francis
Politicians, academics and clergy in Belgium have responded to the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The news was announced on the morning of Easter Monday by the Vatican.
Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity: No Concessions to the Aggressor
In the course of the war, Russia has not only engaged in military actions but also actively promotes ideas aimed at discrediting Ukraine and encouraging territorial concessions. One such idea is the
MEPs call for more support for “Three Seas Region”
MEPs have demanded dedicated EU funding to strengthen infrastructure, connectivity and resilience across the Three Seas region. This comes just ahead of the upcoming Three Seas Summit in Warsaw on 28–29 April.
Chipmaker Melexis to set up end-to-end manufacturing in China
Belgian chipmaker Melexis will work with a Chinese semiconductor manufacturer to assemble end-to-end products in China for the local market from 2026. Melexis has been outsourcing parts of the chip manufacturing process
EU and member states pledge 522 million EUR in humanitarian aid for Sudan
The European Union and several member states are pledging 522 million EUR in humanitarian aid for Sudan this year. The announcement was made on Tuesday during a donor conference in London. European
Last German submarine wreck from WWI in Belgian waters identified
The last German submarine from WWI in Belgian waters has been identified. The wreck of the submarine, which sunk about 49 ships during the war, is particularly well preserved. There are numerous
Iran-U.S. high-stakes nuclear talks begin in Muscat
Muscat (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On April 12, 2025, Iran and the United States will engage in high-level discussions in Oman, focusing on reviving negotiations regarding Tehran’s rapidly progressing nuclear programme. U.S.
European stock markets rebound due to temporary tariff exemption for electronics
The Brussels and other European stock markets opened with solid gains on Monday. They reacted to the decision by the US to exempt smartphones, computers and other electronics from their tariffs, including
Xi Jinping calls on EU to jointly resist ‘unilateral bullying’
Chinese president Xi Jinping has called on the EU to join China in opposing “unilateral bullying”, according to state news agency Xinhua. “China and Europe should shoulder their international responsibilities (…) and
Ukraine at the forefront of the fight for international law and global security
The ongoing war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is not only an attempt to destroy an independent state. It is a challenge to the fundamental principles of international law, the UN’s
EU commits 75m euros extra to help Chad manage Sudanese refugee crisis
European Commissioner Hadja Labib has pledged increased financial aid from the EU for Chad as she visited the town of Adré, one of the most important crossing points for Sudanese refugees fleeing
Ukraine — for a just peace, Russia — for a profitable pause: how the parties conduct negotiations
Despite the devastating consequences of the war unleashed by the Russian Federation, Ukraine consistently demonstrates openness to diplomacy — but only diplomacy based on the principles of justice, international law, and respect
Peace, not at Ukraine’s expense: The United States rejects unilateral concessions as the basis for negotiations with Russia
One of the main fears that the Kremlin is trying to impose on Ukrainian society and the international community is the supposed existence of secret agreements in which Ukraine’s interests are gradually
Ukraine is not an object but a subject of negotiations: Kremlin disinformation and the position of the democratic world
In the midst of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, a fierce battle is also being fought on the information front. One of the recurring narratives spread by Russian propaganda is the claim
Markets soar following Trump’s reversal on trade tariffs
The global market meltdown turned into euphoria on Thursday morning after Donald Trump’s about-turn on tariffs imposed on the rest of the world, with the exception of China. After triggering a global
US raises import tariffs on Chinese goods to 104 per cent as trade tensions escalate
The United States is raising its import tariffs on Chinese goods to a staggering 104 per cent, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt announced on Fox Business. The measure will take effect on
US considers withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe
The US Department of Defence is considering withdrawing thousands of military personnel from Eastern Europe, NBC News reports, citing six anonymous US and European government sources. The Trump administration wants to recall
European stock markets tumble after China announces 84 per cent tariffs on US goods
China will raise its tariffs on goods from the United States to 84 per cent from Thursday. The rise comes in response to the earlier US increase in tariffs to 104 per
Belgium pledges €1 billion in annual aid to Ukraine as defence ties deepen
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Belgium for a new €1 billion support package announced during prime minister Bart De Wever’s first official visit to Ukraine on Tuesday. De Wever (N-VA) was
‘Putin is laughing at America’. Why the US should stop flirting with Russia – The Hill op-ed
Russia does not seek a real compromise with the West, instead, Putin “laughs” at America and wants to weaken it, writes Andrew Chahoyan, a professor at the University of Amsterdam and former
Europe provides 10m euros extra aid as Myanmar earthquake death toll exceeds 3,500
The European Commission has released 10 million euros in additional humanitarian aid for the victims of the earthquake in Myanmar, the Commission announced on Monday. The funds will be used to provide
Countries gather to discuss greening the shipping sector
The 176 member states of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United Nations agency responsible for regulating maritime transport, are gathering in London from Monday until Friday to discuss the greening of
Asian stock markets plummet as US tariff fallout continues
Asian and Australian stock markets opened with heavy losses on Monday morning as the fallout from Donald Trump’s trade tariffs continues. Shortly after opening, the Nikkei in Tokyo was down 8 per
USA Increases Pressure on Russia: No Compromises at Ukraine’s Expense
Washington remains firm in its strategy to contain Russia The administration of President Donald Trump is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. While Washington officially supports
The Kremlin is coming back for fertilizers. How Orban is helping Moscow regain control of a strategic company in Poland
In an era of tough sanctions policies aimed at isolating Russian capital in Europe, it seems impossible that an oligarch close to the Kremlin could regain control of a strategic enterprise in
‘Lose-lose scenario’: Employers’ federations fear impact of US tariffs
The additional American import duties announced by Donald Trump this week threaten to hit Belgium directly and indirectly, according to Belgium’s largest employers’ association. Olivier Joris, director of European and International Affairs
Trump shakes up global trade with sweeping import tariffs
Financial markets went down and international politicians are looking for a response after US president Donald Trump announced a long-promised steep rise in import tariffs on all goods to the US. For
US officials push Europe to continue buying American arms
Washington is not happy with European attempts to limit the participation of US manufacturers in arms tenders, Reuters reports on Wednesday. US officials have told European allies they want them to keep
Year-on-year Tesla registrations down 70 per cent in Belgium
Tesla, the US electric car manufacturer, saw registrations in Belgium plummet in March. Registrations of Tesla cars fell by almost 70 per cent compared to March 2024, figures from industry federation Febiac
Tomorrowland adds extra shows as UNITY sells out in Las Vegas
The first three shows of UNITY, the new Tomorrowland concept in collaboration with US festival giant Insomniac, have sold out completely. Due to overwhelming demand, organisers have added six extra dates, with
Belgium rejects US pressure on corporate diversity policies
Finance minister Jan Jambon, Foreign minister Maxime Prévot and Equal Opportunities minister Rob Beenders have rejected US pressure on the diversity policies of Belgian and European companies. Belgium immediately contacted the US
German, Austrian ministers cancel Syria trip over threats
Berlin – According to German authorities, the interior ministers of Germany and Austria canceled their scheduled trip to Syria on Thursday due to a potential threat to their delegation. Germany’s Nancy Faeser
Nearly Half of the Country’s Attorney Generals Make Legal Effort to Restore FEMA Funds
At least 215 FEMA grants to 19 states remain frozen despite a March 6 federal court order to release them from a judge in Rhode Island. President Donald Trump has recently floated
Armenian parliament approves EU accession bill
Yerevan – The Armenian parliament on March 26 passed a bill “On starting the process of accession of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union” in its second and final reading.
Spanish PM vows to expand defence industry before summer
Madrid – Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the Spanish government will outline and begin implementing a plan to increase the defence sector before the summer. “The objective of this plan is
Arctic Power Play: U.S. Influence in Greenland & Russia’s Pushback
Greece – The Arctic region has emerged as a key area of geopolitical interest, with recent events underscoring its strategic importance. As Greenland prepares for local elections and discussions on forming a new
Umicore’s germanium projects receive EU support
The European Commission has selected 47 strategic projects to improve the extraction, processing and recycling of critical raw materials in the European Union, including the germanium activities of Belgium’s Umicore. Under the
Farce in Crimea. How Russia is trying to legitimize the occupation of Crimea
From March 27 to 28, 2025, the so-called “International Scientific and Diplomatic Congress” is taking place at the Livadia Palace, located in the temporarily occupied Crimea. This event represents yet another attempt
SAFE – European Rapid Reaction Force
Another strategic initiative is SAFE (Strategic Autonomous Forces Europe), created to ensure rapid response to conflicts in Europe. SAFE provides for: SAFE can become an alternative to UN peacekeeping missions, which depend
Tesla sales plunge by half in Europe as competition grows
Tesla’s vehicle sales in Europe have almost halved in the first two months of the year compared to the same period in 2024, according to figures released on Tuesday by the European
The West is helping Ukraine not out of altruism, but for the sake of its own security
French, Dutch and Italian experts point out that the defense of Ukraine is the defense of the whole of Europe. Latvia emphasizes that Ukraine’s defeat will lead to a threat to new
Energy war: why is the Kremlin destroying infrastructure?
France, the Netherlands and Brussels have condemned the Russian strikes on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure, calling them war crimes. Dutch companies have offered assistance in rebuilding destroyed facilities, while the EU is
Russia wants to freeze the war: where will it lead?
Russia is actively promoting the idea of a temporary cessation of hostilities, but experts warn that this is only a tactical pause to prepare a new offensive. France, the Netherlands, Latvia and
Keir Starmer backs Trump on Europe’s defence spending
London – UK PM Keir Starmer said U.S. President Donald Trump has a point that European nations must bear a greater burden for their collective self-defence, the New York Times reported. Starmer
German economic associations call for “bold reforms”
Germany’s four largest economic associations have sent a joint appeal to the parties involved in coalition negotiations calling for reforms to ensure successful economic development. Germany’s economic associations have called on the
Pope to give blessing from hospital window in first appearance since getting ill
Pope Francis will appear in public again on Sunday for a greeting and blessing to the faithful after the traditional Angelus Catholic prayer. The text will not be read by the Pontiff
Brussels, my love? A democratic Syria – realistic or just a pipe dream?
In this edition of our talk show from Brussels, the participants discuss the new beginning in Syria, the continuation of diplomacy in Ukraine and the allegations of bribery in connection with the
Dozens reported killed in overnight Gaza air strikes
At least 70 people have been reported killed following overnight strikes across Gaza. Israeli forces have launched a limited ground operation in central Gaza. At least 70 people on Thursday have been
Presidents of Rwanda and DR Congo hold talks in Qatar
The leaders reaffirmed their support for a ceasefire a day after M23 rebels pulled out of talks in Angola. Qatar on Tuesday mediated talks involving the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which
Turkey detains Istanbul mayor Imamoglu in corruption probe
The Turkish president’s main political rival, Ekrem Imamoglu, was set to be nominated as his party’s presidential candidate. The opposition CHP has called his detention an “attempted coup.” Turkish authorities have detained
Bangladesh arrests leader of Rohingya insurgent group
ARSA chief Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi is accused of carrying out deadly 2017 attacks that led to a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar and forced 750,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh.
Ukraine updates: Trump, Putin agree on 30-day energy truce
The two leaders agreed on a 30-day ceasefire for energy and infrastructure. Additional negotiations are set to begin “immediately” in the Middle East, the White House said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump agreed in
NASA astronauts return to Earth after 9 months on ISS
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth in a SpaceX capsule after technical problems left them extending their stay on the International Space Station. NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams, who
Ukraine updates: Expectations high ahead of Trump-Putin call
The leaders are due to speak during a telephone call about possibly ending the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin said the call will last as long as necessary. Trump and Putin are
NASA astronauts begin return to Earth after 9 months on ISS
Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are returning to Earth in a SpaceX capsule after technical problems left them extending their stay on the International Space Station. NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams
M23 rebels withdraw from Congo peace talks
M23 rebels said they were pulling out of talks with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo because EU sanctions against Rwandan officials earlier in the day “undermined” negotiations. The Rwanda-backed
Germany ‘monitoring’ US detentions of its citizens
German officials are trying to determine whether three cases in which citizens were detained while trying to enter the United States signal a change in US policy. Germany is “monitoring” how its citizens
US: White House denies flouting court order on deportations
The White House said it was acting within the “confines of the law” after carrying out deportations of immigrants it says are members of a Venezuelan gang. A judge had ordered a
North Macedonia probes deadly nightclub blaze
North Macedonia has flown flags at half mast for the victims of a night spot blaze that killed dozens. More than 20 people are under investigation over the incident. The North Macedonian Interior Ministry
Philippine Senate to probe Duterte arrest, handover to ICC
The Philippine Senate has said it will investigate whether due process was upheld in the detention of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte. The probe has been initiated by Imee Marcos, the sister of President
Brazil: Bolsonaro and supporters rally against coup charges
Former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro joined protesters at Copacabana Beach amid legal troubles over alleged attempts to overthrow President Lula’s government in 2023. Thousands of supporters of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro rallied at Brazil’s famous