budget

Belgian prime minister postpones State of the Union address amid budget disagreements

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has postponed his State of the Union address, originally scheduled for Tuesday, following the government’s failure to reach a timely budget agreement, reports 24brussels. De Wever…

2 days ago

Politics

Lecornu unveils new government amid budget challenges and opposition threats in France

France Faces Budgetary Challenges as New Government Takes Shape Lescure is tasked with the formidable challenge of passing the budget for 2026 while addressing France’s substantial public spending deficit, a concern for…

3 days ago

Europe

France set to appoint new prime minister as Macron weighs options for government stability

Macron Faces Budget Challenge Amid Legislative Stalemate French Prime Minister Gabriel Lecornu has conveyed his findings to President Emmanuel Macron ahead of a crucial interview, yet did not confirm that a viable…

7 days ago

Europe

EPP leaders express dissatisfaction with von der Leyen’s budget and emissions proposals

Disputes Within EPP Over EU Budget Proposals Intensify In a significant development, internal disagreements within the European People’s Party (EPP) regarding the European Commission’s budget proposals have escalated, as party chief Manfred…

7 days ago

Europe

Brussels budget minister rejects claims of deliberate misrepresentation of debt figures

The Brussels government has come under scrutiny for allegedly employing unconventional tactics to present a misleadingly favorable budget and debt picture, according to an investigation by De Tijd and The Brussels Times,…

7 days ago

Business

French socialists await concessions from Macron amid budget negotiations and potential left-wing PM appointment

French Prime Minister Faces Deadline Amid Budget Crisis French President Emmanuel Macron has given his outgoing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu until Wednesday night to negotiate a compromise with opposition parties regarding the…

7 days ago

Europe

French prime minister Sébastien Lecornu assembles cabinet amid political continuity and budgetary challenges

Lecornu faces the arduous task of negotiating a slimmed-down budget after his predecessor was toppled in a no-confidence vote last month.…

1 week ago

World

Open VLD backs Brussels budget deal while raising concerns over long-term risks

Open VLD Supports Brussels Budget Deal, Clearing Path for Regional Accord The Brussels branch of Belgium’s liberal party Open VLD has agreed to support a new regional budget deal, ending weeks of…

1 week ago

Business

Parliament signals potential rejection of EU budget proposal amid dissent from major parties

Conservative and socialist lawmakers want to ask the Commission to withdraw a key part of its next €1.8 trillion budget proposal.…

2 weeks ago

World

U.S. government shutdown occurs as budget negotiations fail between Republicans and Democrats

U.S. Federal Government Faces Shutdown Amid Stalemate The U.S. Federal Government has entered a shutdown after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a budget prior to the September 30 deadline. Currently,…

2 weeks ago

World

Flemish Parliament approves September Declaration amid budget cuts and opposition criticism

After nearly eight hours of debate, the Flemish Parliament approved the Diependaele government’s September Declaration and 2026 budget on Wednesday evening. The vote passed with a majority (N-VA, Vooruit, CD&V) against the…

3 weeks ago

Business

Belgium’s federal budget deficit reaches €26.6 billion, prompting action from leaders

Brussels – Belgium’s federal budget deficit has surged to 4.2% of GDP, equivalent to €26.6 billion, prompting urgent action from Minister-President Matthias Diependale and Prime Minister De Wever to implement measures aimed…

3 weeks ago

Brussels

Federal budget deficit projected to exceed 39 billion euros by 2029

Belgium’s Federal Budget Deficit Projected to Exceed €39 Billion by 2029 If policy were to remain unchanged, the federal budget deficit would rise to more than 39 billion euros in 2029, which…

3 weeks ago

Politics

Flemish government finalizes budget agreement ahead of 2026 financial planning

Flemish Government Finalizes Budget Agreement for 2026 The Flemish government has reached an agreement on next year’s budget, with Minister-President Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) announcing the conclusion of discussions on X. “We have…

3 weeks ago

Politics

Six political parties meet in Brussels to negotiate multi-year budget amid financial challenges

Brussels Politics Revives with Multi-Year Budget Negotiations After months of stalemate, Brussels politics is moving again. Liberal party MR leader David Leisterh has invited six parties to open negotiations on a multi-year…

4 weeks ago

Business

French unions plan protests to pressure Prime Minister Lecornu ahead of budget discussions

Protesters to take to the streets on Thursday as Sophie Binet slams lack of real change from Sebastien Lecornu. French labor unions are set to intensify their pressure on newly appointed Prime…

4 weeks ago

World

Macron appoints Lecornu as prime minister to navigate budget challenges and political divisions

Lecornu has proved his worth in solving political headaches in the past, but will Macron allow him to make the big concessions needed for a budget deal?…

1 month ago

World

New French PM seeks to reshape budget approach, distancing from predecessor

Sébastien Lecornu appears to want a clean break from François Bayrou, who was toppled Monday.…

1 month ago

World

New French prime minister faces urgent challenges in budget negotiations and parliamentary turmoil

PARIS – France has appointed its fifth prime minister in two years, Sébastien Lecornu, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, who now faces the daunting task of stabilizing an unruly parliament,…

1 month ago

Politics

European Commission faces backlash over controversial centralisation of long-term budget decision-making

The European Commission Faces Pushback over €2 Trillion Budget Proposal The European Commission’s radical €2 trillion proposal to centralize the EU’s long-term budget for the years 2028 to 2034 has ignited significant…

1 month ago

Politics

EU’s wealthiest nations meet privately in Vienna amid contentious budget discussions

Northern countries will try to find a common strategy before an impending battle over cash with the likes of Poland and Italy.…

1 month ago

World

Macron searches for fifth prime minister as French government falls amid political crisis

Paris – French President Emmanuel Macron is currently seeking to appoint his fifth prime minister in less than two years after opposition parties united to remove centre-right Prime Minister Francois Bayrou due…

1 month ago

Brussels

Fitch downgrades Poland’s fiscal outlook amid rising defense costs and political gridlock

The warning comes despite Poland being one of Europe’s fastest growing economies.…

1 month ago

World

Russian exporters slash foreign currency sales to historic low

Russian exporters cut foreign currency sales to their lowest level on record in August after the government scrapped mandatory repatriation and sale requirements, underscoring a deepening shortage of hard currency on the…

1 month ago

Top stories·World

Germany significantly reduces development aid budget amidst tight fiscal constraints

BERLIN – Germany’s new government is embarking on a significant borrowing spree, yet funds remain limited in the capital. Much of the fiscal leeway created by the coalition’s recent easing of strict…

1 month ago

Politics

French government faces renewed budgetary challenges amid growing economic pressures

French President Emmanuel Macron will be hunting for a fifth prime minister in less than two years if François Bayrou gets sacked on Monday as expected.…

1 month ago

World

Belgium prepares for budget negotiations as Justice minister requests 1 billion euros in funding

Belgium Faces Budgetary Challenges Amid Calls for Increased Justice Funding The Belgian government is gearing up for intense budget negotiations amid concerns over public finance sustainability. Ahead of the discussions, Justice Minister…

1 month ago

Politics

Protests in Ghent against €120 million budget cuts affecting 400 jobs

Ghent – Approximately 200 residents of Ghent, along with unions ACV and COD and opposition parties, protested against proposed budget cuts of €120 million, which could jeopardize 400 jobs. Mathilde De Cooman…

1 month ago

Brussels

François Bayrou faces no-confidence vote amid budget crisis and declining popularity

The French prime minister’s imminent fall means he has just one more shot at his dream of the presidency.…

1 month ago

World

Europe’s pivotal moment: examining the challenges ahead for the EU and Ukraine

Under the jackhammers on Schuman, Brussels is filling back up for the rentrée — and the fault lines are showing. Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by colleagues Clea Caulcutt, Nick Vinocur and…

1 month ago

World

Merz rejects tax increases as Germany faces €30 billion budget gap

BERLIN – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has firmly ruled out any increase in taxes to address a multi-billion euro budget deficit, limiting Berlin’s options for resolving a looming financial crisis, reports 24brussels.…

1 month ago

Politics

Macron urges French lawmakers to adopt German-style cooperation as government faces budget crisis

At a summit alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the French president also warned Vladimir Putin will have “played” Donald Trump if Russia does not meet with Ukraine by Monday.…

2 months ago

World

French unions announce nationwide strike on September 18 amid political crisis

French Unions Call for Nationwide Strikes as Political Crisis Escalates Trade unions in France have announced a nationwide strike set for 18 September, amid a deepening political crisis that could lead to…

2 months ago

Politics

Belgium and EU brace for politically charged autumn amid Gaza conflict and fiscal pressures

Political Tensions Mount in Belgium Amid Gaza Conflict As summer draws to a close, Belgium and the European Union prepare for a politically charged autumn, with the Gaza conflict poised to dominate…

2 months ago

Politics

French presidential candidates clash in heated debate over government performance and future elections

Members of the opposition skewered François Bayrou and his unpopular €43.8 billion budget squeeze.…

2 months ago

World

Bayrou warns of financial crisis threatening France’s stability

The French government appears likely to fall next month over the prime minister’s spending plans.…

2 months ago

World

Calls for “block everything” in France raise fears of new protests ahead of budget negotiations

PARIS – A viral campaign to “shut down France” on September 10, now supported by far-left activists and unions, is sparking concerns of renewed protests against the government amidst tense budget negotiations,…

2 months ago

Politics

Spain faces budget uncertainty for third consecutive year as political tensions rise

Spain Faces Budget Crisis as 2026 Approaches Spain enters the summer recess without a 2026 budget and no clear path to one, marking the third consecutive year of budgetary turmoil for Prime…

2 months ago

Politics

Milei sets out fiscal reforms amid Congress approval of social benefit budgets

Argentinian President Javier Milei Criticizes Congress Over Budget Allocations Argentinian President Javier Milei launched a sharp critique of Congress on Friday, denouncing the recent passage of multiple laws that modify the budget…

2 months ago

World

Stéphanie Riso appointed as key architect of EU budget strategies

EU’s Budget Draft Sparks Controversy Among Officials A draft of the European Union’s next budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), has been unveiled, ushering in a highly contentious phase of negotiations among…

3 months ago

World

EU establishes significant new competitiveness fund

EU Commission to Unveil New Seven-Year Spending Plan The European Commission is set to unveil its seven-year budget plan, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which could total €1.7 trillion. Farm lobbies are…

3 months ago

Politics

De Wever urges summer agreement before budget discussions as Van den Bossche criticizes Brussels PS

Bart De Wever Urges Reform Pact Ahead of Summer Break Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever emphasized the urgency for his government to finalize a comprehensive reform package before the summer recess…

3 months ago

Politics

Brussels Parliament reduces MP salaries and increases taxes to save €26.5 million

Brussels – The Brussels Parliament has approved cuts to Members of Parliament (MP) salaries, increased tourist taxes, and extended the gift tax rules to five years, with the aim of saving €26.5…

3 months ago

Brussels

Minister-president highlights autonomy efforts in Flanders Day speech as Belgium unveils largest ammunition plan

Flemish Minister- President Emphasizes Autonomy in Independence Speech On July 11, during the Day of the Flemish Community, Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele of the N-VA highlighted the ongoing struggle for greater autonomy…

3 months ago

Politics

US House votes to approve final version of Trump’s infrastructure bill amid European Parliament scandal

US House Approves Major Budget Bill The US House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump’s comprehensive budget bill on Thursday, a critical piece of legislation affirming Trump’s domestic agenda in his second…

3 months ago

Politics

French pension talks reach crucial turning point

French Government’s Budget Challenges and Pension Reforms The French government is currently devising plans to secure €40 billion in savings for the upcoming budget to address a deficit anticipated to reach 5.6…

4 months ago

World

Russia’s Oil Windfall Evaporates as the Ruble Strengthens

Despite a rise in oil prices, Russia’s economy finds itself in a paradoxical bind. Since June 13, 2025, the price of Urals crude—Russia’s primary export blend—has surged past the G7-imposed cap of $60 per barrel. But…

4 months ago

World

Defence: Francken aims for 10-year plan to reach 5 per cent spending standard

While NATO member states have not yet agreed on a 5 per cent defence spending standard, Defence minister Theo Francken expects Belgium to have 10 years to reach the target. For now,…

4 months ago

Politics·World

Leaders governing parties call NATO’s 5% defence spending goal unrealistic

The leaders of three governing parties in the federal coalition – Vooruit, MR and CD&V – have called it unrealistic to increase defence spending to 5 per cent of Belgium’s gross domestic…

4 months ago

World

Brussels and federal government faced with probable rating downgrade

For months, Brussels has been anxiously awaiting a rating from credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P), which is likely to announce a new downgrade for the region on Friday evening. A…

4 months ago

Business·Politics

Flemish government wants to make disability care more accessible

The Flemish government aims to ensure that all people with disabilities can access care services by the end of its current legislative term. To reach that goal, it plans to expand directly…

5 months ago

Society

European Commission predicts Belgium’s budget deficit will rise to 5.5% by 2026

On Monday, the European Commission warned that Belgium’s budget deficit could rise to 5.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year and 5.5 per cent in 2026. That rise is…

5 months ago

Politics·World

Court of Audit fears payback effects in Belgian budget are highly overestimated

There is a high risk that the payback effects the Belgian government is counting on to reduce its budget deficit have been greatly overestimated, according to the Court of Audit. Opposition parties…

5 months ago

Politics

Belgium to oppose 5% spending target at NATO meeting in Antalya

Belgian Foreign minister Maxime Prévot will oppose raising the defence spending target to 5 per cent of GDP at a NATO meeting in Antalya, Turkey, on Thursday. This goal is “excessive” given…

5 months ago

World

Jazz in ’t Park has played its final concert as Ghent ends structural support

After 31 editions, the beloved free festival Jazz in ’t Park will no longer take place in its current form. The city of Ghent has announced it will end structural support for…

5 months ago

Arts & Entertainment·Society

Belgian government reaches crucial Easter deal

Shortly before midnight on Friday, the Belgian federal government concluded a long-awaited ‘Easter agreement’, marking a major milestone in this legislature. Prime minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) presented a comprehensive growth path…

6 months ago

Politics

EU Parliament debates €20m plan for monthly scaffolding

Brussels – Officials in the European Parliament are evaluating a €20 million proposal for the monthly dismantling of scaffolding to ensure the debating chamber remains accessible during renovation works, the Telegraph reported.…

7 months ago

Politics