Brussels

Hungary's Orbn to take over EU presidency as many issues hang in balance

When Hungary takes over the helm of the European Union on July 1, many politicians in Brussels will have the same thing on their minds: whether populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbn will use the role to further his reputation as the bloc's main spoiler. Orbn in recent years has seemed to relish opportunities to block, water down or delay key EU decisions, routinely going against the grain of most other leaders on issues like the war in Ukraine, relations with Russia and China, and efforts to defend democracy and the rule of law. His public opposition to EU policies and stances has long frustrated his partners in the bloc and pushed him to the margins of the continent's mainstream. Hungary's motto for its presidency Make Europe Great Again raised eyebrows for its resemblance to the famous tagline of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The EU presidency rotates among its member countries, and while the post holds little real power, it does allow countries to put their priorities high

EU leaders to discuss top jobs, policies goals at Brussels meeting

The leaders are to discuss who should be the next presidents of the European Commission and European Council, and the foreign policy chief, but their minds seem already made up

EU leaders mull sanctions against Iran, Zelenskyy pleads for more support

European Union leaders debated ways to ramp up sanctions against Iran at a summit on Wednesday as concern grows that Tehran's unprecedented attack on Israel could fuel a wider war in the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reminded the gathering that his country still badly needs support to combat Russia's invasion. French President Emmanuel Macron urged his EU counterparts in Brussels to adapt and expand sanctions against Iran. The EU has already slapped sanctions on the Islamic Republic but Macron said new measures should target those who are helping to produce the missiles and drones that were used" in the weekend attack. According to a draft statement prepared for the meeting also focusing on the war in Ukraine and ways to boost the bloc's economic competitiveness, the leaders are to warn that the EU is ready to take further restrictive measures against Iran, notably in relation to unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. The statement also calls on Iran and its

EU leaders wanted to talk business, they instead discuss W Asia, Ukraine

European leaders' discussions at a summit in Brussels were set to focus on the bloc's competitiveness in the face of increased competition from the United States and China. Tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine decided otherwise and the 27 leaders will dedicate Wednesday evening talks to foreign affairs. As the unprecedented attack by Iran on Israel ratcheted up regional tensions and raised fears of a wider war, EU leaders will urge all parties to exercise utmost restraint and refrain from any action that may increase tensions in the region, according to a draft of their summit conclusions. Following a video meeting of the bloc's foreign affairs ministers on Tuesday, the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said the EU will also consider further sanctioning Iran. This may entail expanding the scope of the existing regime targeting Iran's military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine through drones, to include the possibility to sanct

Leaders of over 30 nations meet in Brussels to promote nuclear energy

In the shadows of a massive monument glorifying nuclear energy, over 30 leaders and delegations from around the world are backing the idea to use the controversial source to help achieve the goal of a climate-neutral globe while giving more countries an added sense of economic and security independence. Such a summit would have been unthinkable a dozen years ago in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, but a warming planet creating a need to phase out fossil fuels and war in Ukraine laying bare a dependence on Russian energy have turned the tables over the past half decade. We have to do everything possible to to facilitate the contribution of nuclear energy, said Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. It is clear: Nuclear is there. It has an important role to play, he said. The one-day meeting is held next to the 1958 Atomium, the 102-meter (335-foot)-tall construction of the nine iron atoms, which sought to promote the peaceful use

Delhi HC orders SpiceJet to return leased engine to Brussels by March 10

Delhi HC orders SpiceJet to return leased engine to Brussels by March 10

India's steel production grows 11% to 11.7 MT in Nov 2023: Worldsteel

India has registered an increase of 11.4 per cent in its crude steel production at 11.7 million tonne (MT) in November this year, according to World Steel Association (worldsteel). During January-November, the country's production was 12.1 per cent higher year on year (y-o-y) at 128.2 MT, the global body said in its latest report. The global steel production in November was at 145.5 MT, 3.3 per cent up over same month in 2022. The world output rose marginally by 0.5 per cent to 1,715.1 MT in January-November 2023, worldsteel said. China produced 76.1 MT steel in November, up 0.4 per cent over November 2022. It produced 952.1 MT in January-November, higher 1.5 per cent y-o-y. In November, Japan's output fell 0.9 per cent to 7.1 MT, while the overall production was 2.8 per cent lower at 80 MT during January-November 2023. The US produced 6.6 MT steel in last month and 73.9 MT in the eleven-month period of 2023. Russia produced 6.4 MT in November and 70.2 MT in January-November 2023

Two killed in Brussels shooting; police shoot dead suspected extremist

Two people were killed in a shooting late Monday in central Brussels, Belgian police said. Media reports aired amateur videos showing a man shooting several times near a station using a large weapon, and Belgian broadcasters said the two victims were Swedes. The Swedish national team was scheduled to play Belgium at Heysel Stadium later in the evening, some 3 miles (5 kilometers) away. Police spokeswoman Ilse Vande Keere said officers arrived soon at the scene, and sealed off the immediate neighborhood. She declined to elaborate on the circumstances of the shooting. The shooting came at a time of increased vigilance linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that has heightened tension in several European nations.

Apple seeks to fend off EU antitrust charge triggered by Spotify at hearing

The iPhone maker will set out its arguments to senior European Commission officials and their peers at national competition agencies at a closed hearing in Brussels

European Union assures Ukraine of support as Zelensky visits Brussels

Ukraine and the EU are "one family," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added, and that the country can depend on Europe's continued support in its fight against Russia

EU Parliament planning for possible Zelenksyy visit in upcoming days

The European Union's legislature was preparing plans Monday to host Volodymyr Zelenskyy should the Ukraine president decide to come to Brussels to attend an EU summit later this week. Two sources in the parliament, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said such plans are only meant to prepare the legislature to host Zelenskyy if security conditions permit him to attend Thursday's meeting. When he would come, we would be ready, said one of the sources, stressing that because of security concerns any decision could only come at the last moment. EU leaders from 27-nation bloc will be gathering for Thursday's summit in Brussels, enabling Zelenskyy to meet all major leaders of the bloc in one day. Zelenskyy has often addressed EU summits only through video calls from Ukraine. Zelenskyy has long had an open invitation to come to Brussels if he chose to. It remains unclear whether Zelenskyy would be able to travel as Russian forces are keeping ...

15,000 protesters in Brussels demand protection from inflation, better pay

Over 15,000 demonstrators braved the bitter cold in Brussels on Friday to call for more measures to shield them from high energy prices and better pay to counter runaway inflation. Because of the protest backed by the three main unions, public services were affected throughout Belgium, especially rail and subway systems in and around the capital and Brussels international airport. With people increasingly under pressure from high prices, the unions demanded pay increases at a time when companies such as energy giants are making massive profits. They seek a freeze in energy prices and increased taxation on capital. We won't stop unless workers get what they deserve, the unions said in a statement. Police estimated the crowd walking in freezing temperatures through the capital at 16,500.

Four hit with corruption charges over EU lobbying scandal, two released

Four people have been charged with being part of a criminal group, money laundering and corruption in connection with an investigation into suspected influence peddling by a Persian Gulf country at the European Union's parliament, the Belgian federal prosecutors office said Sunday. The lobbying scandal, which allegedly involves Qatari officials, has already seen parliament Vice-President Eva Kaili relieved of her duties. The four are among six people held for questioning after Belgian police launched raids on at least 16 premises across the capital Brussels on Friday. None were named, but at least one is a member of the European Parliament and one a former EU lawmaker. The two others were released. It is suspected that third parties in political and/or strategic positions within the European Parliament were paid large sums of money or offered substantial gifts to influence Parliament's decisions, prosecutors said in a statement. Authorities have not identified the Gulf country ...

10 arrested in Brussels amid unrest after Belgium-Morocco World Cup match

At least ten people were detained in Brussels, where riots erupted after Morocco beat Belgium 2-0 at the World Cup in Qatar

Brussels sees riots after Morocco beats Belgium at Fifa World Cup

Police had to seal off parts of the centre of Brussels, deploy water cannons and fire tear gas to disperse crowds following violence during and after Morocco's 2-0 upset win over Belgium at the World Cup. Dozens of rioters set steps on fire and pelted cars with bricks. Police moved in after one person suffered facial injuries, said Brussels police spokeswoman Ilse Van de Keere. Brussels mayor Philippe Close urged soccer fans to stay away from the city center and said authorities were doing their utmost to keep order in the streets. Even subway and tram traffic had to be interrupted on police orders. Morocco's victory was a major upset at the World Cup and was enthusiastically celebrated by fans with Moroccan immigrant roots in many Belgian cities. It was not immediately clear how many people were detained during the disturbances.

Twitter loses entire Brussels office after Musk's hardcore working culture

The small office of six employees was cut to two in recent weeks following Elon Musk's dramatic culling of staff, according to people with knowledge of the exits

Police officer fatally stabbed in suspected Brussels terror attack

A Belgian judicial official says one police officer has been fatally stabbed in Brussels in a suspected terror attack. According to the federal prosecutor's office, two officers came under attack near Brussels North train station in the incident Thursday. Local media reported that the attacker was shot. A judicial official who could not be quoted by name because the investigation is ongoing told The Associated Press there is a suspicion of a terror attack. The official did not elaborate.

US weighs next moves on arms supply to Ukraine in 'escalatory cycle'

Ukraine will push for still more advanced weaponry when the US convenes a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels today to marshal new support for hardware and supplies

Ukraine set to be approved as EU candidate after Commission's nod

During a summit in Brussels on Thursday, Ukraine is set to be approved as an European Union (EU) candidate after the European Commission gave the go-ahead

Azeri and Armenian leaders agree on peace plan for Nagorno-Karabakh

European Council President Charles Michel held bilateral talks with both Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan