Author: OMN AI

The European Commission has adopted new implementation measures for the EU Deforestation Regulation Update, introducing revised product rules and simplified compliance procedures ahead of the regulation’s full application in December 2026. The new measures are designed to provide greater legal certainty for businesses and European Union member states. Officials said the changes will help companies prepare for the regulation while making its implementation more practical and consistent across the EU. The updated package includes amendments agreed in December last year, along with revised guidance documents and frequently asked questions. Together, these changes aim to improve clarity for companies that import,…

The European Union has launched a major international effort to support Gaza’s recovery, announcing an initial funding package of €883.6 million during a high-level donor conference. The new EU Gaza Recovery Initiative aims to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure and strengthen local governance as international partners work toward the territory’s early recovery. The meeting of the Palestine Donor Group brought together representatives from 65 delegations. Government officials, international financial institutions and humanitarian organizations joined the discussions to coordinate support for Gaza following months of conflict and humanitarian challenges. Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump and a…

EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the Ukraine war, Middle East developments, and security issues in the Black Sea during a key meeting in Brussels. The gathering marks the first Foreign Affairs Council meeting under Ireland’s EU Presidency and will focus on major international challenges. Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee is attending the meeting, where support for Ukraine is expected to remain a central topic. She said helping Ukraine will be one of Ireland’s main priorities during its six-month leadership of the European Union. The meeting will include discussions on Russia’s ongoing military actions against…

Brussels Special Venues will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special Experience Event in September 2026, bringing professional event organisers closer to some of the city’s leading venues. The two-day programme will feature guided tours across Brussels and highlight the city’s growing role as a major European destination for meetings, conferences, incentives, and business events. The anniversary event will take place on 14 and 15 September 2026. It will be open only to professional event organisers, including event agencies, corporate planners, and association managers who arrange meetings and large-scale gatherings. Founded in 2006, Brussels Special Venues is a non-profit association…

European regulators have accused Meta of potentially violating the Digital Services Act (DSA) by using platform features that may encourage excessive use of Instagram and Facebook. The European Commission said its investigation examined whether certain design choices could affect the online safety and wellbeing of users, especially young people. The investigation, which lasted around two years, focused on several features used across Meta’s social media platforms. Regulators examined tools such as endless content feeds, frequent notifications, and automatic video playback, saying these systems may encourage users to spend more time on the platforms. Officials said digital services must be designed…

The Belgian Days Festival returned to Brussels, Wisconsin, bringing together residents and visitors for a weekend of traditional food, family activities, and cultural celebrations. Now in its 65th year, the annual event honors the village’s Belgian roots and highlights the community’s long-standing traditions. Brussels, Wisconsin, is recognized as the largest Belgian settlement outside Europe. Each year, the festival attracts people interested in experiencing authentic Belgian cuisine, local history, and community spirit. The celebration began on Friday and continues through Sunday, featuring games, entertainment, cultural activities, and a variety of traditional Belgian dishes prepared by local volunteers. One of the festival’s…

The number of Airbnb listings in Brussels has fallen sharply following stronger enforcement of registration and tax rules, according to new data. Figures from Inside Airbnb show that around 1,500 homes and rooms were removed from the platform between June 2025 and recent months. The total number of listings dropped from 6,171 to 4,750, a decline of nearly one quarter. The reduction follows increased action by Brussels Fiscality, which stepped up efforts to enforce tourist accommodation regulations. Last summer, the regional authority issued about 1,900 fines and retroactive tourist tax bills. Officials estimated the total value of those penalties at…

Schools across Belgium’s Brussels-Capital Region remain poorly prepared for prolonged heat waves, with many buildings lacking proper ventilation and other cooling features, according to concerns raised by local officials. The issue has gained attention after recent periods of extreme heat disrupted classes and childcare services across the city. Brussels lawmaker Fouad Ahidar raised the matter during a meeting of the Flemish Community Commission (VGC) Council. He questioned officials responsible for education, school construction, and public welfare about the condition of school buildings. Ahidar said several schools and childcare centers were forced to close temporarily during the latest heat wave because…

Brussels Airlines has given football fans a reason to smile by sending its special Trident aircraft only to Spain before Belgium’s World Cup quarterfinal against Spain. The airline announced that its football-themed Airbus A320 will operate exclusively on flights between Brussels Airport and several Spanish cities from Tuesday through Friday. The move is a playful way to build excitement before the highly anticipated match. During the special schedule, the aircraft will fly routes linking Brussels with Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, and Alicante. Normally, the Trident plane serves destinations across the airline’s wider European network. This week, however, Brussels Airlines has reserved…

Nine European countries have asked the European Commission to extend temporary flexibility for the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), saying border authorities still face major challenges as the system is introduced. The request comes in a joint letter dated July 7 and sent to Internal Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner. Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Switzerland signed the letter, expressing support for the new border system while asking for more time before emergency measures end. The Entry/Exit System is designed to improve border security across the Schengen area. It records the entry and exit of…