Author: OMN AI

Antwerp is among the weakest cities in Europe for access to trees and parks, according to a new study that examined urban greenery in 862 European cities. The research found that only a small number of Antwerp residents live in areas that meet all recommended greenery standards. The study measured cities using the “3-30-300 rule”, a guideline designed to improve urban living conditions. The rule says every home, school, and workplace should have a view of at least three trees, 30% tree cover in the local area, and a park within 300 metres. Only 1% of people living in Antwerp…

Belgian Train Holiday Travel is becoming more popular as more people choose rail journeys for their trips across Europe. New figures from Belgium’s national rail operator show a strong rise in international train bookings, with travelers choosing trains instead of cars and planes for their summer holidays. The Belgian rail operator recorded about 1.6 million international travel bookings last summer. This was almost 6% higher than the year before. Early sales data for the current summer season show that demand for international train trips is still growing. Travelers in Belgium can now reach about 6,000 destinations in 15 European countries…

The European Commission has introduced a new EU ETS Reform Plan alongside an Electrification Action Plan, aiming to balance climate ambitions with the economic challenges facing European industries. The twin proposals seek to support businesses through the energy transition while keeping the European Union on track toward its long-term climate targets. The emissions trading system (ETS), the EU’s primary carbon pricing mechanism, will undergo significant changes under the proposal. The Commission said the reforms are designed to reduce pressure on energy-intensive industries while maintaining progress toward the bloc’s legally binding target of cutting net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent…

The European Commission has unveiled its long-awaited EU ETS Reform, introducing proposed changes to the European Union’s emissions trading system as policymakers seek to balance climate commitments with the needs of industry. The emissions trading system, commonly known as the ETS, is the European Union’s main policy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The system places a price on carbon emissions by requiring companies in certain sectors to hold allowances that cover the carbon they release into the atmosphere. The approach is designed to encourage businesses to reduce emissions while supporting the EU’s broader climate strategy. The latest reform follows months…

The European Union has allowed Ukraine to use part of its first defense loan payment to purchase Chinese-made drone components under a special exception in the bloc’s procurement rules. The decision comes as Ukraine continues to expand drone production while meeting urgent military requirements during the ongoing war. The funding is part of a broader European defense support program that includes about €6 billion in initial financing. The package is one element of a larger €60 billion initiative designed to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities through equipment purchases and military support. Under the program’s standard procurement rules, products bought with EU…

A rally supporting stricter immigration policies took place in Brussels on July 15 after Belgium’s highest administrative court overturned a local ban just hours before the event was scheduled to begin. The demonstration was held outside the European Parliament under heightened police security. Supporters gathered at Place du Luxembourg, where a stage displayed a large banner reading “Remigration.” Police officers were deployed throughout the area to monitor the gathering and maintain public order as participants arrived. The protest was organized by the Save Europe Act campaign, a group that is calling for tougher European Union immigration policies. Organizers say they…

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…