Author: OMN AI

The European Union is preparing for important trade talks with China as leaders face growing concerns over rising imports and increasing pressure on European industries. The discussions come after reports that German carmaker Volkswagen may cut up to 100,000 jobs as it struggles against strong competition from Chinese manufacturers. The news has added urgency to the EU’s efforts to strengthen its trade strategy while keeping open communication with Beijing. Only a week earlier, leaders from the European Union’s 27 member states met in Brussels to discuss their approach toward China. During the summit, they agreed that the European Commission should…

The European Commission is preparing a new plan that could allow Ukraine and other candidate countries to receive some benefits of European Union membership before officially joining the bloc. The proposal aims to reward countries that complete key reforms while keeping them closely connected to the EU during the long accession process. The new approach is called gradual integration. It would allow candidate countries to gain selected economic advantages before becoming full members. These benefits could include access to some EU funding programs, better trade conditions, and partial access to the EU’s single market. However, countries would still need to…

The European Union has launched the Middle Corridor Connectivity Platform, a new initiative aimed at improving transport, energy, and digital links between Europe and Asia. The platform is designed to support projects along the Middle Corridor, a trade route connecting China, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Türkiye, and Europe. However, the launch has already sparked debate after two key countries, Azerbaijan and Georgia, did not take part in the opening meeting. The platform was introduced during a high-level meeting led by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, and European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport…

The Human Exposome Project Ethics initiative has taken a major step forward after international experts gathered in Brussels to begin developing a global ethical framework for one of the world’s most ambitious health research projects. The meeting focused on creating clear principles to guide exposome research and ensure that scientific progress is matched with strong ethical standards and public trust. The Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa organized the high-level meeting at the South African Mission to the European Union on June 17. Around 30 experts from science, public policy, and international governance attended the session to prepare an initial ethical…

The European Union has introduced new rules that will make foreign investment screening mandatory across all member states. The updated framework aims to protect strategic industries while keeping Europe open to international investment. The regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on June 26 and will take effect 20 days after publication. The new law, known as Regulation (EU) 2026/1386, will replace the foreign direct investment screening system introduced in 2019. Member states will have an 18-month transition period before the updated framework fully applies. Under the new regulation, every EU country must have a national…

Air Congo will begin direct flights between Brussels and Kinshasa on July 1. The new service will give travelers another choice between Belgium and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The airline will operate four flights each week. The schedule includes Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Brussels Airport confirmed the new route on Friday. The launch marks an important step for Air Congo as it expands its international network. It also brings fresh competition to a route that has long been served by only one airline. Travelers will now have more options when planning business trips, family visits, or holidays…

Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region has secured a major international investment agreement that is expected to strengthen the country’s maritime industry and support economic growth in the Caspian region. The agreement was signed during high-level meetings in Brussels and involves a partnership with Damen Shipyards Group, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure companies. The total value of the planned investment is estimated at around €100 million. Officials said the project will focus on establishing a modern shipbuilding facility in the Caspian region. The initiative is designed to expand domestic industrial capabilities, increase vessel production, and improve maritime transport infrastructure.…

Kazakhstan has secured commercial agreements worth about €10 billion with European partners as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded a major visit to Brussels. The agreements highlight growing economic ties between Kazakhstan and the European Union and strengthen cooperation in transport, aviation, industry, and trade. The deals were announced during a business forum attended by government officials, business leaders, and representatives of major European companies. The event marked a significant step in expanding relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union, which remains the country’s largest trading and investment partner. The visit came more than a year after leaders from Central Asia and…

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have begun an official visit to Belgium, marking a new chapter in diplomatic ties between the two nations. The imperial couple arrived in Brussels and were formally welcomed at Laeken Palace by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. The meeting between the two royal families took place on Monday in the Belgian capital. The Japanese Emperor and Empress were greeted about 200 meters from the palace entrance before the four royals posed for photographs and walked inside together while engaging in conversation. The visit highlights the long standing friendly relations between Japan and Belgium, with…

Bulgarians living in Brussels and across Europe gathered once again for the 38th edition of the Big Horo, a traditional folk dance event that has become a cultural highlight for the Bulgarian diaspora. The celebration brought together participants from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany for an evening of music, dance, and shared heritage. The event, known as the Big Horo, is organised by Bulgarian community groups in Brussels and has grown into a regular cultural meeting point for people who want to stay connected to their roots. It also attracts international participants who enjoy Bulgarian folk dance and music.…