Author: OMN AI

A new survey shows strong public support for cleaner and safer streets near schools in Brussels. The issue is linked to rising concern about Brussels school pollution and the health of children. The findings were published by Les Chercheurs d’Air in cooperation with research institute Dedicated. The results show that many residents want faster action to reduce traffic near schools. They also want more green spaces to improve air quality. The survey found that 73 percent of Brussels residents support pedestrian streets in front of nurseries and primary schools. Even more support is seen for greener school areas. Around 83…

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar will travel to Brussels next week. He will meet European Commission officials. The talks will focus on frozen EU funds. The goal is to unlock billions in support for Hungary. The visit comes after a recent election change in the country. Officials say the talks are key for economic growth and public spending plans. Hungary hopes to restore full access to EU recovery support. The issue of EU money has been a long dispute. The European Union froze funds over rule of law concerns. These concerns were raised during the long rule of Viktor Orbán.…

A proposal to introduce a bloc-wide gambling levy is moving into formal discussion within the European Parliament, marking a shift in how European Union may look to fund its growing long-term budget needs. Lawmakers are expected to examine the idea next week as part of early-stage discussions on the EU’s financial framework for 2028 to 2034. The plan would introduce a 1% charge on gambling revenues or turnover generated across all 27 member states. The proposal has been put forward by Romanian Member of the European Parliament Victor Negrescu, who argues that the rapidly expanding gambling industry, particularly online platforms,…

The European Union is considering a plan to reduce natural gas demand by around 15 billion cubic metres this year as officials warn that global instability, including renewed conflict in the Middle East, is once again testing Europe’s energy security. The proposal reflects a broader shift in European energy strategy since the crisis that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While the bloc has successfully reduced its reliance on Russian pipeline gas, officials now say long-term resilience will depend not only on new suppliers but also on lower overall consumption. European Commission estimates that improved energy efficiency measures across…

European Union leaders are preparing to discuss major changes to the bloc’s Russia sanctions system, including a proposal to extend renewal periods from six months to one year. The proposal is expected to be discussed during a summit in Brussels in mid-June as officials continue efforts to strengthen pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine. The debate over EU Russia sanctions renewal comes after major political changes in Hungary, where longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently lost power after 16 years in office. According to officials familiar with the talks, diplomats from several Northern European countries raised the idea…

Thousands of people filled the streets of Brussels last weekend as liberals from across Belgium and Europe joined together for the annual Pride celebrations under the banner of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party. The event turned the Belgian capital into a vibrant display of rainbow colours, music, and political messages supporting equality and personal freedom. Members of Mouvement Réformateur, Jeunes MR, Anders, Jongliberalen, and European Liberal Youth marched side by side throughout the city center. The annual celebration of diversity and inclusion took place just before the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. That timing…

Belgium’s Eurovision final result has sparked debate after the country lost nearly all of its public voting support between the semi-final and the grand final. Analysts now believe a weak televote appeal, combined with an unfavorable running order, may explain the sudden drop. Belgium’s entry, “Dancing on the Ice,” managed to collect 10 televote points during its semi-final performance. The points came from several countries, including Israel, Georgia, Finland, Moldova, Montenegro, and viewers voting from the Rest of the World category. However, those points disappeared completely in the final. Belgium not only failed to repeat its semi-final support, but also…

Belgium is facing a growing prison crisis as inmate numbers rise sharply and overcrowding reaches critical levels, according to a new report from the Central Prison Monitoring Council (CCSP). The watchdog says the situation has now become severe enough to raise humanitarian concerns. Between 2023 and 2025, Belgium’s prison population increased by 21%. The number of inmates rose from 11,053 to 13,363 during this period. At the same time, prison capacity has not grown at a similar pace, creating mounting pressure across the correctional system. The CCSP report, published on Monday, says the overcrowding rate reached 19.27% by the end…

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Brussels on Sunday in a large demonstration organized by pro-Palestinian groups, trade unions, and civil society organisations. The protest focused on the ongoing war in Gaza and called for stronger political action from Belgium and the European Union. The march began in the early afternoon at Brussels-North station and moved toward Central Station. Participants carried Palestinian flags and banners demanding an end to what organisers described as the “war on Gaza” and calling for sanctions against Israel. Many signs at the demonstration also called for the suspension of the European Union’s association…

Belgium’s Interior Minister Bernard Quintin has called for urgent investment in Brussels Airport as long queues at border control continue to disrupt travel for passengers arriving from outside the Schengen area. Travellers have recently faced waiting times of up to four hours at passport control. Some passengers have even missed connecting flights due to the delays, raising concern ahead of the busy summer travel season. Airport chief executive Arnaud Feist has warned that the situation could escalate into “total chaos” if no immediate improvements are made. His comments reflect growing pressure on authorities to address both staffing shortages and infrastructure…