The US ambassador to Belgium planned a grand celebration for the US's 250th anniversary.
Bart De Wever
European Council President António Costa emerged as the EU's natural representative for potential Ukraine peace negotiations with Russia, establishing preliminary diplomatic channels while the bloc extends sanctions and advances Ukraine's EU accession.
Belgium prepares a new assistance package for Ukraine and will deliver F-16 fighter jets by year's end.
Why a single 'peace deal' for Ukraine war just won't work
Germany seeks alternative to canceled FCAS fighter jet project, considering options including a new European jet.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung visits Europe from June 4-18 for the G7 summit and Vatican meetings, aiming to expand Korean companies' market access, strengthen EU security cooperation, and reinforce Korea's status as a globally responsible power.
A train collided with a school bus in Belgium, killing four people and injuring five others.
Trump's 2026 counterterrorism strategy is alarming due to its partisanship and omission of key threats.
Belgium halted its nuclear reactor decommissioning and will negotiate state takeover with operator Engie, reversing the 2025 exit decision to secure energy independence and reduce fossil fuel reliance.
EU leaders met in Cyprus to discuss easing Iran sanctions if the country reopens the Strait of Hormuz, addressing global energy price spikes caused by Iranian threats blocking crucial oil and gas shipping routes.
Multiple EU states, led by Germany and Sweden, are pushing to eliminate the unanimity rule that allows any single member to block foreign policy decisions, citing Hungary's repeated vetoes on Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions as demonstrating the urgent need for reform.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for strengthened European and NATO defense capabilities, citing the Gaza ceasefire and Russian threats, while proposing using 140 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukrainian weapons as Europe must assertively exercise its collective power.
EU leaders refused to join the US-Israel military campaign. The conflict has caused rising oil and gas prices.
EU leaders refused to join US and Israel's military campaigns. They met in Brussels to address rising oil and gas prices. A concrete next step is not specified.
Europe is caught in the Iran conflict. The US requested support, but Europe refused. Europe faces challenges as the conflict prolongs.
Belgian Prime Minister warns EU of unfavorable deal if excluded from Ukraine peace talks. EU risks losing negotiating power.
The EU has extended sanctions against Russians. Six people were killed in attacks on Ukraine. The EU is maintaining pressure after the US lifted sanctions on Russian oil exports.
EU Summit: Who is really talking to Russia?
EU leaders disagreed on establishing diplomatic channels with Moscow as Ukraine war continues, with some supporting Council President Costa's proposed backchannel while others, including Germany, cautioned against premature decisions on EU representation in potential negotiations.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung returned from his European tour, securing strengthened US-Korea rapport with President Trump, managing EU trade pressures on steel, and supporting Korean defense firms' Canadian submarine bid through pragmatic diplomacy.
Singapore's post-1965 economic transformation into a prosperous global city offers lessons for Europe's smaller states, particularly regarding strategic resilience and defense cooperation as they navigate geopolitical challenges and security threats.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever criticized France and Germany for abandoning a 100 billion euro joint fighter jet project, calling the decision foolish and arguing European nations must pursue unified defense strategies amid Russian threats and American disengagement.
A train crash in Belgium killed four, including two children, and injured five others at a railway crossing.
European leaders face low approval ratings, with Starmer, Macron, and Merz being particularly unpopular.
EU weighs direct Putin talks as frustration grows over U.S. peace push
EU leaders are preparing to launch formal accession negotiations with Ukraine within weeks to months, marking a significant geopolitical shift as the war-torn nation seeks integration into Western institutions amid ongoing Russian conflict.
Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot urged the EU to impose stricter sanctions on Israel, including partial suspension of their Association Agreement, citing human rights violations and settlement expansion, though Germany and Hungary block consensus measures.
The EU may change its diplomatic approach due to internal issues undermining its foreign policy effectiveness.
US President Donald Trump announced a message to the Iranian people. Europe is battling a fresh energy shock after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.
EU leaders refused to join the US-Israel military campaign. The conflict has caused rising oil and gas prices.
European leaders' meeting focuses on US-Iran fallout. The meeting was initially about the economy. A discussion on the Iran attack is now front and center.
The EU has rejected US calls to deploy naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz. EU foreign ministers stressed no intention of engaging militarily with Iran. A diplomatic solution is prioritized.
Russia deployed Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers to launch cruise missiles into Ukraine. The attack occurred on the night of March 13 and early morning of March 14.
Belgium's Constitutional Court suspends stricter asylum rules, citing potential harm to migrants and families, in a blow to the government's migration policy
The European Commission will propose a diversification law requiring EU companies to reduce supply chain dependence on China, addressing a one-billion-euro-daily trade deficit and slow de-risking pace following China's rare earth export restrictions.
EU leaders disagreed at a Brussels summit over opening direct diplomatic channels with Moscow, with Council President António Costa pushing for contact to protect European interests in potential Ukraine peace negotiations while Germany and France insisted Ukraine remain central.
President Lee Jae Myung completed South Korea's first presidential visit to Europe, establishing strategic partnerships with the EU, Belgium, Italy, Germany, and Canada while attending the G7 summit to address global challenges including Ukraine, Middle East conflicts, and protectionism.
President Lee embarked on a 10-day European tour visiting Belgium, Italy, and the Vatican before attending the G7 summit in France, aiming to strengthen South Korea-EU economic and security cooperation amid North Korea threats and geopolitical tensions.
President Lee Jae Myung embarks on a 10-day European diplomatic tour visiting Belgium, Italy, and the Vatican before attending the G7 summit in France, aiming to strengthen South Korea-EU economic ties, defense cooperation, and address shared security challenges including North Korea and supply chain resilience.
A minibus collided with a train in Belgium, killing four people, including two children, after driving through closed barriers.
The EU and NATO approved €90 billion in aid for Ukraine but face a €135.7 billion shortfall through 2027, prompting exploration of frozen Russian assets, G7 contributions, and new financing mechanisms to sustain support.
The Netherlands is pushing EU negotiations to deploy €210 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's defense, backed by Baltic and Nordic states, though Belgium, France, Italy, and others resist due to legal and retaliation concerns.
EU Commission to draw up blueprint for invoking mutual assistance clause
Orban lost Hungary's election, but his ideology remains.
EU leaders agreed Friday to provide Ukraine a $105 billion interest-free loan from capital markets through 2027, choosing to borrow funds rather than use frozen Russian assets, amid complex legal and political concerns from Belgium and other member states.
US President Donald Trump called NATO countries 'cowards' for refusing to send forces. Trump wants to secure oil transit in the Strait of Hormuz. He warned them he will 'remember' the rejection.
Hungary's Viktor Orban blocks a key Ukraine loan. The loan is stalled as Russia's war continues. A resolution is pending at the EU summit.
The European Union is addressing rising oil and gas prices due to the Middle East war. Prices are soaring.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever called for the EU to normalize relations with Russia. He stated that an agreement with Moscow is the only viable solution.
Belgium's minister Bart De Wever asked the EU to instruct member states to negotiate with Russia. This comes after Moscow failed to end the war with Ukraine.
