Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian civilians and European diplomats in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, prompting international condemnation and calls for accountability as violence against Palestinians and foreign observers continues escalating.
Belgium's foreign minister announced millions in additional funding for Ukraine's defense, healthcare, education, and reconstruction, building on the country's EUR 4.4 billion in prior assistance since Russia's 2022 invasion.
The European Union and Britain imposed sanctions on Russian military intelligence officers, hackers, and companies over a yearslong cyberspying campaign targeting European governments and critical infrastructure since 2010.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken visited Turkish Aerospace Industries in Istanbul, meeting CEO Mehmet Demiroglu to discuss defense cooperation and aviation technologies as part of Queen Mathilde's economic mission to Türkiye from May 10 to 14.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium led 428 investors to Turkey from May 10-14 to explore cooperation in energy, defense, and technology sectors, marking Belgium's first major economic mission there since 2012 amid strengthening bilateral relations.
European Union foreign ministers met in Luxembourg amid divisions over Israel policy, with Hungary's political change potentially enabling stronger collective action on Ukraine, Russian threats, and Middle Eastern crises.
European Union foreign ministers met in Luxembourg to address multiple crises, including Ukraine and rising energy costs, but remained divided on pressuring Israel over Gaza and Palestinian territories, with Hungary's outgoing Prime Minister Orbán blocking stronger action.
European Union diplomats met in Luxembourg amid divisions over Israel policy, with Hungary's political transition potentially enabling stronger EU action on Palestinian territories, settlements, and trade agreements, while fuel costs and regional conflicts complicate consensus.
European Union officials reinforced support for Palestinian statehood at a Brussels conference, positioning the Palestinian Authority as crucial for post-war Gaza governance while tensions over Israeli military actions intensify among member states.
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian civilians and European diplomats including Belgium's consul general in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, prompting calls for accountability and EU sanctions against those responsible for escalating violence.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal co-chaired the third India-EU Trade and Technology Council ministerial meeting in Brussels, advancing progress on a free trade agreement and strengthening supply chain resilience between the two democracies.
Belgium's foreign minister announced the country will increase defense spending on air defense, drones, and F-35 fighter jets to meet NATO commitments, citing Russian security threats and lessons from Ukraine's evolving warfare tactics.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Belgian counterpart Maxime Prevot in Ankara during an economic mission led by Queen Mathilde, with over 400 delegates signing agreements on defense, energy, and trade to strengthen NATO ally cooperation.
Queen Mathilde led Belgium's major trade mission to Türkiye from May 10-14 with over 400 business representatives and government ministers, aiming to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation across energy, defense, aviation, and technology sectors, building on the countries' $9.2 billion annual trade volume.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Belgium to facilitate EU-China trade dialogue during talks with Belgian Deputy PM Prevot, emphasizing consultation over confrontation to stabilize economic relations amid global tensions.
Why is the EU under pressure to suspend its trade agreement with Israel?
European Union diplomats gathered in Luxembourg amid divisions over Israel policy, with rising fuel costs and Middle Eastern conflicts straining consensus; Hungary's leadership change may enable stronger collective action on pressure toward Netanyahu's government.
The US sanctions the International Criminal Court to shield Americans and Israelis from war crime prosecution.
India and Belgium launched their inaugural Strategic Dialogue in Brussels, establishing a structured framework for cooperation across defence, semiconductors, trade, and clean energy, signaling deepened bilateral ties within the broader India-EU partnership.
Navigating Tension: NATO’s Strategic Diplomacy in the Strait of Hormuz
EU foreign ministers agreed May 11, 2026, to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers amid escalating West Bank violence, after Hungary lifted its veto, with France, Belgium, and other nations supporting the measure as insufficient but necessary.
Belgian queen leads major trade mission to Türkiye
EU foreign ministers met in Luxembourg to address multiple Middle East crises, but remained divided on pressuring Israel, with Hungary blocking stronger measures until its new pro-European leadership takes office, hindering consensus on suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement.
The EU convened over 60 nations in Brussels for Palestinian peace talks, seeking greater Middle Eastern influence as Hungary's leadership change removes a longstanding Israeli-friendly veto, potentially enabling new sanctions and diplomatic actions.
Spain and Ireland pushed the EU to suspend its trade pact with Israel over Gaza and West Bank concerns, but failed to secure sufficient support among the 27 member states, with Germany and Italy opposing the measure.