Belgium
![Belgian bankruptcy dents Europe’s microchip dreams](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13/GettyImages-1485437147.jpg)
Belgian bankruptcy dents Europe’s microchip dreams
Concerns about Chinese ownership impacted government’s thinking to keep microchips factory afloat.
![Sweden reports first case of more dangerous mpox virus outside Africa](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/15/GettyImages-1415047283-scaled.jpg)
Sweden reports first case of more dangerous mpox virus outside Africa
![Search on for survivors after fighter jet crashes in northern France](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14/GettyImages-2166132729-scaled.jpg)
Search on for survivors after fighter jet crashes in northern France
![Spain’s Sánchez outfoxes Puigdemont again](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/11/Sanchez-PM-Spain.jpg)
Spain’s Sánchez outfoxes Puigdemont again
![Puigdemont says he’s back in Belgium, as Catalonia welcomes new president](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/10/Carles-Puigdemont-scaled.jpg)
Puigdemont says he’s back in Belgium, as Catalonia welcomes new president
![Teresa Ribera faces nuclear hurdle to running EU green policy](https://www.politico.eu/cdn-cgi/image/width=480,height=320,quality=80,onerror=redirect,format=auto/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/02/GettyImages-969633638-scaled.jpg)
Teresa Ribera faces nuclear hurdle to running EU green policy
Israel expels 8 Norwegian diplomats over Palestine spat
Norway’s foreign minister called the move “an extreme act.”
Rights groups slam Bulgaria for banning LGBTQ+ ‘propaganda’
The law mirrors similar legislation passed in Russia and Hungary in recent years.
Scoop! Where to get the best ice cream in Brussels
Not on holiday? Don’t worry, you can still enjoy some glorious gelato.
European Jewish Association accuses Belgian magazine of ‘incitement to murder’ Jews
The Belgian author said he wants to “shove a knife down the throat of every Jew” he meets.
Catalan separatist Carles Puigdemont risks arrest with bid to sneak back into Spain
‘Puigdemont can’t just sneak in through a back door or through the kitchen … Maybe he’ll try to get smuggled in like Cleopatra in a carpet.’
Seine water quality ‘marginally acceptable’ at latest Olympics race, new samples show
The pollution levels in the Paris river’s murky waters have come under scrutiny during the Olympics, with several swimming competitions held in the river.
Where the EU’s political tribes should go on holiday
Where to go this summer, depending on your political persuasion.
The 11 MEPs who actually matter
Here are the EU lawmakers to keep your eye on in the new term.
‘Blood minerals’: EU accused of fueling conflict with Rwanda deal
Facing criticism it is stoking a humanitarian crisis, Brussels seeks to clarify the aims behind its minerals pact with Kigali.
Who will be the next European commissioners?
What we know so far about Ursula von der Leyen’s next top team.
Football bosses ask EU to intervene in FIFA’s new match schedule
Football players and leagues filed a complaint with the European Commission to try to rein in football’s governing body.
‘Invisible’ Kamala Harris struggles to win over Europe
Top ECB official got caught on a hot mic saying Harris will never win.
Eurozone debt keeps climbing
Amid political chaos, France’s debt has increased.
Von der Leyens Tag der Entscheidung
Am späten Mittag hat sie nur einen einzigen Versuch, die nötigen Stimmen der EU-Parlamentarier zu bekommen. Dass von der Leyen durchfällt, ist unwahrscheinlich, aber hundertprozentig sicher kann …
‘Quoi? What? Wat?’ Languages and demographics of Brussels
Your quick guide on what to expect from the different quarters of Brussels — depending on which languages you speak and whom you might prefer to have as neighbor.
Germany isolated as EU countries tilt toward duties on Chinese EVs
Ten countries voted in favor, four against and 11 abstained in non-binding vote, diplomats say.
Cocaine seizures fall in big EU ports as gangs target easier routes
As Antwerp and Rotterdam crack down, other ports bear the brunt.
MEPs call to strip Hungary’s EU voting rights amid Orbán’s ‘peace missions’
The letter is the latest attempt to rein in Budapest’s rogue Council presidency.
Smartphone ban to hit Belgium’s Francophone schools
New regional government will limit use of smartphones by kids in Brussels and Walloon schools.
2 percent on defense? That is so last year.
One of the NATO Summit’s biggest guessing games this week: What should members spend on defense?
F-16s jets from Denmark, Netherlands to begin Ukraine defense within months
Denmark and the Netherlands have begun sending the jets, but Ukraine’s president says he needs more.
Belgian government talks begin with Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever at the helm
Far-right Vlaams Belang was never considered as a coalition partner.
Spanish court shelves Puigdemont terrorism probe
The end of the inquest doesn’t mean the Catalan separatist leader is off the hook, however.
NATO’s decade-long battle to boost defense spending
It’s part of a two-pronged effort to deter Russia and defang any attacks by Donald Trump if he returns to the White House.