Baghdad (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – As part of attempts to normalise relations and reestablish commercial links between the two nations, Iraq has formally reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria for commerce and passenger travel, a spokeswoman for the Iraqi border administration said on Saturday.

“The Qaim crossing is now fully operational for both cargo trucks and civilian movement,”

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LUXEMBOURG (ANP) – Criticism of internal border controls is notably resurfacing as the Schengen Agreement marks its 40th anniversary, which facilitates the free movement of people and mandates that passport checks occur solely at Europe’s external borders.
Luxembourg’s minister has pointed out that over 240,000 daily commuters to Luxembourg frequently endure lengthy traffic jams due to

Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A major oil spill in Antwerp, stretching from Groenplaats to the Kaaien, has made roads slippery. Fire brigade spokesperson Jasmien O says cleanup is ongoing; the cause is still unknown.
As VRT News reported, emergency services in Antwerp are handling a major oil spill. The spill has made many streets very slippery and dangerous. The oil starts at Groenplaa

Starmer and his administration initially considered the inquiry unnecessary due to previous investigations into individual instances.
Upon reviewing the audit results led by Louise Casey, a House of Lords member, Starmer decided to reverse his stance.
“Based on her examination of the material, Casey concluded that a national inquiry is warranted,” Starmer stated. “I have reviewed every word of her

Bratislava – Andrej Danko, Chairman of the Slovak National Party (SNS), has expressed his expectation that Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) will adhere to principles and abstain from supporting another package of anti-Russian sanctions within the EU. He referenced a resolution from the National Council (NR) of the Slovak Republic that advises government officials against backing such sanct

Vatican City (Eurotoday Newspaper) – On Saturday, Pope Leo made an appeal for the authorities in Iran and Israel to strive for “peace and reconciliation.” The call came after airstrikes between the two nations killed dozens and forced civilians into shelters, with the Pope urging the countries to pursue dialogue.

How is Pope Leo urging nations to act?What triggered the recent Iran-Israel escala

Brussels/EU-wide – The EU is taking steps to address the illegal trade in puppies and kittens. The EU Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) has voted in Brussels on the “EU Regulation on the Welfare of Dogs and Cats and their Traceability.” This regulation aims to enhance traceability and transparency, particularly concerning the online sale of pets. The proposal will proceed to a

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated on Saturday that she will not leave her duties in Brussels to lead Malta’s Nationalist Party or pursue the prime ministerial role in her home country.
“In politics, achieving the position of prime minister by leading your party to victory in elections is the highest personal ambition. However, this is not about my personal goals, but

Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Free open-air swimming at Bonapartedok, near MAS in Antwerp, runs every weekend (12:00–19:30) until Sept 14, 2025. Led by Sportoase, with lifeguards, 100 swimmers per half-hour. €200,000 invested.
As VRT News reported, the summer swimming season in Antwerp has begun at the Bonapartedok, near the MAS museum. This year, there’s more swimming than ever before.

Vienna – European refugee organizations have urged the EU Commission to commence infringement proceedings against Germany. They argue that the ongoing stationary border checks and the rejection of asylum seekers at German borders are “in clear contradiction to fundamental values and violate applicable EU law,” as stated in a letter released on Thursday by groups including Asylkoordina