Category: Uncategorized
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Starting July 1 next year, the EU will impose a three euro customs duty on e-commerce orders.
Brussels – The EU Council has approved a proposal to implement a fixed customs duty of three euros on all small parcels valued under 150 euros arriving from non-EU countries, starting from 1 July 2026. This initiative primarily targets shipments of products ordered by EU residents via e-commerce platforms like “Temu”, “Shein”, and “Alibaba”. Data…
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Italy, EU heavyweight, joins Belgium in opposing Russian frozen assets plan
Belgium’s government is concerned about being responsible for repaying funds if Russia demands them back, lacking strong support before the December summit. Italy has shifted the diplomatic landscape by working with Belgium, Malta, and Bulgaria on a document urging the Commission to find alternative ways to use Russian assets for Ukraine’s financial stability. These countries…
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Fire at Machelen Asylum Centre Evacuates 400 Residents, Injures 1
Machelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A fire broke out Thursday, Dec 11, 2025, at the Machelen asylum centre housing 400 people. Nearly all were evacuated safely, 1 seriously injured, fire under control, cause unknown, residents temporarily relocated. As VRT News reported, a large fire broke out on Thursday, Dec 11, 2025, evening at an asylum…
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Albares urges Europe to "embrace greater sovereignty" in response to the new U.S. strategy.
Madrid – Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel Albares has asserted that Europe must enhance its sovereignty in response to criticism of the European Union found in the new U.S. security strategy, stating, “We Europeans are the ones who must defend the integrity of Europe.” This statement was made in Congress, where Albares appeared at his…
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EU Countries to Tax Low-Cost Packages Starting July
The surge of untaxed and frequently unsafe goods led the European Commission to suggest a temporary measure for packages under €150 a month ago. This “de minimis” rule enables exporters like Shein and Temu to deliver products directly to consumers, often avoiding scrutiny. The EU has already processed more packages in the first nine months…
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Fluvia Fire Department Introduces New Drone in Moen Citymesh
Moen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Moen becomes the 5th Fluvia fire zone town with a drone. Drones, operated by Citymesh pilots, aid firefighters and police. Zone commander Olivier Dorme aims faster response across 5-kilometer radius. As VRT News reported, Moen, near Zwevegem, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, is the 5th municipality in the…
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Portugal will steadfastly advocate for favorable fishing quotas for 2026.
BRUSSELS – Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, José Manuel Fernandes, emphasized today that Portugal will persist in negotiations to secure more fishing opportunities for 2026 compared to this year’s catches.“Negotiations continue until the very end; we are never fully satisfied,” the minister stated to reporters in Brussels.“We consistently strive for fishing opportunities that exceed our…