EU and India Target Completion of Free Trade Agreement by End of 2025

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Brussels, Infrabel, and NMBS will turn the space under Brussels-Chapelle station into SubJonction, a cultural hub with a hall, restaurant, and outdoor area. Works may start in 2028.
As VRT News reported, Brussels will change the space under the Brussels-Chapelle train station into a new cultural place. This area is between Sint-Brigittenstraat and Ursuline

Prague – The initial outline of the upcoming European agricultural policy, which includes a cap on subsidies and a gradual reduction in support for agricultural businesses, might dissuade some farmers from engaging in environmental protection and adhering to eco-friendly measures. This concern was expressed today by Martin Pýcha, chairman of the Agricultural Union of the Czech Republic. The union

India’s Commerce Ministry has set the end of July as the deadline for officials to sign the trade deal, according to a source briefed on the matter. Two other sources, also granted anonymity, said Starmer and Modi are expected to sign the deal in the U.K. before the month ends.
Modi plans a “flying visit to sign the FTA so the ratification process can begin,” one source stated. Starmer had conside

Brussels (Eurotoday) – Brussels will merge its 6 police zones into one by 2027, spending €55 million. Minister Bernard Quintin says this will improve safety, speed, and trust citywide.
AS VRT News reported, after many years of talks and delays, the government has agreed to join all 6 police zones in Brussels into one. Officials mentioned that before, each zone had its boss, rules, and budget. Th

Paris – “The European Commission’s initial budget proposal for the future of the Union and the Common Agricultural Policy fails to align with the bold vision I have consistently championed for the role of agriculture in France’s future and in the European project,” stated the French minister on her X account.
Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change to ensure “food producti

Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces the capital’s press before the summer break in his first summer press conference since taking office. He had little concrete to say. From his role as a simple member of parliament to party leader – Merz dodges the personnel debate around Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf.
Rixa Fürsen and Gordon Repinski analyze the undertones and why Merz declares Merkel’s famous phras

Zottegem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Local Radio club ON6ZT has moved into Zottegem’s old train station after years of vacancy. With NMBS and Mayor Evelien De Both’s support, the club now meets 3 times a week.
As VRT News reported, the old train station in Zottegem, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, has a new use. Local radio club ON6ZT has moved in. The building was empty for many y

Durban (dpa) – Germany’s Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has expressed that he finds the proposal by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the next long-term EU budget unacceptable. “We must absolutely remain proportionate in finances. I see that as not being maintained,” the Social Democrat stated during a G20 finance ministers meeting in Durban, South Africa.
The German government ai

Belgian supermarkets will now have permission to operate until 9 p.m. and can open all week, as per local news sources. Previously, supermarkets, along with clothing and electronics stores, were required to close at least one day weekly and by 8 p.m. (or 9 p.m. on Fridays). The Belgian government is anticipated to formally change these regulations on Friday, as reported by De Morgen. This regulato

Although cease fire in the Middle East is preserved, the escalations between Iran and Europe about Iran’s nuclear program and the activation of snapback mechanism is reaching a new turning point. With this regard, on Wednesday July 16 Hundreds of Iranians and supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), gathered at Place du Luxembourg in Brussels to denounce the Iranian regim