Whisper it quietly but a quite remarkable sporting story is unfolding in Belgium. At the end of last season, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, one of the most historic clubs in the country, located in one of Brussels’ 19 communes, was promoted to the top tier of Belgian football. Amazingly, it now stands proudly on top of…
The conference on Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law held by the European Economic and Social Committee brought into light serious violations and negative trends in the four areas covered by the European Rule of Law Mechanism (justice, corruption, media, checks and balances). The EESC stressed that civil society is a dynamic actor in defending…
Thierry Vanholsbeek is arguably the “Mr Fixit” of Belgium cuisine. If there is a problem that needs sorting at a new or relaunched restaurant, the well-connected Thierry is your man. Thierry has forged a career moving around the country trying to provide that much-needed spark to a new business culinary venture. It was Thierry who…
The European Commission must strongly resist any attempt by the US to use the newly created transatlantic collaboration platform on agriculture to undermine the implementation of a healthier and more sustainable European food system, Compassion in World Farming EU warned today. “Partnering with the US on agriculture to tackle sustainability and climate change is a…
An event organised by the EESC has investigated what measures other than gross domestic product (GDP) could help the EU recover successfully and build a sustainable and resilient economy. The European Union needs indicators that can complement GDP to address and assess 21st century global challenges such as climate change, poverty and resource depletion, while at…
The European pulp and paper industry welcomes the two recent announcements on forests and climate made by global leaders, who are currently gathered at the COP26 in Glasgow. It already supports these commitments with concrete action, working hand in hand with the EU Commission’s services, and building on its track record for reforestation, sustainable forest…
German MEP Sven Giegold has given his take on last week’s farewell visit by Chancellor Angela Merkel to France’s President Emmanuel Macron. The MEP, speaker of the German Greens in the European Parliament, commented, “Under Merkel, there was both stagnation and progress in the Franco-German tandem. A ray of hope for Franco-German cooperation was the initiative for…
The new mobile phone Eco Rating scheme launched across Europe is set to roll out globally after the five operators behind the initiative expanded their initial agreement to encourage operators worldwide to participate. The announcement paves the way for Eco Rating to become a global harmonised labelling system, giving consumers everywhere consistent, transparent insight on…
The conditional lifting of travel restrictions has, again, opened up the possibility of foreign travel for people from Belgium, and Ice Mountain is ready to help them prepare. For many, this is a much needed boost after months and months of curtailment including lockdowns. Among the options now open to folk here is the possibility…
The Paris Climate Agreement states that financial flows should be “consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilient development”. While this crucial issue will be addressed for the first time by the international community at the COP26 , the agenda and proposals on financial flows, have been steered and directed from…
