According to the latest Public Health England report on gambling, 0.5% of the population (approximately 246,000 people) are problem gamblers, and 3.8% (2.2 million people) are ‘at-risk’ gamblers. The figures may seem relatively small, certainly compared with, say, 20 years ago, but the problems associated with gambling are multitude and serious. There is one self-confessed former…
Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash The European Commission has put forward two proposals paving the way for the implementation of the EU-US Joint Statement. These steps, says the EU, contribute to restoring stability and predictability in EU-US trade and investment relations, “to the benefit of business, workers and citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.” The…
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash The European Green Party has called for the European Union to respond urgently to the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine with more sanctions, and the acceleration of negotiations for Ukraine’s integration into the EU. Vula Tsetsi, Co-chair of the European Green Party, condemned the attacks by Russia that killed…
Question? How many restaurants are still going strong four decades after opening? The answer, surely, is very few, especially after the recent twin ravages of the health pandemic and economic crisis. Both episodes have seen many eateries in Brussels, as elsewhere, sadly go to the wall. One very notable exception is Les Frères Romano which should not be…
Photo by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine On the night of 28 August, Russia launched another large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital. Several waves of strikes included drones, hypersonic weapons, ballistic and cruise missiles. Air defence systems intercepted many threats, but multiple direct hits struck Kyiv, causing fires, destruction, and civilian casualties….
Photo by Roman Skrypnyk on Unsplash Europe and the United States are now succeeding where Russia has long tried and failed: maintaining steadfast unity in support of Ukraine, alongside a cool, pragmatic scepticism towards any so-called guarantees that Moscow tries to use to position itself as both aggressor and arbiter. Following diplomatic musical chairs in…
Photo by Evan Wise on Unsplash MEPs have called for the immediate reappointment of the EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. They say it is urgent this is done as the position, they say, has been left vacant since December 2024. The demand comes in the…
Photo by samsommer on Unsplash The European Union has announced a major new investment, one which promises to make waves. It says it will plough some €116 million in 13 new projects aimed at restoring the health of the ocean and waters. The projects, selected under the EU Mission Ocean and Waters calls, will focus on a range…
Climáximo, the Portuguese climate justice collective have accused cellulose and fossil fuel companies of being responsible for the recent spate of wild fires, and have held protests in support of all the people currently fighting the flames with their hands and bodies. Climáximo supporters pasted images of the fires that are ravaging the north…
On September 13 and 14, 2025, Maredret Abbey in Belgium opens its doors for a unique immersion in its history and traditions. Nestled in the heart of Wallonia, the abbey offers visitors the opportunity to discover a rich and vibrant heritage through guided tours, illumination workshops, conferences, and tastings of Maredret beers. The program for…
