Belçika kralı (2013–günümüz)
Belgium wary of what comes next against US after Senegal let off
RENTON, Washington: Belgium have come back down from cloud nine after their last-minute heroics against Senegal but they are wary of what lies ahead against the United States, defender Maxim De Cuyper said on Friday.
Europe heatwave linked to 3,700 excess deaths
France, Belgium and the Netherlands warn toll may rise as climate change blamed for extreme temperatures
Fransa ve Belçika'da rekor sıcak hava dalgası 3 binden fazla can aldıSuspended Balogun focused on supporting US team in clash with Belgium
SEATTLE: United States forward Folarin Balogun said his red card in the last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina was a harsh decision, but quickly turned his focus to contributing as cheerleader for their clash against Belgium.
A U.S. Independence Celebration Damaged a Museum in Belgium
There were black marks left on a structure in a central Brussels park after a fireworks display, the American ambassador to Belgium confirmed.
France and Belgium confirm over 3,000 excess deaths amid record European heatwave
A catastrophic heatwave that scorched Western Europe in late June has left a trail of unprecedented loss of life in its wake, with France and Belgium reporting a combined toll of over 3,200 excess deaths. As medical facilities and public services remain under extreme strain, government authorities across the continent are sounding the alarm that […]
Fransa ve Belçika'da rekor sıcak hava dalgası 3 binden fazla can aldıAt least 3,700 excess deaths reported during heatwave in France, Belgium, Netherlands
PARIS — France, the Netherlands and Belgium have recorded 3,700 excess deaths during the June heatwave that sent temperatures soaring across Europe, with authorities warning that the numbers are preliminary and could rise.
Batı Avrupa'da Haziran Sıcak Dalgası En Az 3.700 Kişinin Ölümüne Neden OlduAt least 3,700 excess deaths reported during heatwave in France, Belgium and Netherlands
PARIS, July 3 - France, the Netherlands and Belgium have recorded 3,700 excess deaths during the June heatwave that sent temperatures soaring across Europe, with authorities warning that the numbers are preliminary and could rise.
Batı Avrupa'da Haziran Sıcak Dalgası En Az 3.700 Kişinin Ölümüne Neden OlduBank of Russia ready to use all mechanisms in Euroclear case
Euroclear earlier filed a lawsuit in Belgium against the Central Bank of Russia in an attempt to block the enforcement of a $231.5 billion Moscow Arbitration court ruling over frozen assets
Euroclear, Donmuş Rus Varlıkları Davasını Brüksel'de Mahkemeye TaşıdıBelgium plans to spend 3.1 billion euros on NASAMS and skyranger systems – Belgian official
BRUSSELS, July 2 - Belgium is planning to buy 10 advanced surface-to-air missile system (NASAMS) launchers from Kongsberg and 20 Skyranger short-range air defence systems from Rheinmetall for a total price of 3.1 billion euros, a Belgian official told Reuters on Thursday.
Belçika'dan 3.1 milyar euroluk hava savunma hamlesiRussia ‘mounted drone surveillance of European nuclear sites over 18 months’
Researchers say Moscow acted with ‘substantial impunity’ in 144 incidents, including over RAF Lakenheath The Kremlin orchestrated a concerted surveillance campaign using drones launched from shadow fleet vessels over an 18-month period which targeted nuclear sites in the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, researchers have said. Analysis by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) of 144 incidents in more than a dozen countries beginning in late 2024 concluded Russian intelligence had operated with “substantial impunity”, leaving authorities across Europe flat-footed and confused. Continue reading...
Çernobil’de nükleer yakıt tesisine Rus drone saldırısı: Ukrayna ‘kasıtlı’ diyorEvent on heritage tourism at the Italian Embassy in Belgium
(ANSA) - BRUXELLES, 01 LUG - The promotion of “Tourism of the Roots” and the project of the same name—presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)—were the focus of the event “Tourism of the Roots: Italy and Belgium Meet,” organized today in Brussels at the residence of the Italian Ambassador to Belgium. “Heritage Tourism is not just a foreign policy project, but a major opportunity for the entire Italian economy,” emphasized Federica Favi, Italy’s Ambassador to Belgium, during her opening remarks at the event. The project at the heart of the conference—which is now entering a second phase thanks to 200 million euros from the Development and Cohesion Fund—aims to help rediscover the connection between the more than 80 million Italians worldwide and their places of origin. “These are essential resources for reigniting a desire for Italy that is increasingly deeply rooted among young people of Italian descent, and it is our duty to help strengthen and nurture this,” Favi emphasized, noting that “Belgium is one of the countries where the memory of Italian emigration is most vivid, and this year it is also marking anniversaries of fundamental importance, such as those of the ‘Uomo-Carbone’ Agreements and the Marcinelle tragedy.” Also present at the event were the director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Brussels, Pierre Di Toro; the Consuls General of Italy in Brussels and Charleroi, Francesco Varriale and Pier Luigi Gentile; Italy’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU, Ambassador Marco Canaparo; Comites Councilor in Brussels Francesco Fusaro; and the President of the Piedmont Region, Alberto Cirio, head of the Italian delegation to the European Committee of the Regions. “I believe this project, strongly supported by Minister Tajani, has been innovative and appropriate, showing respect for all Italians living around the world who have earned the goodwill of their host communities,” Cirio emphasized, adding that “the data we’re seeing also shows that Italy continues to increase its export capacity worldwide, and at a time when many wars are raging, this is a fundamental factor.” Read article...
İtalya, Brüksel'de Kök Turizmi ile Anavatan Vurgusu YaptıPrioritize Ukrainians' dignity as you did in 2022, urges Europe's human rights head
BRUSSELS, Belgium — The Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner is pushing back against the continent-wide rollback of protections for over 4 million Ukrainians. Michael O'Flaherty spoke with the Kyiv Independent about just what is at stake, and why it is in Europe's own
Euroclear takes frozen assets dispute against Russia to court in Brussels
Euroclear, a Belgium-based financial market infrastructure provider, has filed a lawsuit against the Bank of Russia in a Brussels commercial court, challenging a Moscow ruling that ordered it to pay 200 billion euros (approximately $230 billion) in damages, Belgian media reported.
Euroclear, Donmuş Rus Varlıkları Davasını Brüksel'de Mahkemeye TaşıdıRaids in Europe over alleged far-right embezzlement: EU prosecutors
Raids were said to be under way in France, Spain, Italy and Belgium.
Bank of Russia crafting defense strategy for Euroclear court battle in Belgium
The Bank of Russia is aware of Euroclear's lawsuit in Belgium
Minister Anand announces additional sanctions in response to Russia’s violations against Ukrainian children
At today’s High-Level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in Brussels, Belgium, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations in response to the Russian government’s violations of Ukrainian children’s rights.
Minister Anand concludes participation in the High-level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian ChildrenMinister Anand concludes participation in the High-level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children
May 11, 2026 – Brussels, Belgium - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded her participation in the High-level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-hosted by Canada, the European Union and Ukraine, in Brussels, Belgium.
Minister Anand concludes participation in the High-level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian ChildrenBelgisch mensenrechtenbeleid onder de loep in Genève
Belgium’s human rights policy under review in Geneva lien.horemans Tue, 05/05/2026 - 09:29 Press release Human rights Diplomatic map May 5, 2026 On 6 May 2026, Belgium’s human rights policy will be reviewed during the 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council. The FPS Foreign Affairs plays a crucial role, both in coordinating the recommendations for improvement made by other countries and in promoting human rights abroad. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot will represent Belgium at this Universal Periodic Review in Geneva. This is the fourth time since 2011 that Belgium’s human rights policy will be reviewed. The UPR provides for a regular review of the human rights situation in all 193 UN member states. Three UPR sessions take place each year, with 14 countries being reviewed at each session. In this way, all 193 UN member states are reviewed every five years. For Belgium, this was the case in 2011, 2016 and 2021. During this fourth cycle, our country is the 160th member state to be reviewed. The UPR fosters an open dialogue between all UN member states, based on the collective understanding that no country has a perfect human rights record, and that there is therefore always room for improvement. At the same time, the UPR offers a rare opportunity to raise states’ awareness of legislation or practices at national level that may have negative consequences for human rights within their borders. Human rights are part of Belgium’s DNA. The universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights, which reinforce one another, are the guiding principles of Belgium’s actions, both within our own country and on the international stage. Promoting human rights abroad is one of the policy priorities of the FPS Foreign Affairs, something to which our diplomats are committed on a daily basis. The UPR review is based on three reports. The first is the Belgian national report. This report is the result of close cooperation between all relevant policy levels of the federal and federated entities. In December 2025, the FPS Foreign Affairs also organised a consultation with civil society on the draft text of the report. This concerns the follow-up to the 251 recommendations from 119 different countries that Belgium accepted during its previous UPR in 2021. The other two reports contain, on the one hand, a summary of the information available to the United Nations itself and, on the other hand, a summary of the many contributions from (national and international) stakeholders. Thanks to the UPR and the recommendations made by other Member States, Belgium keeps a close eye on the human rights situation in Belgium, and together with all Member States of the United Nations, we ensure that we pursue a stronger and more universal human rights policy. The FPS Foreign Affairs actively contributes to this, day in, day out. Belgium’s Universal Periodic Review will take place on 6 May 2026 in Geneva, within the Human Rights Council. The interactive dialogue will last approximately three and a half hours. Following the session, the United Nations Secretariat will draw up a report containing all the recommendations made. The Human Rights Council will adopt a resolution on that report in September. Belgium may accept or reject the recommendations. The interactive dialogue can be followed live via the livestream on the website of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Documents relating to Belgium’s UPR are available on the website of the UN Human Rights Council. Information on media accreditation can be found on the website of the UN Human Rights Council. Keep up-to-date Subscribe to our newsletters to stay informed about the activities of our FPS Our spokespersons David Jordens david.jordens@diplobel.fed.be Pierre Steverlynck pierre.steverlynck@diplobel.fed.be Florinda Baleci florinda.baleci@diplobel.fed.be Social Media Hide all social media Show all social media
Belgisch mensenrechtenbeleid onder de loep in GenèveBelgische economische missie naar Turkije zet in op groei, innovatie en partnerschap
Belgian economic mission to Türkiye focuses on growth, innovation and partnership jeroen.francois Fri, 05/08/2026 - 11:36 Press release Türkiye Economic mission Diplomatic map May 8, 2026 From 10 May, her Majesty the Queen will lead a Belgian economic mission to Türkiye. She will be accompanied by an official delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot and Minister for Defence and Foreign Trade Theo Francken. The mission opens a new and ambitious chapter in relations between the two countries, almost fourteen years after the previous Belgian economic mission to Türkiye. The mission will visit the country’s two main economic hubs: Istanbul (10 to 12 May) and Ankara (13 and 14 May). Her Majesty the Queen will take part in the programme in Istanbul, after which the official delegation will travel on to Ankara. In total, the mission brings together 428 participants: 194 companies, 17 federations and chambers of commerce, 8 universities and various Belgian government departments. It is jointly organised by the three regional trade and investment promotion agencies (Flanders Investment & Trade, hub.brussels and AWEX), the Foreign Trade Agency and the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. “The world has changed. Our companies must be present where the opportunities lie, and today those opportunities also lie in Türkiye,” says Minister Prévot. “A market of 85 million consumers, a NATO ally, a customs union with the EU and a country undergoing rapid transformation. Belgium must be part of that.” Strengthened cooperation in a changing context In recent years, Türkiye has developed into a major economic and geopolitical player. In an international context marked by geopolitical uncertainty, companies are increasingly seeking resilience through nearshoring (cooperating with neighboring countries) and friendshoring (cooperating with partner countries). In this regard, Türkiye is a strategic choice: it forms a bridge between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, is geographically close to Belgium, is economically integrated with the EU through the customs union, and is also a NATO ally and a candidate country for the EU. The country also has a well-developed transport infrastructure by land, sea, and air. "Türkiye is an attractive market of 85 million people and an emerging industrial power. At the same time, it serves as a bridge for Europe to the markets of the Middle East and Central Asia. Our bilateral trade currently stands at around 8 billion euros a year. That can and must be significantly higher. We are traveling to Türkiye with a delegation of more than 300 businesspeople. We are not going for the sake of symbolism, but to do business. I have every confidence in the success of this economic mission,” says Minister Francken. Strong economic relations Belgium and Türkiye already maintain strong economic ties. Türkiye is Belgium’s fifth-largest trading partner outside the European Union. In 2025, Belgian exports to Türkiye amounted to 6.5 billion euros, compared with imports of 5.6 billion euros. There is also strong momentum in the investment sector. Belgium is one of the most important foreign investors in Türkiye, whilst Turkish investment in Belgium continues to grow. Recent projects illustrate this mutual interest, such as the Ciner Group’s glass factory in Lommel and the announced Synpet plastic recycling plant in Antwerp. Focus on five strategic sectors The mission focuses on five strategic sectors that reflect the shared priorities and innovation-driven growth of both countries: the green and energy transition, aerospace and defence, ports, logistics and transport, pharmaceuticals and biotech, and digital technology. The programme comprises nearly 35 activities: seminars, workshops, company visits, and B2B meetings. In Istanbul, the focus includes cooperation between Belgian and Turkish ports. By bringing together key players from both countries, the aim is to enhance the security of critical port infrastructure and promote sustainable innovation. At the same time, this offers new opportunities to further develop long-standing maritime and economic relations. In addition, Belgian and Turkish representatives and stakeholders from the life sciences sector will come together to identify joint priorities and promote sustainable cooperation in the fields of research, innovation, production and healthcare. Particular attention will be paid to rare diseases and the role of women in the sector. In Ankara, Belgian defence companies will have the opportunity to present their activities. Various meetings will bring Belgian and Turkish companies together to explore concrete opportunities for cooperation. Seminars and workshops will provide local partners with insight into Belgian expertise whilst offering a better understanding of the priorities of the Turkish authorities and their flagship projects. Visits to local companies and to Belgian subsidiaries in Türkiye round off the programme. Political dialogue and new agreements In addition to the economic programme, the mission also includes a series of meetings between the Belgian and Turkish authorities, including with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and Minister of Defence Yaşar Güler. These contacts are intended to deepen bilateral relations and open up new opportunities for cooperation. During the mission, various agreements will also be signed, including in the fields of defence and social security. With this economic mission, Belgium and Türkiye are reaffirming their shared ambition to further strengthen their partnership and to work together towards open, sustainable trade and forward-looking economic growth. Keep up-to-date Subscribe to our newsletters to stay informed about the activities of our FPS Our spokespersons David Jordens david.jordens@diplobel.fed.be Pierre Steverlynck pierre.steverlynck@diplobel.fed.be Florinda Baleci florinda.baleci@diplobel.fed.be Social Media Hide all social media Show all social media
Belgische economische missie naar Turkije zet in op groei, innovatie en partnerschapJoint Statement on the Belgian Economic Mission to Türkiye
Joint Statement on the Belgian Economic Mission to Türkiye lien.horemans Wed, 05/13/2026 - 10:30 Statement Türkiye Economic mission Diplomatic map May 13, 2026 The Belgian Economic Mission to the Republic of Türkiye, led by Her Majesty the Queen of the Belgians, on behalf of His Majesty the King, took place on 10-14 May 2026 in İstanbul and Ankara. His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, and First Lady Emine Erdoğan hosted Her Majesty the Queen in İstanbul. The Economic Mission aimed to strengthen bilateral trade and investment between Türkiye and Belgium, with a focus on strategic sectors such as energy, aerospace and defense industry, logistics and transportation, digital transformation and industry 4.0, and life sciences and pharma. The Republic of Türkiye welcomed the high-level participation from Belgium, bringing together over 400 representatives of the Belgian federal and regional authorities, companies, federations, chambers of commerce and academic institutions. A number of sectoral seminars and structured B2B/B2G meetings across priority sectors took place. Bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding, providing updated frameworks for cooperation and facilitate closer engagement in areas of mobility, defense/defense industry cooperation, social protection and safety of agri-food products were signed. As long-standing partners and NATO Allies, Turkish and Belgian sides noted with pleasure the momentum in their relations, facilitated by joint efforts and a shared interest in international peace and stability in view of regional and global developments. Both sides acknowledged the deep-rooted relations between Türkiye and Belgium, and reaffirmed the contributions of the Belgian-Turkish community to political, economic, cultural and social ties. Both sides also noted that Türkiye-Belgium economic relations continue to benefit from the broader framework of Türkiye-EU relations, including the 1963 Ankara Agreement and the Türkiye-EU Customs Union. In this vein, they recognized the importance of the Türkiye-EU relationship and expressed support for constructive engagement, including discussions on the modernization of the Customs Union and continued facilitation of business and people-to-people mobility, in accordance with EU frameworks and benchmarks. In addition to strengthening economic cooperation, the Economic Mission constituted an important step in building more structured and closer political relations between the Republic of Türkiye and the Kingdom of Belgium. Ankara, 13 May 2026 Keep up-to-date Subscribe to our newsletters to stay informed about the activities of our FPS Our spokespersons David Jordens david.jordens@diplobel.fed.be Pierre Steverlynck pierre.steverlynck@diplobel.fed.be Florinda Baleci florinda.baleci@diplobel.fed.be Social Media Hide all social media Show all social media
Joint Statement on the Belgian Economic Mission to TürkiyeNieuwe raad van bestuur bij Enabel om de strategische rol van de internationale samenwerking te versterken
New board of directors at Enabel to strengthen the strategic role of international cooperation jeroen.francois Thu, 05/21/2026 - 09:14 Press release Development cooperation Diplomatic map May 20, 2026 Enabel, the Belgian state-owned enterprise for international cooperation, announces the appointment of its new board of directors. In a global geopolitical context marked by multiple crises – protracted conflicts, climate change, migratory pressures and the questioning of multilateralism – this new team intends to strengthen Enabel’s position as a strategic instrument serving Belgian and European foreign policy. The new board of directors takes office in line with the messages put forward by the outgoing board, which emphasised that international cooperation is not a matter of charity, but constitutes an essential investment in Belgium’s stability, security and common interests. In the face of global challenges that know no borders, international cooperation is now inseparable from Belgian foreign policy and from Europe’s ability to act credibly and effectively on the international stage. Enabel would like to extend its warmest thanks to the outgoing board of directors for its constant commitment and vital role over the past six years, during which it has made a decisive contribution to positioning and strengthening Enabel as a strategic player in international cooperation. A new chairmanship to drive the ambition At the helm of the new Board of Directors, its Chair, Augustin Coppée, welcomes the mission entrusted to the new team: “I am honoured to begin this important term alongside the entire Board of Directors, together with all Enabel’s staff and partners. In a world where crises have become the norm, we must demonstrate greater resilience, efficiency and flexibility. But solidarity cannot be put on hold. At a time of geopolitical divisions and constant uncertainty, cooperation is essential to protect human dignity, build trust and strengthen societies through credible and strategic partnerships. International cooperation is a key lever for Belgium, as it enables us to contribute to global stability whilst strengthening our credibility, our partnerships and our influence. As a Belgian state-owned enterprise, Enabel must continue to play a key and dynamic role in serving this collective ambition.” The new Board of Directors intends to work on the basis of trust, clear roles and complementarity with the Belgian and European authorities, in order to enable Enabel to fully exercise its mandate as a foreign policy instrument. Close collaboration with the executive management Enabel’s CEO, Jean Van Wetter, welcomes the new board: “I look forward to working closely with this new board of directors. Together, we will be able to position Enabel even more effectively as a key instrument of Belgian foreign policy, capable of translating political priorities into concrete action on the ground and promoting Belgian expertise within European and international partnerships.” Established in 2017 as an autonomous state-owned enterprise, Enabel has seen its mandate expanded to act as the operational arm of the Belgian State abroad, including on behalf of the European Union. Thanks to its long-term presence in its partner countries and an approach based on partnership and co-creation with local institutions, the company helps address the root causes of instability, whilst strengthening Belgium’s international credibility. With this new board of directors, Enabel intends to continue and expand its commitment: to contribute to sustainable solutions to global challenges, whilst strengthening Belgium’s position as a credible, results-oriented partner in an international order based on cooperation and rules. Keep up-to-date Subscribe to our newsletters to stay informed about the activities of our FPS Our spokespersons David Jordens david.jordens@diplobel.fed.be Pierre Steverlynck pierre.steverlynck@diplobel.fed.be Florinda Baleci florinda.baleci@diplobel.fed.be Social Media Hide all social media Show all social media
Nieuwe raad van bestuur bij Enabel om de strategische rol van de internationale samenwerking te versterkenBuitenlandse Zaken zet zich in voor de bescherming van alle burgers via internationaal humanitair recht
Foreign Affairs works to protect all civilians through international humanitarian law jeroen.francois Fri, 06/19/2026 - 11:24 Press release Human rights Diplomatic map June 19, 2026 Today, more than 130 armed conflicts are ongoing around the world, involving more than 60 countries and 120 non-state actors. Behind these figures are millions of civilians, whose lives are turned upside down on a daily base. This is why, since its signing of the first Geneva Convention in 1864, Belgium has been actively committed to the application of international humanitarian law (IHL) and the protection of all civilians affected by armed conflicts. Today June 19th, the FPS Foreign Affairs is hosting the conference "Diverse impacts of armed conflicts: the need to protect all civilians under the Fourth Geneva Convention – Launch of the Updated ICRC Commentary" at the Egmont Palace, organised by the Interministerial Commission on Humanitarian Law (ICHR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Belgian Red Cross and the Belgian Society of International Law. It brings together 150 participants, with representatives from other countries, the judiciary, international organisations, civil society and the academic world, to address the crucial issue of the protection of civilians and seek solutions. With forced displacement, the disruption of essential services, hunger, permanent insecurity and lack of medical care, armed conflicts affect civilians in multiple and systemic ways, far beyond the direct hostilities. Thus, the number of missing persons has increased by 70% in the last 5 years, totaling more than 284,000 people. However, not everyone is affected in the same way: certain categories of people are more vulnerable. As such, children are more strongly impacted in their education, development and well-being, while women and girls are more at risk of being victims of sexual violence, on top of having specific needs in terms of health care, hygiene and sanitation. It is therefore important to take into account the diversity of each person's experiences and needs, and to seek together, inter alia on the basis of the ICRC's updated commentary on the 4th Geneva Convention, solutions that will allow for a better diversified, contemporary and practical application of international humanitarian law. Today, the main challenge is not the absence of rules or their lack of relevance, but the lack of political will to implement them. Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, who closes the conference, insists on this point: "In a context of increasing conflicts, respect for IHL is more essential than ever to preserve humanity in the midst of war, limit suffering and protect human dignity. This is a collective responsibility, and the credibility of States depends on it. This is why Foreign Affairs, through the ICHR and with its partners, continues to work actively to promote and enforce these essential rules of international humanitarian law, in order to protect every civilian involved in armed conflict.” Would you like to learn more about the important work of the Interministerial Commission on Humanitarian Law? Do not hesitate to visit its website. Keep up-to-date Subscribe to our newsletters to stay informed about the activities of our FPS Our spokespersons David Jordens david.jordens@diplobel.fed.be Pierre Steverlynck pierre.steverlynck@diplobel.fed.be Florinda Baleci florinda.baleci@diplobel.fed.be Social Media Hide all social media Show all social media
Belçika, çatışma bölgelerinde sivillerin korunması için uluslararası hukuka bağlılığını yinelediStaatsbezoek – België en Japan, een hereniging in het teken van vriendschap en samenwerking
State visit – Belgium and Japan, a reunion under the sign of friendship and cooperation jeroen.francois Fri, 06/19/2026 - 15:23 Press release Japan State visit Diplomatic map June 19, 2026 This year, Belgium and Japan are celebrating 160 years of diplomatic relations. On this occasion, Their Majesties the King and Queen welcome Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor Naruhito of Japan and his wife Empress Masako for a two-day state visit to Belgium, from June 23rd to 24th, 2026, under the sign of friendship and cooperation in many fields. Japan and Belgium share similar values, visions and interests, such as the preservation of the international order based on the rule of law and on international law, the maintenance of peace and security, and the fight against climate change. In a world marked by instability and great change, Belgium and Japan underline this crucial and lasting cooperation to face common threats. Japan is also a major economic and trade partner for Belgium. More than 280 Japanese companies are based in our country and contribute to nearly 30,000 jobs, in sectors such as automotive, industry, logistics, chemicals and biotechnology. In addition, Japan is also a key market for Belgian exports outside the European Union: the country of the Rising Sun is Belgium's 25th largest customer and its 4th largest non-European supplier. This State visit is therefore an opportunity to reaffirm the close ties between our two countries, which are also reflected in the special ties between the Belgian Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial Family. Day 1 Tuesday, June 23rd, the first day of the visit, will be marked by the welcoming ceremonies. The Emperor and Empress will first be welcomed by the King and Queen at the Royal Palace in Brussels. This will be followed by a meeting with the mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close, at City Hall. In the afternoon, the Emperor will be received by Prime Minister Bart De Wever at the Lambermont, in the presence of Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. This will be followed by a meeting with representatives of the Chamber and the Senate in the Federal Parliament. The day will end with the traditional State banquet at the Castle of Laeken. Day 2 Wednesday, June 24th, will begin with a visit to the Castle of Namur, followed by a visit to the Citadel. The King and the Emperor will be welcomed by the Governor of the Province of Namur, Denis Mathen, and the mayor-in-title and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot. Located at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, the Walloon capital is a place steeped in history, with a unique biotope. River transportation has, for centuries, played a crucial role in the economy and development of the country. Even today, inland waterways make it possible to create European transport corridors and play an important role in the energy transition and sustainable cross-border logistics. This theme is of particular interest to the Emperor, who, following his studies at the University of Oxford, specialised in the history of river transportation and inland waterways. The afternoon will begin with a visit to Imec, the Belgian innovation centre and world leader in microelectronics. The semiconductors that are developed there, are part of our daily lives: smartphones, cars, artificial intelligence, etc. They shape the world of today and tomorrow. Japan has been investing heavily in the development and production of cutting-edge electronic chips, making it a preferred partner of Imec for nearly 40 years. As such, Imec has developed more than 100 partnerships with Japanese research centers and companies. The afternoon will continue with a visit to KU Leuven, the oldest university in Belgium, which brings together more than 60,000 students and 8,000 researchers. Thanks to numerous academic cooperation agreements, student and researcher exchanges between Belgian and Japanese universities are particularly dynamic. During the visit, a special interest will be paid to the East Asian Library. Indeed, after the university's general library was burned down during World War I, Japan made a major contribution to international efforts to rebuild and replenish the library's collections. Thousands of ancient Japanese works – dating from the 12th to the 19th century – were donated at the time and still stand today alongside the greatest masterpieces of Flemish culture. The day will end with a visit to the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken and the Japanese Tower. This iconic tower was erected following the 1900 World Expo, with materials coming directly from Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture), with some elements even dating back to the Edo period. It will also be an opportunity to show the botanical richness of the park and the greenhouses to the Imperial Couple. On Thursday 25 June, the King and Queen will officially bid farewell to the Imperial Couple at the Castle of Laeken, before they take off from Melsbroek Airport. This visit underlines the close ties between Belgium and Japan as privileged partners for 160 years. It is an opportunity to confirm and strengthen our cooperation in many areas, both bilaterally and multilaterally. Keep up-to-date Subscribe to our newsletters to stay informed about the activities of our FPS Our spokespersons David Jordens david.jordens@diplobel.fed.be Pierre Steverlynck pierre.steverlynck@diplobel.fed.be Florinda Baleci florinda.baleci@diplobel.fed.be Social Media Hide all social media Show all social media
Belçika ve Japonya 160 Yıllık Diplomatik İlişkileri Devlet Ziyaretiyle TaçlandırdıBelgië steunt Venezuela via B-FAST na de zware aardbevingen
Belgium supports Venezuela through B-FAST after the heavy earthquakes lien.horemans Mon, 06/29/2026 - 07:04 Press release Venezuela Emergency aid Diplomatic map June 28, 2026 Severe earthquakes have hit Venezuela. Through B-FAST, Belgium is responding to the international demand for aid, by offering its expertise and sending shelter material. After the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes on the scale of Richter that struck Venezuela on June 24th, 2026, 920 people already lost their lives, more than 4,300 people were injured, more than 50,000 persons have been reported missing and ten thousands of residents had to leave their homes. Because of the scale of the disaster, the state of emergency was declared. Given the tragic context, Venezuela has requested international assistance, and the European Civil Protection Mechanism UCPM has been activated. Based on Venezuela's request for help, Belgium is joining the international solidarity by sending basic shelter necessities, such as tents. This operation to ship material is being carried out in close collaboration with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which will transport the goods. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prévot, thanks his Luxembourg counterpart, Xavier Bettel, for the excellent cooperation. This first donation may be followed by other missions, in collaboration with other European countries participating in international aid. In addition to this donation, Belgium has offered to provide several Belgian experts in the field of crisis management. In this context, a first Belgian expert arrived in Venezuela on June 27th to participate in the support provided by the European Commission in response to the crisis. With this aid, Belgium confirms its solidarity and the active commitment of B-FAST to international aid. With this donation, Belgium confirms its solidarity and B-FAST's active commitment to international aid. B-FAST (Belgian First Aid & Support Team) is the structure of the federal government that is activated when providing emergency aid abroad and consists of the FPS Home Affairs, the FPS Policy and Support (BOSA), the FPS Public Health, the Ministry of Defence and the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, in which the Prime Minister's Office is also involved. Keep up-to-date Subscribe to our newsletters to stay informed about the activities of our FPS Our spokespersons David Jordens david.jordens@diplobel.fed.be Pierre Steverlynck pierre.steverlynck@diplobel.fed.be Florinda Baleci florinda.baleci@diplobel.fed.be Social Media Hide all social media Show all social media
Belçika, Şiddetli Depremlerle Sarsılan Venezuela'ya B-FAST Aracılığıyla Acil Yardım SağlıyorJoint Statement on Sudan: Political Track
The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the countries and organizations of Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States (LAS), and the United Nations (UN) on the occasion of the conclusion of the Quintet (AU, IGAD, LAS, EU, and UN) consultations with Sudanese political stakeholders in Addis Ababa from June 3-5, 2026 following up on the Sudan conference in Berlin of April 15, 2026.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met with Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of Belgium, 13 May 2026, Ankara
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan met with Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of Belgium. ##dinamik:gallery:gla|src=/images/enformasyon/gg/sayin-bakanimizin-belcika-basbakan-yardimcisi-ve-disisleri--avrupa-isleri-ve-kalkinma-isbirligi-bakani-maxime-prévot-ile-gorusmesi--13-mayis-2026--ankara-1/##
No: 85, 9 May 2026, Regarding the Belgian Economic Mission Visit
The Belgian Economic Mission to the Republic of Türkiye led by H.M. Queen Mathilde of Belgium will take place on 10-14 May 2026. Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister...
Fransa’da rekor sıcaklar siyasi krize yol açtı. Yaklaşık bin can kaybının ardından hükümet yoğun eleştirilerin hedefinde.
Fransa’da sağlık yetkilileri, Batı Avrupa’yı etkisi altına alan sıcak hava dalgası nedeniyle beklenenden daha fazla ölüm gerçekleştiğini açıkladı. Fransa Halk Sağlığı Kurumu (Santé publique France) yaptığı açıklamada, "24 Haziran'dan bu yana, önceki aylarda kaydedilen ölüm sayılarına kıyasla yaklaşık 1.000 ek ölüm gözlemlenmiştir," ifadelerine yer verdi. Fransa Halk Sağlığı Kurumu'ndan gelen bu çarpıcı açıklama, hükümeti de hemen harekete geçirdi. Başbakan Sebastien Lecornu, ülkenin neredeyse tamamını kavuran sıcak hava dalgasına karşı şu ana kadar atılan adımları masaya yatırmak için Pazartesi günü bakanlıklar arası dördüncü kriz toplantısını acil kodlu olarak toplayacak. Hükümet, ulusal acil durum müdahale planlarını devreye soktu. Le Monde gazetesinin aktardığına göre verilerin açıklanmasının ardından muhalif partiler hükümetin kararlarını eleştirdi. Yeşiller Partisi lideri Marine Tondelier siyasi sorumluluk çağrısında bulunurken, Ulusal Birlik'ten (Rassemblement National) Jean-Philippe Tanguy ise ölümlerin çoğunun önlenebileceğini ifade etti. Cumhurbaşkanı Macron, büyük bir çalışma yürüttüklerini ifade etti. Cumhurbaşkanı Emmanuel Macron da hükümetinin iklim politikası sicilini savunarak, Fransa'nın karbon emisyonlarını azaltmak ve kamu altyapısını iklim değişikliğine uyumlu hale getirmek için "büyük bir çalışma" yürüttüğünü belirtti; ancak "bu çalışmayı henüz bitirmediklerini" de kabul etti. Hükümet, sıcak hava dalgasının şiddetini artırması üzerine Cumartesi günü hastaneler için 30.000 klima ünitesi tedarik edilmesini onayladı. Fransa genelinde sıcaklıkların rekor seviyelere ulaşmasıyla birlikte ve operasyonel yönetimi valiler (prefects) aracılığıyla bölgesel yetkililere devretti.
Rekor Sıcaklar Fransa'da Siyasi Krize Yol Açtı: Bin Ek ÖlümJoint statement on the Multinational Military Mission for the Strait of Hormuz: 12 May 2026
Joint statement from the United Kingdom, France, Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Net…
Joint E4 Leaders’ Statement on the US-Iran peace deal: 14 June 2026
Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Albania, Denmark, H…
Europe swelters as heatwave moves east, excess deaths rise
PARIS (FRANCE) - Europe's deadly heatwave pushed east Sunday with hundreds of millions still sweltering across the continent despite fleeting relief from overnight storms, notably in France and Belgium.
Rekor Sıcak Dalgası Avrupa'yı Kilitledi: Fransa'da Büyük Elektrik KesintisiThe Italian Embassy in Belgium celebrates Casole d’Elsa, an “Italian gem”
(ANSA) - BRUXELLES, 25 GIU - A presentation titled “Casole d’Elsa: a hidden gem in the heart of Italy” was held last night in Brussels at the residence of the Italian Ambassador, attended by diplomats, Members of the European Parliament, the specialized press, and other international guests. The event, co-organized with the Municipality of Casole d’Elsa, promoted the natural and tourist attractions of one of our regions, in the province of Siena. The Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remain committed to Italy’s small villages, as stated at the opening by the Italian Ambassador to Belgium, Federica Favi, regarding the “Tourism of Roots” project, launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs four years ago with funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and recently the focus of a major event in Rome on June 14, aimed at highlighting our regions and strengthening their ties with the more than eighty million compatriots and descendants abroad. The event was also opened by Andrea Pieragnoli, Mayor of Casole d’Elsa, and Daniela Mariani, City Councilor for Tourism. Both highlighted the artistic, historical, and scenic features of the Tuscan town, emphasizing its great potential as a tourist destination. Tastings of local food and wine specialties and the presence of local businesses enriched the evening. The official presentation was followed by the screening of a video designed to showcase the beauty of the village and its surrounding area. Read article...
İtalya'nın Brüksel Büyükelçiliği'nde Casole d'Elsa'nın turistik potansiyeli tanıtıldıHeatwave scorches Europe from London to Madrid as temperatures near 39C
A powerful heatwave swept across Europe, stretching from France to Spain and Belgium and pushing temperatures towards 39C, raising concerns about public safety and pressure on infrastructure.
İngiltere'de Kırmızı Alarm, Fransa'da Sıcak Can AldıBelgium issues nationwide heat alert as rail operator cancels 100 trains a day
Authorities also warn temperatures expected to rise and persist until at least Sunday
Workshop address issues facing young Africans in the digital age
The gathering in Belgium formed part of the Kouman x Brussels initiative, a cultural project bridging West Africa and Europe.
Major power outage in France as Europe wilts under record heat
Europe braced on Wednesday for another day of a sweltering heatwave that has smashed records, left tens of thousands of people without power and sent air conditioner sales zooming in a continent unused and ill-equipped to handle searing heat. The extreme weather is being driven by atmospheric patterns that keep hot air trapped in place for days, with these factors worsened by global warming, experts say. France’s national temperature indicator — an average of daytime and nighttime temperatures across 30 stations — reached 29.8 °C on Tuesday, the hottest since measurements began in 1947. With four more French departments being put under the highest heat alert category on Wednesday, around 44 million people are affected, according to AFP calculations. Added to the 31 departments currently on orange alert, more than 90 per cent of the French population is exposed to extreme heat, with temperatures of 39°C to 41°C expected on Wednesday from Brittany to the Paris region, and in much of the southwest. The heatwave caused the country’s first major power outage of the latest bout of extreme weather, after a heat-related incident with a transformer left around 68,000 households on Wednesday without electricity in the northwestern Finistere department, the authorities said. While teams worked through the night to fix the issue, which took place late Tuesday, power is not expected to be restored in full until the end of Wednesday at the earliest. Up to 106,000 clients of the French power network were left without power by late Tuesday, as the scorching temperatures strain infrastructure built for the days before man-driven climate change made heatwaves longer, more frequent and more intense, according to scientists. Sales of fans and air conditioners skyrocketed in a country where most buildings are not designed to cope with extreme heat. On Monday, hypermarket operator Carrefour had sold 30,000 units by 6:30pm — “a thousand times more than on a normal day”, CEO Alexandre Bompard said. Sales on Amazon nearly doubled last week compared with the same period in 2025, while the electronics outlet Fnac Darty reported double-digit growth. Thierry, an electrician in southwest France, said he was overwhelmed by requests for “emergency” air-conditioning installations. “In theory, you have to submit a request to the owners’ association general meeting” in residential complexes, “but people don’t want to wait”. “It’s difficult to live alone and without air conditioning,” said Martine Belloc, a 62-year-old retiree in Bordeaux, who on Tuesday went to La ManuCo, a coworking site that mobilised to welcome elderly people. ‘We’re suffocating’ John Beeler, a 45-year-old American engineer, said he and his wife were baking in the French capital. “Visiting Paris in this heat is awful,” he told AFP, wearing a fisherman’s hat and holding a small fan. “We’re suffocating in the streets, we’re suffocating in the subway and we’re even suffocating in our rental,” he said, adding that they would be moving to an air-conditioned hotel room. Italy’s health ministry declared a red heatwave alert in 16 cities on Wednesday, including Milan and Rome. The heatwave is expected to extend into eastern Europe in the coming days. Poland’s weather service issued high-level heat warnings for the western part of the country from Thursday to Saturday, forecasting temperatures could break the record of 40.2°C set in 1921. Croatia’s popular Adriatic coast was also put under red alert for Friday and Saturday. Hungary, already under a second-level heat alert, said it was raising that to the maximum level from Saturday to Tuesday as temperatures continued to rise. The current heatwave is “significantly exacerbated by human-induced climate change”, without which the current temperatures would have been 2 to 4°C cooler, according to a scientific study published this week. But some relief could start to come from the west on Wednesday, when Spain’s national weather service said temperatures would drop in most of the country. No quick relief But no quick temperature drop is in sight across much of the rest of western Europe. From Wednesday until at least Friday, the central and southern Netherlands will be under a code orange for extreme heat. Anyone living in Amsterdam with a city pass may swim for free in six city outdoor pools, while the national rail company NS will run fewer trains on a number of routes starting Wednesday. In Britain, James Bowen, assistant general secretary at the National Association of Head Teachers, told AFP that “pretty much every school up and down the UK will be having to make some form of adaptation this week in light of the extreme heat. “I think it’s fair to say that the school estate in the UK is not well prepared for this level of heat,” he said. After some of France’s most visited sites, such as the Louvre museum and the Eiffel Tower, decided to limit visiting hours, the management of one of Belgium’s best-known monuments, the space-age Atomium in Brussels, said it would close earlier to visitors from Wednesday to Friday.
Rekor Sıcak Dalgası Avrupa'yı Kilitledi: Fransa'da Büyük Elektrik Kesintisi“Aida” sung by 1,400 children: the “Scuola Incanto” project in Brussels
(ANSA) - BRUXELLES, 23 GIU - The Italian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Federica Favi, attended the performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Aida” in Brussels, featuring over 1,400 children of 12 different nationalities. The performance marks the culmination of the “Scuola InCanto” project for the 2025–2026 school year, conceived and produced in Italy by Europa InCanto and staged in Belgium (its only international stop) in collaboration with the Belgian nonprofit association OperaMus. “The Italian Embassy in Belgium fully supports this project, which allows us to promote Italian culture, music, and language,” stated Favi, recalling the 80th anniversary of the so-called ‘Coal Pact’ between Italy and Belgium: “an agreement that, at the time, was marked by very difficult and complex issues, but which over time has become an opportunity for our peoples to come together, fostering mutual understanding and the building of deep bonds thanks to the strength of the people, their ability to adapt, and their desire to create a shared future.” “Seeing so many children of different nationalities singing Verdi’s arias together in Italian today,” the Ambassador concluded, “is a sign of great hope. It demonstrates that culture, language, and music can help build a more open, inclusive society capable of dialogue.” Theinitiative, which debuted on the stage of the Cirque Royal with four performances and the participation of 16 schools, featured very young elementary school students singing the choral parts of Verdi’s opera alongside professional opera singers and the Europa InCanto orchestra conducted by Maestro Germano Neri. The innovative educational format, conceived in Italy by Europa InCanto and adapted to the multilingual Belgian context by the founders of OperaMus, Lucia Scoca and Antonella Casillo (recently awarded the Order of the Star of Italy), is sponsored by the Italian Embassy and supported by the Consulates General in Brussels and Charleroi. The Italian Cultural Institute in Brussels and the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles are also actively collaborating on the initiative through the “Programme d’Ouverture aux Langues et aux Cultures.” Read article...
Belgium issues EU arrest warrant for ex-Commissioner Avramopoulos in Qatargate probe
BRUSSELS/ATHENS, June 23 - A Belgian investigating judge has issued a European arrest warrant against former Greek European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos, a Greek government official said late on Monday, confirming reports in Belgian and Greek media.
Taliban Officials to Head to Brussels for Talks on Afghan Deportees
The delegation received visas from Belgium to attend talks with the European Union about the deportation of Afghans. Officials in Afghanistan said the meeting would take place on Tuesday.
Europe suffers under record heatwave as temperatures forecast to reach 44C
Rail services, schools and sports events hit, with deaths of three elderly people in France partly blamed on intense heat Western Europe is enduring a ferocious heatwave forecast to break temperature records, with half of France on red alert, rail services in Belgium disrupted and sports events in Spain and Germany cancelled or postponed. French authorities on Monday placed 49 of the country’s 96 mainland departments on a level 1 danger-to-life warning, urging 35 million people to exercise “absolute vigilance”, drink water often, avoid all strenuous exertion and avoid direct sun. Continue reading...
Batı Avrupa'da rekor sıcak alarmı: Sıcaklık 44°C'ye çıkacakThe Sun may not engulf Earth after all, scientists say
PARIS: Need some good news after a long week? The Earth may not be engulfed by the expanding fireball of the dying Sun, which has long been assumed to be our home planet’s ultimate fate, according to scientists. Don’t worry: this is not expected to happen for another five billion years, long after all life on Earth has been wiped out. When the Sun burns through all of the hydrogen in its core, it will go through two immense expansion phases: first becoming a red giant, then, when its helium is spent, an “AGB” star. This fiery death will bring about some significant changes back here on Earth. As the Sun grows, increasing gravitational forces will pull the Earth towards it. For the Earth and the Moon, this force creates the push and pull of the tides in our oceans. The energy from these tides, which dissipates at the bottom of the ocean, slows Earth’s rotation and gradually pushes the Moon away from us. As the Sun expands and its blistering surface approaches Earth, intense tidal waves will stir within the star. When they dissipate, it will pull Earth into its doomed embrace. However, the growing Sun will also lose a lot of its mass due to stellar wind, which pushes our planet further away. “Earth’s fate depends on a delicate balance between these two effects,” explained Mats Esseldeurs, the lead author of a study published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics this week. “If tidal interactions predominate, Earth is engulfed by the Sun. If the Sun’s mass loss predominates, Earth escapes into an orbit larger than the radius of its star,” the astrophysicist at Belgium’s University of Leuven said in a statement. Until now, scientists had favoured the first hypothesis. Catching some Sun However, their calculations relied on relatively simple descriptions of tidal dissipation within giant stars. Advances made in modelling these tides over the last 15 years have enabled the study’s authors to show that “the dissipation is lower than previously expected”, Stephane Mathis, an astrophysicist at the CEA Paris-Saclay centre in France, said. To estimate how much mass the Sun could lose, the team focused in particular on a nearby star called L2 Puppis that is like the Sun’s “old cousin”, the study’s co-author said. “A better understanding of tidal physics and the most advanced constraints we have on mass loss allow us to say that — in the current state of knowledge — Earth could move away from the Sun, contrary to what was predicted before,” Mathis said. According to the new modelling, Mars also escapes a death spiral into the Sun. But the two planets closest to the Sun, Mercury and Venus, are not so lucky. They will be inexorably swallowed by the expanding fireball. After all this, the Sun will eventually become an extremely dense star called a white dwarf. No longer capable of fusion reactions, it will slowly become dimmer and cooler over time. Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2026
Güneş, Dünya'yı yutmayabilir: Bilim insanlarından yeni tahminBelgium imports more Russian gas than before Ukraine war: Report
Russian gas accounted for 11.6% of Belgium's gas consumption last year, highest level since 2019
Western allies pledge $4 billion in military aid for Ukraine, Fedorov says following Ramstein summit
Ukraine's allies collectively pledged $4 billion in military aid to Ukraine, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said following the conclusion of the Ramstein-format meeting in Belgium on June 18.
Trump İran Nükleer Anlaşması İçin Nihai Kararını VeriyorEU to develop new tools to tackle China export flood
BRUSSELS, (Belgium): EU leaders agreed during talks Thursday that the bloc must develop beefed-up trade defences to curb a surge of Chinese exports deemed an existential threat to European industry by Brussels — while simultaneously seeking “constructive dialogue” with Beijing.
Ukraine war latest: Black smoke rises over Moscow as Ukrainian drones strike refinery in Russian capital
Key developments on June 18: Ukraine launches largest drone attack on Moscow since start of Russia's full-scale invasion, hits oil refinery European Council explores opening communication channels with Kremlin Kyiv denies Russian claim that Ukrainian drone struck bus carrying Belarusian children's football team Belgium, Germany, Sweden,
Rusya Yanlısı Yetkililer Kırım'da Ukrayna'yı Dört Ölümle SuçladıZelensky attends 'important' Ramstein meeting in Belgium as allies pledge more air defense aid
"Russian ballistic missiles remain a problem, and we need an answer to that problem," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
NPT Review Conference Falls at Last Hurdle
NPT Review Conference Falls at Last Hurdle Tue, 06/16/2026 - 14:00 June 16, 2026 The April 28-May 22 nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference failed to adopt a final consensus document on May 22 after conference president Ambassador Do Hung Viet withheld the final document for debate due to unresolvable disagreements over how to address Iran’s nuclear program and the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. This marks the third straight failure of the NPT review process. The conference, which takes place every five years, involved some 130 states-parties. The review conferences aim to review NPT commitments, reaffirm support for the treaty, and create a concrete action plan for the next five years. The conference took place during a time when each of the three pillars of the NPT – nonproliferation, disarmament, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy – are under severe strain. Viet said at a news conference May 22 that, “No one [state] blocked consensus because I realized there was not consensus, and so I did not put the document forward.” The exchanges at the conference also revealed the discord among the nuclear five on how and whether to reduce nuclear risks and nuclear arsenals. The U.S. delegation sought to focus attention on China’s nuclear buildup and said it had proposed “multilateral strategic stability talks” on “transparency, risk reduction, and nuclear testing.” China and Russia expressed regret that the United States had failed to take up opportunities to negotiate a follow-on to the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which expired in February. They urged Washington to actively consider Moscow’s proposal to respect that treaty’s numerical limits for one more year and explore a follow-on agreement “in a responsible manner.” On April 29, China’s director-general for disarmament, Sun Xiaobo stated that “China has no interest in [strategic stability talks],” because China views the proposed talks as a way for the United States “to shift the responsibility for nuclear disarmament to other countries.” After the conference, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also rejected the premise of the talks, stating, “the conditions for launching a substantive, equitable, and mutually acceptable strategic dialogue, which could include a discussion of arms control, are currently fundamentally lacking.” Later this month, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation Christopher Yeaw, who appeared at the review conference to briefly lead the U.S. NPT delegation, will testify June 30 before the House Foreign Affairs Committee Europe subcommittee to discuss U.S. plans for “Arms Control and Nonproliferation in an Era of Great Power Competition.” –LIBBY FLATOFF, XIAODON LIANG, and MIA CLARKE For more on the outcome of the NPT Review Conference, see this month’s ACT news report: “2026 NPT Review Conference Stymied by Disputes.” NPT President Viet: NPT Failure “Not Surprising” Addressing the Arms Control Association’s Annual Meeting on June 2, Vietnamese Ambassador Do Hung Viet, the president of the 2026 nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, said the inability of states-parties to reach consensus was “disappointing, but it was not surprising.” Viet addressed the annual meeting by live video, days after completing duties as president of the review conference, to share his reflections on the third consecutive failure by states-parties to agree on a final document. Viet called for a broadening of the international understanding of “risk” as a necessary next step. He suggested that the “growing attractiveness” of nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence have placed pressure on key norms, seriously affecting nuclear risk reduction efforts. Expressing cautious optimism, the ambassador shared his belief that “common ground has narrowed but has remained,” and that the NPT remains a foundation for peace and security even in the face of new challenges. He also stressed the importance of sustained dialogue among the nuclear weapons states to navigate new disagreements, conflicts, and challenges. Viet concluded by emphasizing that “a safer future will not emerge automatically,” and that today’s efforts to reduce nuclear risks and increase cooperation will profoundly shape the future security environment. A full video recording of the Arms Control Association Annual Meeting, including Ambassador Viet’s remarks, is available online. Trump Claims “Denuclearization” Proposal Presented to China U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters May 15 that he had discussed “denuclearization” with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during a May 14-15 state visit. Although Trump received “a very positive response,” the Chinese side made no commitments on the subject, according to the president. Trump noted that he would meet Xi three more times in 2026, suggesting the president hopes for a resumption of talks on the strategic nuclear relationship later this year. For more on the status of U.S.-China nuclear talks, see the June issue of Arms Control Today. SIPRI: Deployed Weapons and Stockpiles Grow The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released June 8 its 2026 annual yearbook on disarmament, including a detailed assessment of the forces, doctrines, and modernization efforts of the nuclear-armed states. The assessment, which draws on the open-source research of the Federation of American Scientists, concludes that the “world’s nuclear arsenals expanded and upgraded” during 2025, according to a press release. Although the total inventory of nuclear forces around the world likely declined due to the dismantlement and retirement of older warheads, the size of active stockpiles and the number of deployed warheads increased in 2025. Additionally, all nuclear-armed states are believed to be conducting modernization or upgrade programs to various degrees. The most notable changes occurred in China and India. China has pursued advances in missile defense and launch-on-warning systems, and has begun deploying some missiles at heightened levels of readiness in silos. Additionally, China’s number of deployed missiles increased by between 24 and 34 between January 2025 and 2026. Coupled with new deployments of warheads on missiles with mobile battalions and near-constant SSBN deterrence patrols, these changes may signal China’s transition away from the strictest interpretation of a “no-first use” policy and toward an “early warning counter strike strategy” as it seeks to reinforce its second-strike capability. India appears to have changed its policy of storing warheads and missiles separately and has begun loading missiles in canisters and deploying warheads on an SSBN conducting deterrence patrols. SIPRI reported that in January 2025 India was believed to have no warheads regularly deployed on missiles, but by January 2026, it had twelve. In conjunction with the May 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan, which included conventional strikes on Pakistani sites housing components of Islamabad’s nuclear weapons program, this policy change may indicate increased escalation risks within the region. The yearbook also details a growing coordination and collaboration between the UK and France. Both countries are seeking to supplement and stabilize deterrence of the perceived risk of Russian aggression as the Trump administration’s anti-NATO rhetoric has intensified. Looking forward, the yearbook predicts that increases in stockpiles and deployed weapons, as well as decreases in transparency and data-sharing, will continue. France Talks Nuclear Planning with Allies With the addition of Norway and Finland, the number of NATO countries that are consulting with Paris on supporting French nuclear forces in contingencies has increased to ten. The dialogues follow the announcement in March by French President Emmanuel Macron of a new strategy of “forward” deterrence that could allow for the temporary deployment of nuclear strike aircraft outside of France. Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Sweden have also expressed an intention to discuss cooperation with France. Norway’s involvement in the scheme advanced May 27 with the signing of a mutual defense agreement with France and the announcement of further consultations on participation in a “process to determine how France’s nuclear weapons can contribute to security and deterrence in Europe,” according to a Norwegian government press release. Finland’s involvement remains at a preliminary stage, with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo informing Finnish news agency STT on June 4 that Macron’s government had transferred further details regarding the proposed arrangement, which is now under discussion in Helsinki. The shift in French policy responds to perceptions in Europe of a weakened U.S. commitment to the defense of the continent. The Financial Times reported June 2 that the United States has held talks through NATO channels with several states on potentially hosting U.S. nuclear weapons under an expansion of the existing NATO nuclear sharing arrangement. The newspaper reported that sources indicate the talks were intended to demonstrate a willingness to provide a greater nuclear commitment to Europe while Washington draws down conventional forces. U.S. to Return Intermediate-Range System to Japan Japan will host U.S. intermediate-range ground-launched missiles for military exercises in June, the Japanese newswire Kyodo News reported May 21. A ground-launched Tomahawk cruise missile unit will deploy to Kanoya Airbase in Kagoshima prefecture, southwestern Japan, as part of the Valiant Shield and Orient Shield joint exercises, the newswire reported. This marks the second deployment of the Typhon mid-range capability system to Japan after a unit participated in exercises last September. Although the report said that the missiles and launchers would remain in storage in Japan following the exercises, the Russian news agency TASS reported May 22 that the Japanese Embassy in Moscow had informed press the unit would be gone “by mid-October.” The Russian government criticized the move as “seriously detrimental” to the “stability and security of the Asia-Pacific region.” The missile unit is intended to contribute to long-range land- and maritime-attack capabilities of U.S. military forces in the Asia-Pacific, mirroring similar long-range conventional weapons in the Chinese arsenal. A Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson described the Tomahawk ground-launcher as “a strategic offensive weapon [that] will harm the legitimate security interests of other countries,” at a May 22 press conference. Comment Period on U.S. Plutonium Pit Production Plan Closes July 15 The Department of Energy’s semi-autonomous National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) will continue receiving written public comments on its draft programmatic environmental impact statement for plans to expand plutonium pit production until July 15. The agency invites comments from state and local governments, public interest groups, businesses, and individual members of the public. The draft programmatic environmental impact statement assesses the likely consequences of three production alternatives, none of which include no expansion of plutonium pit production capacity. The draft ultimately endorses the NNSA’s plans to produce 80 pits per year at Los Alamos National Laboratories and the Savannah River Site, as mandated by Congress. Vatican Calls for Nuclear Disarmament, Limits on Autonomous Weapons In a major May 15 theological statement, the Catholic Church called for limits on autonomous weapons and decried the “erroneous belief that nuclear deterrence is an indispensable prerequisite for security.” The statement, an encyclical promulgated by Pope Leo XIV, comes after months of rhetorical clashes with the White House over the church’s promotion of peace and disarmament. The encyclical primarily addresses the implications of artificial intelligence technologies, but also touches on other peace and security issues. In a brief section on nuclear weapons, it criticizes the belief that lower-yield “miniaturized” nuclear weapons can be “a more viable option” for use in warfare. It laments that a shared “recognition of the threat posed by weapons capable of destroying all of humanity” has been “left behind,” contributing to a new arms race. The encyclical also acknowledges the 2021 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, but notes that major nuclear powers have not acceded to the treaty. The new theological statement calls for accountability built into and responsible human control over autonomous weapons, as well as an international regime to “curb the technological arms race and ensure robust protection for civilians and the infrastructures necessary for their survival.” For further coverage of the Papal encyclical, please look forward to the July/August edition of Arms Control Today. In Case You Missed It: “2026 Adopted Resolutions: Urging the United States to Lead a Global Effort to Halt and Reverse the Nuclear Arms Race,” U.S. Conference of Mayors, June 2026. “Premeditated: 2025 Global Nuclear Weapons Spending,” Alicia Sanders-Zakre and Susi Snyder, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, June 2026. “Friendly Proliferation: Assessing U.S. Perceptions on Proliferation Among Allies and Partners,” Astrid Chevreuil, Center for Strategic International Studies, June 9. “Mitigating Miscalculation: The Role of Pre-Launch Notifications in Strategic Stability,” William Alberque et al., Pacific Forum, May 2026. “Contriving Imaginary Gaps in Nuclear Deterrence,”Jay Tilden, War on the Rocks, May 29. “Trump's Nuclear Review,” Madelyn Creedon et al., RealClearDefense, May 26. “Restrain and Hedge: A New U.S. Nuclear Strategy for a Two-Peer World,” Tyler Bowen, War on the Rocks, May 15. “The “Karaganov Debate”: How Policy Entrepreneurs Shape Russia’s Nuclear Doctrine,” Alexander Graef and Gabriela Iveliz Rosa Hernandez, Global Studies Quarterly, April 24. “Future-Proofing U.S. Nuclear Policy: Forecasting Outcomes of the Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile,” Amy J. Nelson and Mariam Kvaratskhelia, New America, Feb. 26. On the Disarmament Calendar July 7: 9th anniversary of the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons July 16: 81st anniversary of the Trinity test August 6 and 9: 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki August 29: International Day Against Nuclear Tests September 24: 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Nov. 30- Dec. 3: First Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, New York
2026 NPT Konferansı İran ve ABD-İsrail Anlaşmazlıklarıyla Çöktü- İnsani16 Haz
Lüks saat sektörünün duayeni Philippe Stern hayatını kaybetti
İsviçre merkezli lüks saat markası Patek Philippe’nin Onursal Başkanı Philippe Stern, 88 yaşında hayatını kaybetti. Markayı küresel prestijin simgelerinden biri haline getiren Stern, sınırlı üretim anlayışı ve saatçilik mirasının korunmasındaki rolüyle tanınıyordu.
US paying almost $32,073 a month to store unusable contraceptives stuck in Belgium
Millions of dollars' worth of contraceptives have been stuck in a Belgian warehouse since January 2025, when the US first froze foreign aid.
ABD, Belçika'da kullanılamayan doğum kontrol ürünleri için aylık 32 bin dolar ödüyorThe migration pact: What's in the EU's landmark asylum reform?
BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) - A major reform of European migration rules aimed at hardening border procedures and overhauling the asylum process comes into force on Friday.