News

First step towards investment agreements without Wallonia

23 February 2017

Flemish Minister-President Geert Bourgeois has reached an agreement to investigate how Flanders can conclude open asymmetric investment agreements without the other federal entities. After all, for a year and half now, Wallonia and Brussels have been blocking various different investment agreements …

Zuhal Demir new Secretary of State

23 February 2017

At the recommendation of N-VA Chairman Bart De Wever, Zuhal Demir from Genk has been unanimously confirmed by the party council as the successor to Secretary of State Elke Sleurs. Zuhal Demir will be responsible for Equal Opportunities, Poverty Reduction, Persons with a Disability, Urban Policy and …

New European measures against tax avoidance approved

21 February 2017

The Ecofin Council, at which the Ministers of Finance of all European countries have a seat, has reached an agreement on a new directive against the avoidance of taxes and on the criteria for a tax havens blacklist. “The international backdoors are finally being closed,” notes Minister of Finance …

N-VA advocates pragmatic and feasible European projects

21 February 2017

During a visit by President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker to the federal parliament, there was time for a brief exchange of thoughts between the members of the Chamber and the Senate. On behalf of the N-VA, MP Peter Luykx issued a short but powerful plea during that exchange …

International climate finance: Flanders achieves target

17 February 2017

In 2016 Flanders earmarked 19 million euros for international climate finance. The annual target of 14.5 million euros was thus achieved with plenty of room to spare. “Today, the consequences of climate change are already painfully felt by many developing countries. By grouping our resources and …

Returning EU subjects systematically screened

16 February 2017

The European Parliament has ratified an agreement with the Council that enables an extensive screening of all EU subjects, including returning Syrian fighters with a Belgian passport. “Not a day too soon,” remarks MEP Helga Stevens. “Today there is, legally speaking, only a minimum check possible …

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