News

Improved status for sign language interpreters in Europe

23 November 2016
Improved status for sign language interpreters in Europe

By an overwhelming majority, the European Parliament has approved a resolution, which among other things advocates an improved status for sign language interpreters in Europe. “To ensure equal participation in society by sign language users, interpreters are indispensable. However, due to the …

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Flanders wants to enter into agreements without Wallonia

23 November 2016
Flanders wants to enter into agreements without Wallonia

Wallonia is blocking various investment agreements that Belgium and Luxembourg want to enter into with other countries. Flemish Minister-President Geert Bourgeois is now taking a leap forward and proposing simply entering into those agreements without Wallonia. “That is confederalism in practice: …

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Flemish companies are missing out on European subsidies

23 November 2016
Flemish companies are missing out on European subsidies

The European Commission has published its report for 2015 on Horizon 2020. That European programme for research and innovation has a budget of 77 billion euros spread out over 7 years. “Our Flemish universities and research institutes are making good use of the programme,” MEP Anneleen Van Bossuyt …

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The Flemish Government is keeping debt under control

18 November 2016
La dette flamande sous contrôle

To keep government debt under control, the Flemish Government has approved a debt standard at the request of the Court of Audit. It specifies that that governmental debt may never exceed 65% of the Flemish budget. Today that number hovers around 47%. “This Flemish Government continues to invest, …

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Flemish Parliament ratifies Paris climate agreement

17 November 2016
Flemish Parliament ratifies Paris climate agreement

The Flemish Parliament has unanimously decided to ratify the climate agreement that was reached at the end of last year in Paris. After all, in Belgium, federal approval is not sufficient; the regions must also grant their approval. The Flemish Parliament is the first regional parliament that …

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New registration system to reinforce security for European citizens

16 November 2016
New registration system to reinforce security for European citizens

The European Commission has proposed a new mandatory registration system for non-EU citizens wishing to travel to Europe. The ETIAS (EU Travel Information and Authorisation System) will largely be based on the American system ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and applies to …

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