News

European Council less naive than European Commission

18 September 2016

The European Council is putting a more eurorealistic approach on the table for the coming six months than President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker did in his recent State of the Union. “No otherworldly utopias, but specific and achievable measures: doing, not dreaming. The Member …

Flanders approves EU free trade agreement with Canada

16 September 2016

The Flemish Government is giving its approval to the signature of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a new free trade agreement between Europe and Canada. The signing is set for 27 October at the EU-Canada summit. “For Flanders, this trade and investment agreement is of the …

New European repatriation document

15 September 2016

The European Parliament has approved a new European repatriation document. “It is an important step towards an efficient asylum and migration policy,” says MEP Helga Stevens. “A robust repatriation policy must of course take centre stage in any successful asylum policy. The standardised document …

Cheaper tax-free shopping

15 September 2016

Following a proposal by Minister of Finance Johan Van Overtveldt, the Belgian Government has decided to reduce the minimum purchase amount for VAT-free shopping for non-EU tourists from 125 to 50 euros. The reduction is aimed at stimulating tourism. “More tourism means more income for the …

European reform of copyright turns the clock back

14 September 2016

The European Commission has made known its long-awaited plans for reforming copyright. Modernisation was urgently required as a result of ultra-rapid digital developments. “The sectors in question need copyright that is adapted to the 21st century,” says Member of the European Parliament Anneleen …

The European clock is ticking, but the Commission is not waking up