What's happening in Europe?
Belgium
The De Standaard front page covers a range of international and domestic news, with a significant focus on global events such as wildfires in France and Spain, the war in Ukraine, and US politics concerning Donald Trump's trade policies. It also features a story about a popular football chant's…
Donald Trump is using regulations on forced labor as a new legal basis for tariffs, which analysts suggest is an old tactic in new packaging, with little expected change for Belgium or the EU.
Wildfires are spreading across France and Spain amidst extreme European temperatures, with the Spanish Prime Minister describing the situation as dramatic. Developments are being closely followed.
The song 'Seven Nation Army' has become a ubiquitous sports anthem worldwide, with its popularity credited to the supporters of Belgian football club Club Brugge, and is now only absent from curling matches.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges reportedly paid less tax for years by employing ICT staff through an internally controversial VZW (non-profit organization), prompting a social inspection investigation. The port authority claims it is dismantling the VZW.
Romania has intercepted and shot down a drone within its own airspace for the first time, as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to pose regional security challenges. Live updates from the war are provided.
The ongoing public discussion surrounding the failed renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington is seen as both harmless entertainment and a symbolic referendum on Trump's presidency.
Katrien Laporte is stepping down as director of the Design Museum Gent after the opening of its renovated facilities, while Anne van Oosterwijck will take over as the new director of the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent.
The cycling festivities on Alpe d'Huez have begun, with organizers asking supporters to keep roads clear. The Tour de France is entering crucial Alpine stages after Richard Carapaz won the first mountain stage.
The team of Tour de France leader Tadej Pogacar is reportedly facing illness just before the critical Alpine stages, raising concerns about his performance in the upcoming challenging mountain routes.
