What's happening in Europe?
Belgium
The front page of De Standaard features a mix of domestic and international news. Key domestic stories focus on Belgium's economic outlook, political statements regarding taxes, and the opening of a new prison in Antwerp. Internationally, coverage includes a verdict in a murder case of a Maltese…
Belgium's government faces a growing budget deficit, with rising interest rates exacerbating predicted interest costs. Inflation in Belgium is also reportedly higher than the European average.
The leader of the MR party, Bouchez, has emphasized that there will be no increase in VAT and no additional tax on large fortunes, amidst ongoing political discussions about government finances.
A jury acquitted a wealthy businessman in the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, leaving the question of who ordered the killing unresolved and highlighting alleged corruption in Malta.
The Belgian government has the capacity to evacuate individuals from Gaza, including students with Belgian scholarships, but is hesitant to promote this capability, reportedly due to political reasons.
The new De Kade prison in Antwerp has been inaugurated, seen as a relief for the justice system, but questions remain about its capacity to handle overcrowding.
The Volkswagen importer D'Ieteren is facing job cuts, with 344 positions reportedly at risk, as reported in the live economics section.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has dismissed a top security service official following an internal shootout in Kiev, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continuing to be a focus.
An opinion piece argues that there is no longer a shortage of teachers in education, suggesting that career changers are not needed in the profession.
A review of the reality show 'Blind Married' suggests that the concept, as envisioned by AI, leads to a dull and uninspired wedding celebration.
An investigative piece explores the topic of school deferrals, suggesting that it is often wrongly assumed to be a negative intervention for a child's education.
