The English rock band has been on a world tour since the start of July 2025.
Day: October 4, 2025
Hungary clings to Russian oil and gas as EU and NATO push to cut supplies [deltaMinutes] mins ago Now
The Belgian labour force could well grow by tens of thousands of people in the coming months. At least, that’s what the federal government is hoping for. As of next year, it will no longer be possible to be eternally unemployed. And people who are ill for more than a year will have to prove they are really incapable of working, reports 24brussels.
Belgium has unique characteristics regarding unemployment benefits. Until now, unemployed individuals could retain their allowance indefinitely, with no limitations on the duration of the social benefit. Additionally, Belgium has the highest number of long-term sick workers in Europe. Those with medical conditions receive disability benefits funded by social security to cover their living expenses.
In response, the government led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever has initiated reforms. Beginning next year, individuals who remain unemployed for over 20 years will lose their allowance, with subsequent phases targeting all those who have been unemployed for more than two years, subject to a few exceptions.
The primary objective is to reintegrate these individuals into the workforce. Those unable to find employment and facing financial hardship can still receive an allowance from their municipality, while a third group will neither have a job nor assistance.
From unemployed to sick
In recent years, access to unemployment allowances has tightened significantly to mitigate social security abuse. This shift has likely contributed to an increase in the number of Belgians receiving benefits from the official health insurer, as some individuals have transitioned from unemployment to sickness claims to maintain their allowances.
To address this trend, governmental action will target health insurance as well. Doctors are tasked with rigorously verifying the health status of patients to ensure they are genuinely incapable of work. Employers are urged to implement measures to prevent illness among workers and to facilitate their return. Health insurers must enhance their control mechanisms, while job seekers will receive improved support.
The scale of the issue is substantial. Belgium’s labour force comprises approximately five million individuals, including employees, self-employed workers, and civil servants. There are over half a million long-term ill individuals and significantly more than a hundred thousand long-term unemployed. In 2023, the official health insurance system disbursed over nine billion euros in allowances.
Optimistic
The government aspires to see many of the unemployed and sick individuals re-enter the workforce and contribute to tax revenues soon. However, experts caution against excessive optimism. The demographics in question often do not represent the most productive segments of the workforce. Many individuals on health insurance are genuinely ill and unable to work, and a considerable number of long-term unemployed face various challenges that hinder their competitiveness in the labour market. It will require substantial effort to secure employment for these individuals, and it is unlikely that the positions they attain will be well compensated, limiting their tax contributions.
Nonetheless, the government argues that this initiative presents benefits for all. It could improve the state budget through reduced allowances and increased tax income, while helping alleviate labour shortages with the introduction of new workers. For those affected, the prospect of re-entering the workforce could open opportunities to enhance their lives and increase their earnings. The left-wing opposition, however, warns that a social crisis looms as individuals unable to work risk losing their allowances.
The true impact of high unemployment and sickness rates, particularly in regard to abuse and the dysfunctionality of the labour market, remains uncertain.
© BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ
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Sergiy Kyslytsia says Kremlin already at war with Europe and predicts that Vladimir Putin will ‘escalate escalating’
Europe needs to “get serious” about the existential threat posed to it by Russia, Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister has said, warning that Vladimir Putin will “escalate escalating”.
In an interview with the Guardian, Sergiy Kyslytsia – Kyiv’s former ambassador to the UN – said the Kremlin was already at war with Europe. He said Russia’s recent drone incursions against several EU countries were well-calculated and an attempt to “move the red lines”.
Shift raises food safety and welfare concerns as imports can bypass standards for domestic producers
Ukraine and Poland have overtaken other EU countries to become the UK’s biggest egg suppliers, sparking warnings that imports of eggs from caged hens are slipping “through the back door” despite welfare pledges.
Freedom of information data from the Animal and Plant Health Agency shows that, while the Netherlands supplied a large proportion of UK eggs in 2022, its share has steadily fallen. By 2025, Ukraine and Poland together accounted for more than 15m kilograms, with Spain, Italy and other southern and eastern European countries also having increased their exports.
The car magnate, who is restoring the Jewish author’s former villa, has been given permission to dig out a 500-metre road leading to a garage, causing consternation in the city
For three years the peace and quiet of Doris Rüggeberg’s cosy flat on the Kapuzinerberg, a picturesque wooded hill in Salzburg, has been interrupted by the noise from the nextdoor neighbour’s building site.
Wolfgang Porsche, a German-Austrian automotive magnate, bought the 17th-century villa at No 5 as a second home in 2019 for about €9m (£7.8m). Ever since, he has been busily renovating the property before he and his partner, Gabriele Prinzessin zu Leiningen, move in this winter.
Peruvian Congresswoman Threatens Journalist Amid Accountability Scrutiny
The Association of Journalists of Peru (ANP) condemned Congresswoman Kira Alcarraz on October 3, 2025, after she threatened reporter Marycielo Del Castillo following inquiries about alleged nepotism involving a relative. Alcarraz, a member of the right-wing party Podemos Perú, issued her remarks as she exited Congress, reports 24brussels.
During the confrontation, Del Castillo pressed Alcarraz about claims that she had appointed her son’s partner, Diana Alani De la Cruz, as coordinator of her congressional office. The investigation by Willax highlighted that De la Cruz reportedly lacked the necessary qualifications for the role.
Alcarraz reacted aggressively, stating, “If I were upset, rest assured I’d slam you against the wall. But since I’m not upset, that’s why you’re still alive.” She further warned, “You haven’t seen me upset, my dear. The day you do, rest assured not even your mother will want to be by your side.” Del Castillo later characterized the congresswoman’s conduct as “an unacceptable disrespect,” emphasizing the importance of journalistic scrutiny in a democratic society.
In her statement on social media platform X, Del Castillo asserted that Alcarraz’s hostility extended beyond her personally, characterizing it as an affront to all citizens. “All authorities are subject to scrutiny, and our role as journalists is to ask questions on behalf of the people,” she wrote.
The controversy gained traction as Peru celebrated National Journalist Day, with the ANP lamenting that there was “nothing to celebrate” due to escalating hostility against the press. This includes incidents involving government officials and law enforcement during protests against the administration.
The ANP highlighted the dire context in which journalists operate, noting that in 2025 alone, two reporters, Gastón Medina in Ica and Raúl Célis in Iquitos, have been killed, illustrating the perilous environment for media professionals in the country.