People, wildlife, planet pay cost of convenience for single-use plastics
A plastic layer in Earth’s geological record may become our legacy, marking a moment we turned into a single-use planet.
Belgium
Belgium is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy in Western Europe. As the host of the E.U. and NATO headquarters, the nation is a crucial center for international politics and diplomacy.
Enjoy our Free+ stories and our weekly newsletter
Start your free accessAlready have an account? Log in
Research and innovation helping to fuel Africa-Europe partnership
Ministers urged creation of 'regional innovation ecosystems' that would include AI strategies and digital governance.
E.U. defense summit agrees on plan to arm Ukraine without Hungary
"Europe faces a clear and present danger," E.C. President Ursula von der Leyen said as the emergency meeting began.
Europe seeks €800B defense surge as U.S. cuts Kyiv aid, aligns with Russia
The five-point plan, unveiled as "ReArm Europe," is Europe's largest military and economic mobilization effort this century.
E.U. plans military buildup making Ukraine a repellent 'steel porcupine'
After an extraordinary U.S. repudiation, Ukraine won pledges from world leaders to urgently boost Europe's self-defense.
Greenland's international ties stand in way of Trump's strategic interest
The Arctic island's E.U. and NATO ties make it highly unlikely the U.S. would risk a move that could destabilize the region.
More than 1-in-3 species of trees could disappear in 192 countries
Scientists say at least 16,425 tree species are at risk of extinction as agriculture expands and the climate changes.
E.U. court rules commission must disclose vaccine contract details
The E.C. must disclose indemnity clauses protecting drugmakers and officials who negotiated contracts.
Hungary takes over E.U. Council, testing bloc's unity in shift to right
Hungary's presidency could be muted but still affect European integration and the ability to present a united front globally.
Dutch PM Mark Rutte set to become NATO chief after lining up support
The outgoing Dutch prime minister is tipped to replace Jens Stoltenberg, who will step aside at a summit next month.
E.U. landmark nature restoration law approved in hard-fought victory
The highly contested law passed with 20 countries voting in favor, just above the 65% required for approval.
Far-right surge shakes European establishment but center holds
The E.U.'s rightward shift makes it harder to pass new laws on climate change, security, and industrial competition.
Wealthy nations to provide $11B for World Bank-led global solutions
The wars in Europe and the Middle East, climate change, and soaring national debts hung over the annual talks.
With 2 new members, NATO trainings and Nordic area expand
Sweden does not share a border with Russia, but its coastlines stretch 3,218 kilometers to its east along the Baltic Sea.
First 'global stocktake' dominates negotiations at COP28 climate talks
Rich nations have pledged less than 0.2% of the $400 billion a year that developing countries need for losses and damage.
Majority of nations pass measure setting up U.N. vote on 'killer robots'
A first-of-its-kind provision cites an 'urgent need' for nations to address concerns about autonomous weapons systems.