Belgium news now

Here are some of the latest news stories from Belgium:

Politics

• The Belgian government has announced plans to introduce a new law aimed at reducing the country's carbon footprint. The law, which is expected to come into effect in 2023, will require companies to pay a carbon tax on their emissions. (Source: The Brussels Times)
• The Flemish government has approved a new budget that includes a significant increase in funding for education and healthcare. The budget also includes measures to reduce the country's debt and increase investment in infrastructure. (Source: Het Laatste Nieuws)

Economy

• The Belgian economy grew by 1.5% in the second quarter of 2022, according to official figures. The growth was driven by a strong performance in the services sector and a recovery in the manufacturing sector. (Source: Belga News Agency)
• The European Commission has approved a plan by the Belgian government to provide financial support to the country's steel industry. The plan, which is worth €150 million, aims to help the industry adapt to changes in global trade and reduce its environmental impact. (Source: EurActiv)

Society

• A new study has found that Belgium has one of the highest rates of loneliness in the European Union. The study, which was conducted by the European Commission, found that 27% of Belgians reported feeling lonely at least some of the time. (Source: De Standaard)
• The Belgian government has launched a new campaign to promote diversity and inclusion in the country's workplaces. The campaign, which is called "Diversity Matters", aims to encourage employers to create a more inclusive work environment and to promote the hiring of people from diverse backgrounds. (Source: Het Nieuwsblad)

Sports

• The Belgian national football team has qualified for the World Cup in Qatar after defeating Wales 1-0 in a playoff match. The team will now face Canada in the World Cup group stage. (Source: Sporza)
• The Belgian cycling team Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl has won the Tour de France team classification for the fifth time in six years. The team was led by Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel, who finished the race in fourth place overall. (Source: Het Nieuwsblad)

Other news

• A severe storm has caused widespread damage and disruption in parts of Belgium. The storm, which was caused by a low-pressure system that moved across the country, brought strong winds and heavy rain to many areas. (Source: Belga News Agency)
• The Belgian government has announced plans to introduce a new law aimed at reducing the country's plastic waste. The law, which is expected to come into effect in 2023, will require companies to reduce their use of single-use plastics and to increase their recycling rates. (Source: The Brussels Times)