A world tour between diplomacy, climate, and Belgian news
In the Middle East, the situation remains extremely tense, but the United States still hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough to calm the conflict. On the ground, violence continues: an Israeli strike recently damaged a hospital in southern Lebanon, according to information from the local Ministry of Health.
On the international stage, the UN has adopted a historic resolution to force states to take concrete measures against global warming. The UN chief reminds us that limiting the temperature rise is an absolute emergency. At the same time, the city of Paris has decided to award honorary citizenship to Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. In Indonesia, the province of Aceh has applied severe sanctions by publicly flogging several people for sexual relations outside of marriage.
In Belgium, the Defense sector is preparing a massive investment of nearly 700 million euros. This money will be used to purchase sophisticated missiles to equip the new F-35 fighter jets and army drones. Also in Belgium, Walloon Minister François Desquesnes has blocked the destruction of the cooling towers at the Tihange 1 and 2 nuclear power plant. Although a permit was granted to the company Engie, a suspensive condition is currently preventing the start of the work.
Regarding the Belgian economy, the government has rejected a reform proposal on wage indexation. The majority chose to maintain the current system, despite requests from some social partners who wanted to modify the calculation for high earners. On the social front, a Randstad survey shows that one in three young Belgians chooses the same profession as their parents, a choice often influenced by their family circle.
In the field of space technology, the company SpaceX had to postpone the launch of its giant Starship rocket. Due to last-minute technical problems during the countdown, the test flight is now scheduled for this Friday. This test is an essential step for Elon Musk's space ambitions before a future IPO.
Finally, a positive note regarding the weather in Belgium. After a gray period, the sun is making a major comeback this Friday. Temperatures will be particularly pleasant with highs between 21 and 27 degrees. A light breeze will cool the coast in the afternoon, offering ideal weather to enjoy the outdoors.