Today's News: Economy, Justice, and Culture in the Spotlight
The European Union and Mexico have reached a significant milestone by concluding a new free trade agreement. This treaty will facilitate market access for companies in both regions and eliminate nearly all customs duties. This agreement follows similar negotiations with Mercosur and Australia, thereby strengthening Europe's international trade links.
In Belgium, the economy is showing signs of stability. The rating agency Fitch has confirmed the country's credit rating at A+ with a stable outlook. This is reassuring news one year after a previous downgrade. Meanwhile, the Brussels Parliament has adopted the 2026 budget for Cocom, the body responsible for family allowances. Although a deficit of 35 million euros is projected, the new majority plans a return to financial balance by 2030.
A tragic case has marked international news: two young French children, aged three and five, were found abandoned on the side of a road in Portugal, near Lisbon. A witness recounted rescuing the children, who were screaming, before taking them to safety. The police quickly arrested the mother, a woman described as discreet on social media, and her partner while they were at a café terrace.
On the judicial front in Belgium, the Charleroi police conducted a major search at the home of a man suspected of investment fraud and money laundering. In Brussels, the president of the Foyer anderlechtois, Lotfi Mostefa, has requested to be heard by Parliament. This move follows the opening of a corruption investigation concerning the management of the social housing organization.
In the field of culture, Belgian talent is once again rewarded at the Cannes Film Festival. Director Lukas Dhont won the Positive Cinema Award for his film "Coward." This work, which explores deep social themes, is also in competition for the famous Palme d'Or, confirming the significant place of Belgian cinema on the world stage.
Finally, heritage and sport round out today's news. The King Baudouin Foundation has acquired a rare letter written by the painter Peter Paul Rubens in 1607, which will be kept at the Rubens House in Antwerp. In Formula 1, the young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli caused a surprise at the Canadian Grand Prix by setting the fastest time in free practice behind the wheel of his Mercedes.