Belgian football fans have voiced strong criticism of FIFA’s reversal of the suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun before the World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. Supporters in Brussels expressed concerns over fairness, insisting that a red card should apply universally, irrespective of external influence.

The latest EU Bathing Water Report from the European Environmental Agency reveals that only 1.5 per cent of Europe’s bathing water sites were classified as poor in 2025. Coastal waters scored excellently at 88 per cent, with Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Greece leading in quality.

Serbia will host EXPO 2027, with 140 countries already signed up. Key topics at a recent Brussels conference included preparations for the event and Serbia’s EU accession talks, attended by prominent officials, including former Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, who addressed Serbia’s support for Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Germany’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service has recovered a Soviet Second World War M1943 infantry gun from the Neisse River near Forst. Excavation work near the Polish border uncovered the well-preserved weapon, now set for disposal at the KMBD’s facility in Kummersdorf.

EU POLICY UPDATES

This morning, the European Union addresses key issues including economic strategies and international diplomacy.

The European Commission has introduced five large-scale defence projects aimed at enhancing member states’ capabilities, particularly on the eastern flank. With a budget of €325 million, the projects focus on drones, maritime defence, air power, and missile defence, involving 18 member states and Ukraine in four initiatives.