Belgium
During the Wales-Belgium match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a rat ran onto the field in the 65th minute, stopping the game. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tried to catch it, but the rodent escaped, and was later carried off by Welsh striker Johnson.
The European Union is considering using about 200 billion euros of frozen Russian central bank assets as the only way to sustainably finance Ukraine. EU leaders aim to reach a political agreement on this at next week's summit, after which work on a legal proposal will begin.
A number of European countries increased their purchases of oil and gas from Russia in 2025, despite a general reduction in dependence on Russian energy. The total amount of Russian energy imports exceeded 213 billion euros since 2022, while aid to Ukraine from the European Union amounted to 167 billion euros.
The General Staff of the Czech Republic confirmed the appearance of unknown drones over military facilities, stating its readiness to intercept them. Information about specific objects and details of threats is classified.
In recent months, at least ten European countries have reported drone incursions into their airspace, raising concerns and leading to increased security measures. Romania, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, France, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and Belgium have witnessed these incidents, some of which are linked to Russia.
The Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office has dismantled a terrorist group that was planning an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Investigators discovered an improvised explosive device that the suspects planned to attach to a drone.
NATO allies are discussing more decisive measures in response to Russian provocations, including the deployment of armed drones and easing restrictions for pilots on opening fire. The goal of the negotiations is to raise the cost for Moscow for its "hybrid war" and develop clear countermeasures.
Brussels fears it will have to answer for claims from the Russians, but other EU countries are reassuring Belgium.
Belgium is considering transferring additional F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. This became possible after the arrival of the first fifth-generation F-35 aircraft in the country, which will replace the older machines.
Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service reports that by 2030, Russia will lose hundreds of aircraft due to sanctions that make maintenance impossible. 109 foreign and 230 Soviet aircraft, as well as more than 200 helicopters, will be removed from the carriers' fleet.
EU ambassadors have approved the bloc's plan to end Russian oil and gas imports by 2028. This decision was made despite objections from Hungary and Slovakia.
The European company Thales Belgium reports an increase in the number of drones over its factories and demands clear rules for their jamming or shooting down. The company aims to double the production of FZ275 missiles to 70,000 units.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that incidents involving MiGs and drones in EU airspace are part of a hybrid war. She presented the "Preserving Peace - Readiness Roadmap 2030" with three main points to counter threats.
Belgium is facing increasing pressure to allow the use of frozen Russian assets for a “reparation loan” to Ukraine. This comes after a shift in position by Berlin and other Western capitals, which now support the idea.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has expressed support for using frozen Russian assets to provide a loan to Ukraine, despite financial and legal risks. He emphasized the need for risk sharing to enable swift action.
Russia is intensifying the destabilization of Europe, as evidenced by unidentified drones in the airspace and provocations by warships. Belgium is investigating drone incursions, which may be part of Russia's hybrid campaign.
More than a dozen drones were detected over the Elsenborn military base in Belgium. The military has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances and potential security threats.
Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has abdicated after 25 years of reign, transferring power to his 43-year-old son Guillaume. The coronation ceremony will take place today, after which the new Grand Duke will take the oath and meet with the public.
The EU is considering lending Ukraine the monetary value of Russian assets immobilized in Euroclear, but some EU countries are expressing concerns about the legal implications. The European Commission needs to further investigate the legal and fiscal consequences.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is once again raising the issue of using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. He is demanding firm guarantees from EU and NATO leaders regarding risk sharing.
In the second quarter of 2025, renewable energy sources generated 54% of the EU's clean electricity, surpassing last year's figure. Solar energy became the largest source of electricity in the EU in June 2025.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that European taxpayers should not pay for Russia's war. She proposed seizing 140 billion euros of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's war efforts.
From 2022 to 2025, France, Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands purchased 34. 3 billion euros worth of liquefied natural gas from Russia, while Ukraine received 21.2 billion euros in aid from them. This Greenpeace study highlights that the reduction in pipeline supplies led to an increase in Russian LNG imports.
President Zelenskyy announced the receipt of funding for 4 aid packages for the purchase of American weapons within the framework of the PURL initiative. The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Canada have contributed a total of over $2 billion.
The European Union is developing a scheme to provide Ukraine with new loans totaling 140 billion euros, using frozen assets of the Russian central bank. The bloc hopes to conclude a loan agreement by the end of the year to start disbursing funds to Ukraine in 2026.
Microsoft and Asus have officially opened pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which will go on sale on October 16. Prices for the consoles range from $499 to $1599 depending on the model and region.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will provide $90 million to the Palestinian Authority, as announced by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. This funding is part of the International Coalition to Support Palestine, founded by Riyadh.
The European Commission has rejected the demand by EU lawmakers to confiscate 200 billion euros of frozen Russian central bank assets. This would violate international law and risk widespread retaliatory measures from Moscow.
European officials fear that US President Donald Trump's new rhetoric on Ukraine is aimed at shifting blame to Europe. Trump is calling on the EU for tougher sanctions against Russia and tariffs on China and India, which Europeans consider unfeasible.
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.