The Brussels Times

The Financial Times examines whether the European Union can construct a 'hybrid defence' against Russia, addressing Moscow's use of non-military pressure such as disinformation, cyberattacks, sabotage and influence operations. The debate comes as EU member states weigh how to coordinate responses to threats that fall below the threshold of conventional armed conflict, and whether Brussels has the tools and authority to lead such an effort.

The European Union has instructed national governments to reduce gas consumption as concerns grow over the reliability of energy supplies. The appeal, reported by Euronews, signals that Brussels sees the risk of shortfalls as serious enough to require coordinated demand-cutting across member states, though details of targets or enforcement are not yet specified.

The European Commission has launched action against member states that have failed to implement EU directives on time, opening infringement procedures against governments lagging behind on transposing EU law into national legislation. The move highlights ongoing friction between Brussels and national capitals over compliance deadlines and the pace at which agreed rules are put into effect.

A report from The Brussels Times examines how fear of homophobia influences the everyday movements of queer people in Brussels, from choosing which streets and neighbourhoods to walk through to adjusting behaviour around public transport and nightlife. The piece highlights that safety concerns remain part of daily life for LGBT people in the Belgian capital, prompting discussion about public space, inclusion and city policy.