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Associated Press
11-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Beijing Review: 50 Years of Growing Partnership
BEIJING, May 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 6, 1975, China and the European Economic Community, the predecessor to today's European Union, established diplomatic relations. This historic moment opened a new chapter of friendship and cooperation. Over the past half a century, both sides have championed multilateralism, deepened collaboration and achieved mutually beneficial outcomes. Their enduring efforts have played a constructive role in advancing global peace and development. A healthy and stable partnership not only serves their interests, but also helps shape a better world. 'The wise find common ground; the unwise dwell on differences.' This slightly adapted line from the earliest known text on Chinese medicine, The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, reflects the spirit of cooperation between the two sides across decades and offers a guiding vision for the future. In March 2014, shortly before his state visit to Belgium and visit to the EU headquarters, President Xi Jinping cited this ancient Chinese quote in his article published in Belgian newspaper Le Soir. The sentence emphasizes that wise people focus on shared values and embrace diversity to achieve mutual benefit; whereas the unwise amplify differences, foment conflict and invite failure. Through this quote, Xi conveyed his hope that China and the EU will respect each other, treat each other as equals, seek common ground while respecting differences, deepen communication and stay committed to mutually beneficial cooperation. He called for finding the greatest common interests, sharing opportunities and jointly tackling challenges. Given their differences in history and culture, social institutions and stages of development, it is only natural for China and the EU to have varying perspectives, and even disagreements, on certain issues. Like-mindedness makes for partnership, and seeking common ground while respecting differences is also a feature of partnership. Both past experiences and present realities have shown that as long as both sides adhere to mutual respect, treat each other as equals and engage in candid dialogue, differences cannot stand in the way of dialogue, nor can disagreements impede collaboration. To date, China and the EU have established over 70 consultation and dialogue mechanisms, covering a broad spectrum of sectors including politics, economy and trade, people-to-people exchange, science and technology, energy and the environment. Bilateral trade expanded from just over $2.4 billion in 1975 to over $780 billion in 2024. Two-way investment, once negligible, surged to nearly $260 billion. Since its launch in 2011, the China-Europe Railway Express, dubbed the 'steel camel caravan,' has reached 227 cities across 25 European countries, completing over 100,000 freight trips, and become a key link between Asia and Europe. Throughout history, both Chinese and European civilizations have made lasting impacts on the progress of humanity. In recent years, exchanges in education, science and technology have flourished. Cultural exchange is becoming more vibrant and connections between people are growing ever closer, continuously enriching their shared stories of mutual understanding, cooperation, exchange and mutual learning. 'The wise find common ground; the unwise dwell on differences.' At the new starting point that is the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, China and the EU should remain true to the original aspiration of their partnership, seek common ground while respecting differences, build mutual trust and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation. Together, they will foster global peace and prosperity, as well as usher in a new, promising chapter in the next 50 years. Comments to [email protected] TikTok: X: Facebook: Weibo: Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Beijing Review
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office warns of week of 'severe travel disruption' in EU country
The Foreign Office has issued a fresh warning for Brits travelling to Belgium, as the country is set to see a week of 'severe travel disruption' due to industrial action The Foreign Office has issued a fresh warning to Brits planning a trip to Belgium, as the country is set for a week of 'severe travel disruption' due to strikes. Train services are expected to be the most affected by the industrial action which began yesterday and will run until next week. "Rail unions plan to strike on 22 and 29 April," the UK Government department has warned. "There may be significant disruption across the rail network. A general strike is planned for 29 April and may cause severe travel disruption across the entire country." Strikes in Belgium are typically flagged as a recurring issue that can impact both local and international journeys. These industrial actions, often targeting major urban areas, can be announced with little notice, and there's always a chance that planned strikes could unexpectedly extend. Strike days have also seen demonstrations and protests break out simultaneously. Britons travelling to Belgium are advised to watch local media and liaise with their travel operators to stay updated on any changes. Despite a reduced service, Belgian Railways plans to operate an 'alternative service' based on available staff. The strikes this week are likely to be followed by more over the summer. "It's a marathon" rather than a sprint, a union source told Le Soir newspaper this week. The FGTB union is also planning strikes on June 27, as well as a major demonstration for September 22. In a recent update on April 20, the rail company announced: "Due to a strike action announced by five trade unions against measures included in the government agreement, train availability will be limited from Monday 21, April, from 10 PM, to Tuesday, 22 April (last train). The alternative service will be visible 24 hours in advance in the journey planner on this website and in the SNCB-NMBS app. For information on international traffic, please visit the SNCB-NMBS International website. Beyond this, visitors can use regional websites such as Brussels, Walloon and Flemish for localised updates." The transport strikes in Belgium have erupted just months after a massive public outcry over proposed pension changes. According to Reuters, the reforms incentivise working beyond the point of retirement with '35 years of service', while penalising those who don't hit the 35-year mark. The demonstrations evolved into a several-day strike, causing an upheaval in travel that saw the cancellation of hundreds of flights. Protesters were also witnessed setting off fireworks, while police reportedly used tear gas and water cannons on crowds that gathered outside the headquarters of political party, MR. The Foreign Office has issued a warning, noting: "Demonstrations and strikes often take place in major cities, particularly in transport hubs and around the Schuman area (EU quarter) in Brussels. Most demonstrations are peaceful, but there is a risk of unrest or violence. There has also been violence following major sporting fixtures. Demonstrations by farmers can block major roads and delay traffic. Demonstrations in the Schuman area can affect access to the British Embassy and the British Consulate General."
Euronews
08-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Belgium's Prince Laurent loses legal bid for benefits on top of royal allowance
ADVERTISEMENT Belgium's Prince Laurent has lost a legal bid to receive social security benefits on top of his six-figure royal allowance, in the latest setback for the ever-controversial prince. The 61-year-old — the younger brother of King Philippe — had argued that his work should entitle him and his family to welfare on top of his €388,000 royal allowance and rent-free accommodation. Laurent had maintained that he was partly self-employed due to his role as a royal and because he had run an animal welfare charity for the past decade. "This is not about financial means but principle," Laurent told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. "When a migrant comes here, he registers, he has a right to (social security)," he added. "I may be a migrant too, but one whose family established the state in place." However, a court in Brussels on Monday ruled against his claim, calling it "unfounded". The court said that Laurent cannot be classified as self-employed or an employee. Nevertheless, the judge presiding over the case said the prince should be entitled to a pension but that gaps in Belgian legislation made this impossible, local media reported. Related Belgian royals visit France in political and cultural ties boost Former King of Belgium refuses to give DNA sample in paternity case Laurent's lawyer, Olivier Rijckaert, told Belgian newspaper Le Soir that the prince's request had not been based on a "whim" and said he was considering whether to appeal. He said most of Laurent's allowance is spent on professional expenses such as travel and an assistant's salary, leaving the prince with a net monthly wage of about €5,000. That figure is comparable to the "average salary of a senior executive in Belgium" but without the normal "full social security coverage," Rijckaert told Le Soir. Laurent — who has three adult children with his Anglo-Belgian partner Claire Coombs — has voiced his fears over his family's financial security since the royal allowance will stop upon his death. The prince, who is 15th in line for the Belgian throne, has a long tradition of courting controversy and has been dubbed "the cursed prince" for various gaffes and scandals. In 2018, his allowance was cut after he attended an event at the Chinese embassy in full naval uniform without the Belgian government's consent. Laurent had to pay back €16,900 in 2014 after invoicing the state for grocery bills, skiing holidays and his children's school fees. In 2011, Laurent earned the wrath of then-king Albert II when he visited Congo, Belgium's former colony, against his father's wishes and those of the state. He was also criticised for attending meetings in Libya when the late Muammar Gaddafi was still in power.
The Guardian
08-04-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Belgian prince loses legal battle to receive social security benefits on top of royal allowance
A Belgian prince has lost a legal battle to claim social security benefits on top of his royal allowance, with a court ruling his claim – the first of its kind in the country's nearly 200-year history – 'unfounded'. Prince Laurent, the youngest of three children of the former king and queen, had argued that his work entitled him to the coverage granted to independent entrepreneurs – and that he was acting out of 'principle' rather than for money. But a Brussels court found on Monday that the 61-year-old's duties were more akin to those in the civil service, where categories of workers receive specific benefits but there is no overarching social security system. A lawyer for the prince, Olivier Rijckaert, said his client was considering whether to appeal. 'We're not where we wanted to be, but the judgment is very detailed, very reasoned, I understand the reasoning,' Rijckaert told Agence France-Presse. In 2018, his annual state allowance was cut by 15% for a year because he met foreign dignitaries without the federal government's approval. Laurent received €388,000 (£333,000) last year from state coffers and lives in his home rent-free. 'This is not about financial means but principle,' he told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. 'When a migrant comes here, he registers, he has a right to it. I may be a migrant too, but one whose family established the state in place,' he added. The prince did not take legal action on a 'whim', lawyer Rijckaert said in an article in Le Soir newspaper. Social security is 'a right granted by Belgian law to every resident, from the poorest to the biggest billionaire', he said. He said Laurent received a salary worth only 25% of his allowance, because the rest went on covering professional expenses including travel and wages for a staff member. Rijckaert said this results in a monthly net wage for the prince of €5,000 which is comparable to the 'average salary of a senior executive in Belgium' but without the usual 'full social security coverage'. Laurent and his British wife, Claire, have three children now in their 20s. He pointed to medical costs and his concerns over his family's financial well-being, since the royal allowance will be cut when he dies. Without the social security coverage, Laurent cannot claim reimbursement for certain medical expenses, or sick pay if he is unable to work. The prince has had an animal welfare foundation offering free veterinary care in clinics for the past 10 years. He said the foundation work, alongside dozens of visits representing Belgium and participation on several boards, meant he has a busy schedule. He is not the only Belgian royal to have been unhappy about money. When King Albert II abdicated in favour of his son Philippe in 2013 after reigning for 20 years, the ex-monarch found his €923,000 a year insufficient.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Belgium's ‘cursed prince' loses bid for benefits
Belgium's 'cursed prince' has lost a claim to receive social security benefits on top of his six-figure royal allowance. Prince Laurent, the younger brother of King Philippe, had argued that he should receive welfare on top of his £295,000 allowance and rent-free accommodation. 'When a migrant comes here, he registers, he has a right to [social security],' he told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. 'I may be a migrant too, but one whose family established the state in place.' The prince said he was self-employed because of his role as a royal and his running of an animal charity. 'I never asked for an allowance. I always wanted to work but I was prevented from doing so,' he said in 2023, At the time he said it was his desire, at 60, to finally be able to pursue his own projects. But a judge on Monday said while the prince, now 61, should be entitled to a pension, gaps in Belgian legislation meant it was impossible. Olivier Rijckaert, Laurent's lawyer, said his client had not taken the legal action on a 'whim' in an article published in the Le Soir newspaper. Social security is 'granted by Belgian law to all residents, from the most deprived to the richest', the lawyer wrote, arguing the prince spends most of his allowance on his assistant's salary and travel expenses. This leaves him with £4,300 a month and no right to claim back certain medical expenses or sick pay, as is afforded to regular Belgians. Laurent, who has three adult children with British-born wife Claire Coombs, has expressed concerns his royal allowance will be withdrawn from his family when he dies. The prince is 15th in line for the Belgian throne and is known for courting controversy. In 2018, his monthly allowance was stripped for a year after he attended an event at the Chinese embassy in full naval uniform without government permission. In 2011, he had the handout slashed after embarking on an ill-advised venture with the son of Libyan dictator Muammar Gadaffi without government approval. In 2014, he was forced to pay back £14,500 after invoicing the state for supermarket bills, skiing holidays and his children's school fees. There have also been numerous speeding fines and a driving ban. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
