As if things weren't hard enough, news has a terrible way of highlighting life's disappointments. Rare are the occasions where good things make the headlines and by the time they do, they are almost inevitably tarnished with a pessimistic perspective.
To all who harbour a slight concern for climate prospects, the EU decision to prohibit the sale of fossil-fuelled vehicles would first appear a cause for celebration. But the more you know, the more your elation shrinks.
Firstly, the measures don't come into effect for another 13 years; there will be a huge amount of emissions spewed between now and then. More importantly, the legislation does nothing to bring the structural changes needed to really move things in the right direction.
Rather than create a framework for overhauling the way we get around, this decision will only lead to enormous quantities of raw materials being mined to replace Europe's excessive number of combustion engines with electric equivalents. Though this may eventually lead to "cleaner" cities in the EU, the carbon cost to get there will outweigh these relatively minor savings.
Greenpeace rightly dismiss the decision as "a feel-good headline for politicians to bask in" – rather than commit Member States to forward-thinking infrastructure investments, the legislation puts the onus on vehicle manufacturers, whose business model won't change substantially.
As if the whole thing weren't already wide open to criticism, there's even a "Ferrari amendment" which allows manufacturers producing fewer than 10,000 vehicles a year a bit more time to make the switch from combustion engines. The lack of ambition almost seems almost calculated to trigger environmentalists.
Exasperated? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. Will Belgium become uncompetitive? Worker wage increases challenged
Workers beware. Until at least 2024, it may be necessary to impose a freeze on average wage increases in Belgium, according to a new report by the Central Economic Council (CEC). Trade bosses and unions are understandably concerned and will meet to discuss the new findings this evening. Read more.
2. EU to ban diesel and petrol cars from 2035
The European Parliament and Council reached an agreement on the Commission's proposal to place a ban on the sale of new cars and vans with combustion engines from 2035 on Thursday. Read more.
3. What to do in Brussels this weekend - 28 to 30 October
As expected, many of the events on the calendar this weekend are Halloween-themed. But fear not, there are also plenty of options for the faint-hearted! Here are our recommendations for the coming days. Read more.
4. YouTube tackles disinformation by certifying healthcare professionals
YouTube will soon certify the profiles of doctors and other healthcare professionals so that trustworthy videos on health topics get more attention, the video-sharing platform reported on Thursday. Read more.
5. EU dismisses Kremlin 'dirty bomb' claim as 'appalling disinformation'
The European Union has dismissed Russia's accusation that Ukraine is planning to detonate a so-called "dirty bomb" (a conventional explosive filled with radioactive material). It branded Russia's claim as "appalling disinformation". Read more.
6. 13 Belgian wines awarded five stars in wine guide
The second edition of the “Guide des Vins Belges” (Belgian Wine Guide) will be released on Thursday. The guide lists, rates, and comments on the productions of sixty producers, represented by nearly 190 samples submitted to a jury of professional tasters. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Frites Atelier
Celebrity Dutch chef Sergio Herman caused a stir in 2017 when he opened a luxury fries shop in the heart of Antwerp. It is a stylish place with a gilded ceiling and marble counter. And the staff wear smart uniforms. Read more.
