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On the day of the 2023 EuroPride parade in Malta, I was invited to speak in the Maltese parliament during the hearing on the importance of role models and representation. On those who inspire me time and time again to fight for LGBTQIA+ and human rights.

Good afternoon everyone  On December 1st of last year, on World Aids Day, the Finance Tower in Brussels was covered in bright red lights.   This government building, that also houses my office, is one of the highest buildings in Brussels, visible from all over the city. By coloring it red, we placed the fight against HIV/AIDS literally in the middle of society, at the heart of the European capital.  Even though this might seem merely symbolic, I find this a…

I had the opportunity to speak at the opening of the Human Rights Conference in Belgrade. It was organized after the complete cancellation of Europride, a pan-international LGBTI event, by the Serbian authorities. This was to be the first edition of Europride in Southeastern Europe. I tried to encourage the visitors. We must protect human rights at all times and not let anyone be marginalized. 

At the Green tech talk, I spoke to members of the European Parliament and staff from NGOs and several tech and industrial companies from Europe about a new digital economy for workers, consumers and the environment. I took the opportunity to stress the importance of sustainable digitalization.

According to an evaluation report by telecom regulator BIPT, there is still insufficient use of the ‘Easy Switch’ system, allowing consumers to change their fixed telecom operator quickly and easily. Over the last three years, less than one fifth of all transfers to another operator were performed via this system. ‘This must be improved,’ says Minister of Telecommunication Petra De Sutter. ‘If more people know and use the system, it will also benefit the telecom…

In accordance with EU Directive 2018/1808, some minor amendments will be made to the Brussels-Capital Region Law on audiovisual media. The EU Directives are mainly intended to create a level playing field for linear and non-linear media in view of consumers' changing viewing habits.

Minister De Sutter's Telecommunications policy paper builds upon the European digital story. For example, Belgium will be among the participants in a European Digital Services Act, which will update the 20-year-old e-commerce legislation. This is how we can create a clear and modern framework for international e-commerce and the major Internet platforms, while ensuring that consumers are better protected.  

From 1 January 2021, civil servants (men, co-mothers, or if there is proof of a civil partnership) whose partner gives birth to a child will be entitled to 15 days' maternity/paternity leave. From 1 January 2023, the number of days will be increased to 20, which is a doubling of the current number of days of maternity/paternity leave. In doing so, the federal government is taking the lead in Europe, following in the footsteps of the Scandinavian countries.