Green bonds are committed to financing or re-financing investments, projects, expenditure or assets helping to address climate and environmental issues. Both governments and companies use them to finance the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy. Since the EIB inaugurated the green bond market in 2007 with its Climate Awareness Bond, the market has grown very fast, but it still represents only about 3 to 3.5 % of overall bond issuance. The green bond market needs to grow more quickly to achieve the targets in the Paris Agreement. In this podcast, we’ll talk about European green bonds, a tool for financing green investments that can help us make the transition to a low-carbon economy, and how a European standard could be become global.

EPRS policy podcast - European green bonds: A standard for Europe, open to the world

Statistics and research results show that in recent decades, before the coronavirus pandemic, the EU's labour market witnessed an increase in female employment rates. Women's employment seems to have been more resilient than men's to the economic and financial crisis in 2008. The coronavirus crisis, however, has had a harsher impact on women than on men when it comes to the labour market.

EPRS policy podcast - Recent trends in female employment

Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe package (REACT-EU) is an initiative that continues and extends the EU response to the coronavirus crisis and crisis repair measures.

On 18 November 2020, the European Parliament and the Council concluded negotiations on providing assistance to foster crisis repair in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its social consequences, and preparing a green, digital and resilient recovery of the EU economy.

REACT-EU will provide €47,5 billion over the next two years. The resources will be made available through the EU Structural Funds, with €37.5 billion allocated for 2021 and €10 billion for 2022.

Resources will be allocated in accordance with the partnership principle, involving local and regional authorities, as well as relevant bodies representing civil society and social partners.

REACT-EU

AFET MEPs discuss on a joint debate with DEVE MEPs on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

AFET debate on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza

EP President Metsola have an audience with his Majesty King Philippe of the Belgians, followed by a New Year’s Reception.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President attends the New Year's reception hosted by Philippe, King of the Belgians

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day - Receiving the Honorary Doctorate from the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University

Partnership Agreement Reception

Official visit to Lisbon (Portugal) - Ceremony - Roberta METSOLA, EP President receiving an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon, at the University of Lisbon

Otvorenie rokovania

Závery zo zasadnutí Európskej rady, najmä z mimoriadneho zasadnutia Európskej rady z 1. februára 2024 (rozprava)

Návrhy uznesení – Potreba neochvejnej podpory EÚ pre Ukrajinu dva roky od vypuknutia útočnej vojny Ruska proti Ukrajine (rozprava)

Vyhlásenie predsedníctva

Pokračovanie prerušeného rokovania

Hlasovanie

Rastliny získané určitými novými genomickými technikami a potraviny a krmivá z nich vyrobené (rozprava)

Výzva adresovaná Rade, aby prijala všetky kroky potrebné na dosiahnutie dohody o spise týkajúcom sa európskeho cezhraničného mechanizmu a začala rokovania s Parlamentom (rozprava)

Schválenie zápisnice z predchádzajúceho rokovania

Cieľ EÚ v oblasti klímy do roku 2040 (rozprava)

Vodohospodárska kríza a suchá v EÚ ako dôsledok globálnej klimatickej krízy a potreba udržateľnej, odolnej stratégie v oblasti vodného hospodárstva pre Európu (rozprava)

Korigendum (článok 241 rokovacieho poriadku)(ďalší postup)

Russiagate: obvinenia z ruského zasahovania do demokratických procesov Európskej únie (rozprava)

Limitné hodnoty pre olovo a jeho anorganické zlúčeniny a pre diizokyanáty (rozprava)

Kvalitné stáže v EÚ (rozprava)

Ďalšie represie proti demokratickým silám vo Venezuele: útoky na prezidentskú kandidátku Mariu Corinu Machadovú (rozprava)

Súčasný stav vykonávania stratégie Global Gateway a jej riadenia dva roky po jej zavedení (rozprava)

Zmeny smernice o správcoch alternatívnych investičných fondov (AIFMD) a smernice týkajúcej sa podnikov kolektívneho investovania do prevoditeľných cenných papierov (PKIPCP) (rozprava)

Program nasledujúceho rokovania

Schválenie zápisnice z dnešného rokovania

Skončenie rokovania

Plenary session

Schválenie zápisníc z predchádzajúcich rokovaní

Zloženie Parlamentu

Preskúmanie osvedčení o zvolení za poslanca

Zloženie politických skupín

Zloženie výborov a delegácií

Rokovania pred prvým čítaním v Parlamente (článok 71 rokovacieho poriadku)

Korigendum (článok 241 rokovacieho poriadku)

Podpis aktov prijatých v súlade s riadnym legislatívnym postupom (článok 78 rokovacieho poriadku)

Program práce

Situácia väzňov v maďarských väzniciach vrátane prípadu Ilarie Salisovej (rozprava)

Okamžité platby v eurách (rozprava)

Stav solárneho priemyslu v EÚ v kontexte nekalej súťaže (rozprava)

Opatrenia na zabezpečenie vysokej úrovne interoperability verejného sektora v celej Únii (akt o interoperabilnej Európe) (rozprava)

Celoúnijná platnosť určitých zákazov vedenia vozidla (rozprava)

Situácia na Haiti pred nasadením mnohonárodnej misie Organizácie Spojených národov na podporu bezpečnosti (rozprava)

Jednominútové vystúpenia k otázkam politického významu

Program rokovania na nasledujúci deň

Výsledky konferencie OSN o zmene klímy v roku 2023 v Dubaji (Spojené arabské emiráty) (COP28) (rozprava)

Zabezpečenie riadneho fungovania koridorov solidarity medzi EÚ a Ukrajinou (rozprava)

Mechanizmy nevznesenia námietok v medzinárodných dohovoroch, ktorých zmluvnou stranou je Európska únia (rozprava)

Zlepšenie strategického prístupu k presadzovaniu práva EÚ (rozprava)

Vysvetlenia hlasovania

Schválenie zápisnice z dnešného rokovania a zaslanie prijatých textov

Termíny nasledujúcich rokovaní

Prerušenie zasadania

Rokovania pred prvým čítaním v Parlamente (článok 71 rokovacieho poriadku) (ďalší postup)

Príprava zasadnutia Európskej rady 14. – 15. decembra 2023 (rozprava)

Zhodnotenie španielskeho predsedníctva Rady (rozprava)

Menovité zloženie delegácií

Hlasovanie (pokračovanie)

Stratégia EÚ na pomoc mladým ľuďom, ktorí čelia kríze bývania a životných nákladov (tematická rozprava)

Rok po Maroko a Katargate – hodnotenie opatrení na posilnenie transparentnosti a zodpovednosti v Európskych inštitúciách (rozprava)

Právomoc, rozhodné právo, uznávanie rozhodnutí a prijímanie verejných listín vo veciach rodičovstva a zavedenie európskeho osvedčenia o rodičovstve (rozprava)

Plánované zrušenie kľúčových protikorupčných štruktúr na Slovensku a jeho dôsledky pre právny štát (rozprava)

Plánované zrušenie kľúčových protikorupčných štruktúr na Slovensku a jeho dôsledky pre právny štát (pokračovanie rozpravy)

Európsky investičný program v oblasti obrany (EDIP) (rozprava)

Neznáme postavenie Mikalaja Statkeviča a nedávne útoky na rodinných príslušníkov bieloruských politikov a aktivistov

Komunity Masajov v Tanzánii

Únos tibetských detí a nútené asimilačné praktiky čínskych internátnych škôl v Tibete

Frontex v nadväznosti na vyšetrovanie pracovnej skupiny výboru LIBE pre kontrolu agentúry Frontex (rozprava)

Read-out of the College meeting / press conference by Vice-Presidents JOUROVÁ and ŠUICA on the Defence of Democracy legislative package

Vyhlásenia predsedníčky

Podpis aktov prijatých v súlade s riadnym legislatívnym postupom (článok 79 rokovacieho poriadku)

Voľby do Európskeho parlamentu v roku 2024 (rozprava)

Úloha daňovej politiky v čase krízy (rozprava)

Malé modulárne reaktory (rozprava)

Minimálne požiadavky na minimálne prestávky a doby denného a týždenného odpočinku v odvetví príležitostnej osobnej dopravy (stručná prezentácia)

Produkty určené na ľudskú spotrebu: zmena niektorých „raňajkových“ smerníc (stručná prezentácia)

Duševné zdravie (stručná prezentácia)

Read-out of the College meeting / press conference by Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioners Gentiloni and Schmit on the European Semester Autumn Package

Pokračovanie prerušeného zasadania

Zloženie výborov a delegácií

Návrh aktu Únie: pozri zápisnicu

Rokovania pred prvým čítaním v Parlamente (článok 71 rokovacieho poriadku)(ďalší postup)

Deti na prvom mieste – posilnenie záruky pre deti dva roky po jej prijatí - Znižovanie nerovností a podpora sociálneho začlenenia detí a ich rodín v čase krízy

Konferencia OSN o zmene klímy v roku 2023 v Dubaji (Spojené arabské emiráty) (COP28) (rozprava)

Rámec opatrení na posilnenie európskeho ekosystému výroby výrobkov emisne neutrálnych technológií (akt o emisne neutrálnom priemysle) (rozprava)

Spoločné pravidlá na podporu opravy tovaru

Certifikačný rámec Únie pre odstraňovanie uhlíka

Vykonávanie nariadenia, ktorým sa ustanovujú opatrenia na obnovu populácie úhora európskeho (stručná prezentácia)

Príhovor Cate Blanchettovej, veľvyslankyne dobrej vôle UNHCR

Vyhlásenie predsedníčky

Zloženie politických orgánov Parlamentu

Naliehavá potreba okamžitých opatrení proti nárastu antisemitizmu (vyhlásenie predsedníčky)

Závery zo zasadnutia Európskej rady z 26. – 27.októbra 2023 - Humanitárna kríza v Gaze a potreba humanitárnej prestávky (spoločná rozprava - Závery Európskej rady a humanitárna kríza v Gaze a potreba humanitárnej prestávky)

Politika rozširovania EÚ 2023 (rozprava)

Stav energetickej únie (rozprava)

Typové schvaľovanie motorových vozidiel a motorov, pokiaľ ide o ich emisie a životnosť batérií (Euro 7) (rozprava)

Posilnenie práva na účasť: legitímnosť a odolnosť volebných procesov v neliberálnych politických systémoch a autoritárskych režimoch (rozprava)

Korigendá (článok 241 rokovacieho poriadku)

Oznámenie predsedníčky – Sacharovova cena

Zriadenie Nástroja pre Ukrajinu (rozprava)

Zriadenie Platformy strategických technológií pre Európu („platforma STEP“) (rozprava)

Kontrola rybárstva (rozprava)

Dôsledky čínskych rybolovných operácií na rybárstvo EÚ a ďalší postup (stručná prezentácia)

Read-out of the College meeting/ press conference by Vice-President JOUROVÁ and Commissioner BRETON on the recommendation on critical technologies for the economic security of the European Union.

Predbežná správa o návrhu revízie viacročného finančného rámca na roky 2021 – 2027 v polovici trvania (rozprava)

Európsky akt o slobode médií (rozprava)

Pripomenutie si 10. výročia tragédie pri Lampeduse(vyhlásenie predsedníčky)

Rozsiahly korupčný predaj schengenských víz (rozprava)

Nedostatok liekov a strategická autonómia zdravotníctva v EÚ (rozprava)

Hodina otázok (pre Komisiu) – Obchodné vzťahy medzi EÚ a Čínou

Situácia v Náhornom Karabachu po útoku Azerbajdžanu (rozprava)

Zhodnotenie cesty Moldavska do EÚ (rozprava)

Nedávny vývoj v rámci srbsko-kosovského dialógu vrátane situácie v obciach na severe Kosova (rozprava)

Vzťahy medzi EÚ a Švajčiarskom (rozprava)

Uzbekistan (rozprava)

Klasifikácia, označovanie a balenie látok a zmesí (rozprava)

10. po sebe nasledujúce zvýšenie referenčných úrokových sadzieb, o ktorom rozhodla ECB, a jeho dôsledky (rozprava)

Read-out of the College by Commissioner GENTILONI and Commissioner BRETON on the SME Relief initiatives and the proposals to simplify tax rules and reduce compliance costs for cross-border businesses

Read-out of the College meeting by Adina VĂLEAN, Commissioner for Transport on CE proposals for more efficient and sustainable freight

Žiadosť o zbavenie imunity

Návrhy aktov Únie

Oznámenie

Smernica o priemyselných emisiách - Portál priemyselných emisií - Zavádzanie infraštruktúry pre alternatívne palivá - Udržateľné lodné palivá (iniciatíva FuelEU Maritime) - Energetická efektívnosť (prepracované znenie) (spoločná rozprava - Program „Fit for 55“ a priemyselné emisie)

Ochrana novinárov a obhajcov ľudských práv pred zjavne neopodstatnenými alebo zneužívajúcimi súdnymi konaniami (rozprava)

Európska iniciatíva občanov „Save Cruelty Free Cosmetics – Commit to a Europe without animal testing“ („Za kozmetiku bez krutosti – Prisľúbte Európu bez testovania na zvieratách“) (rozprava)

Riadiace, ochranné a kontrolné opatrenia v oblasti, na ktorú sa vzťahuje Dohoda o rybolove v južnom Indickom oceáne (SIOFA) (rozprava)

Ochrana pracovníkov pred extrémnymi horúčavami a inými extrémnymi poveternostnými javmi vyplývajúcimi z klimatickej krízy (rozprava)

Vykonávanie premosťovacích doložiek v zmluvách EÚ (stručná prezentácia)

Banková únia – výročná správa za rok 2022 (stručná prezentácia)

Podpora a prispôsobenie odborného vzdelávania ako nástroja úspechu zamestnancov a stavebného kameňa pre hospodárstvo EÚ v novom Priemysle 4.0 (stručná prezentácia)

EC read out by Valdis DOMBROVSKIS, EC Executive Vice-President for Economy and Mairead MCGUINNESS, Commissioner  for financial services on a new sustainable finance framework

Joint Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and by Rebelo de SOUSA, President of Portugal

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Portugal - Meeting with Marcelo REBELO de SOUSA, President of Portugal

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Portugal - Receiving an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon, at the University of Lisbon

TRAN Committee - Exchange of views with the Verkhovna Rada on Post-war rebuilding of transport and tourism-related infrastructure in Ukraine

AGRI - Exchange of views with Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski on the recent simplification package for farmers

EP Plenary session - Session Commission statement - Rising anti-LGBTIQ rhetoric and violence: recent attacks in Thessaloniki

Press briefing Renew Europe

EP Plenary session - Recent revelations of spying on Members of the European Parliament and the lack of follow-up on the PEGA Committee recommendations

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, receives the International Bonifacio VIII Award for a Culture of Peace

AFET - Exchange of views on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza

EP Plenary session - Oral question - Calling on the Council to take all necessary steps to reach an agreement on the European cross-border mechanism file and open negotiations with Parliament

EP New Year Reception

Press Conference with newly elected Renew President

New Year reception at the Belgian Royal Palace for European Authorities

Register za preglednost je spletna zbirka podatkov, v kateri so navedene skupine in organizacije, ki poskušajo vplivati na oblikovanje ali izvajanje politike in zakonodaje EU. Njegov namen je pokazati, kakšni interesi so zastopani na ravni EU
in v čigavem imenu ter predstaviti finančne in človeške vire, namenjene tem dejavnostim.

Evropski register za preglednost

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visits Ukraine on 9 May 2024, on the occasion of Europe Day. The aim of her visit is to show the European Parliament’s continued support and commitment to Ukraine and its European path. EP President receives the Honorary Doctorate from the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, in Kyiv (Ukraine) on Europe Day: receiving the Honorary Doctorate from the Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University

MEPs debate on the conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029, on foreign relations issues and the current unstable geopolitical situation - the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine and the EU’s support for Ukraine’s defense, as well as the latest developments regarding Israel’s operation in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight.

Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029: Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

MEPs debate on the conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029, on foreign relations issues and the current unstable geopolitical situation - the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine and the EU’s support for Ukraine’s defense, as well as the latest developments regarding Israel’s operation in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the Middle East. First part of MEPs debate.

Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029: MEPs debate (part 1)

MEPs debate on the conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029, on foreign relations issues and the current unstable geopolitical situation - the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine and the EU’s support for Ukraine’s defense, as well as the latest developments regarding Israel’s operation in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Second part of MEPs debate.

Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029: MEPs debate (part 2)

This news item shows extracts from the debate of MEPs with the European Commission's president, following the conclusions of the last European Council's meetings. In particular highlights of the discussion are on the EU’s competitiveness and its strategic agenda on Capital Markets Union, Energy infrastructure and Trade for the next 5 years.

Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029: extracts from the debate

MEPs debate on the conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029, on foreign relations issues and the current unstable geopolitical situation - the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine and the EU’s support for Ukraine’s defense, as well as the latest developments regarding Israel’s operation in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Ambiance shots and opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Conclusions of the recent European Council meetings, in particular on a new European Competitiveness deal and the EU strategic agenda 2024-2029: Ambiance shots and opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with President of Portugal Marcelo REBELO de SOUSA at the Presidential Palace of Belèm - Lisbon (Palácio Nacional de Belém). This news items shows extracts from the arrival, meeting, and signing the book of distinguished visitors.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Lisbon (Portugal) - Meeting with Marcelo REBELO de SOUSA, President of Portugal: arrival, meeting and signing of the book of the distiguished visitors

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, receives an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon during her official visit to Portugal. Opening of the ceremony, statement by Carla COSTA, Professor and Godmother, and Roberta METSOLA, EP President receiving the title of ‘Doctor honoris causa’. Incorporation speech closing of the ceremony. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Lisbon (Portugal) - Roberta METSOLA, EP President receiving an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon: incorporation speech and closing of the ceremony

EP President Roberta METSOLA make her official visit to Lisbon (Portugal) ahead of the European Elections of 6-9 June. The Solemn Session awarding the Degree of Doctor Honoris Causa to Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, take place at the Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas, conferred by the University of Lisbon.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Lisbon (Portugal) - receiving an honorary degree from the University of Lisbon: extracts from the ceremony

Sophie IN ’T VELD (RE, NL), rapporteur for the Reception conditions directive, Fabienne KELLER (RE, FR), rapporteur for the Asylum procedure regulation, Matjaž NEMEC (S&D, SI), rapporteur for the Qualification regulation, and Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA (ECR, ES), rapporteur for Eurodac speak to the press on Migration Pact files. On Wednesday, Parliament is set to give its final green light to the reform of the EU’s asylum and migration rules. The new rules will ensure responsibility sharing among member states in the management of migrant arrivals, a more efficient response in case of crisis, and respect of fundamental rights. Before the vote, MEPs will review the ten legal acts in a debate with Council and Commission. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Sophie IN ’T VELD (RE, NL), Fabienne KELLER (RE, FR), Matjaž NEMEC (S&D, SI) and Jorge BUXADÉ VILLALBA (ECR, ES) rapporteurs on Migration Pact files

Plenary discusses the latest ruling by the International Court of Justice regarding Israel and the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff in the 7 October attacks The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take a series of measures to prevent any acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, after South Africa filed an application against Israel at the court in December 2023. It also ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure aid can reach people in Gaza. During the debate with the Council and the European Commission on Tuesday afternoon, MEPs also discuss the allegations that 12 staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA ) were involved in the 7 October attacks against Israel. While several donor countries have suspended their UNRWA funding, the EU said it will take a decision in light of the outcome of the investigation announced by the UN and its subsequent actions.

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: Opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: MEPs debate part 3

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: Closing statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

Debate - War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region: MEPs debate part 1

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, meets with His Majesty King Philippe of the Belgians, and participates in a reception hosted by Him in the Royal Palace. This news item shows extracts from the bilateral meeting and reception attended by President Metsola.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President attends the New Year's reception hosted by Philippe, King of the Belgians with EP Vice-Presidents and Questors

While international diplomatic efforts are underway to address the Gaza conflict and prevent it from escalating into a regional crisis, the Israeli government has expressed its determination to end Hamas' rule in Gaza. Israeli officials asserted a transition to more targeted warfare, though intense fighting continues. MEPs debate the humanitarian situation, the need to reach a ceasefire, and the risks of escalation in the Middle East. This news item shows extracts from the debate on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation: extracts from the debate

While international diplomatic efforts are underway to address the Gaza conflict and prevent it from escalating into a regional crisis, the Israeli government has expressed its determination to end Hamas' rule in Gaza. Israeli officials asserted a transition to more targeted warfare, though intense fighting continues. MEPs debate the humanitarian situation, the need to reach a ceasefire, and the risks of escalation in the Middle East. Second part of the debate.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza, the need to reach a permanent ceasefire and the risks of regional escalation: MEPs debate (part 2)

Zobrazuje 2 výsledkov udalostí pre ""

AFET debate on the recent allegations against UNWRA staff and the impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza

Roberta METSOLA, EP President attends the New Year's reception hosted by Philippe, King of the Belgians