The aim of the measure is to increase competition in the telecommunications market and allow the user to choose a more durable device or one offering additional functionalities, for example in terms of security.
Currently, around ten European countries, including Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, already allow customers to freely choose their modem.
Financial compensation in the event of prolonged internet or telephone outage
People experiencing a prolonged outage of the internet or telephone network may request (small) compensation from telecom operators.
The operator will now have to compensate customers affected by the interruption for more than eight hours of a public electronic communications service, such as the internet or telephone. This measure applies to both fixed and mobile services. Prepaid card users will also be able to receive compensation if they request it.
Compensation starts at one euro after the first 16 hours of outage and increases every day, unless it is a case of force majeure for the operator (breakdown linked to a natural disaster for example).
Farmers can use epizootic hemorrhagic disease vaccine
Belgian farmers will be able to vaccinate their cattle against the epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus. The Hepizovac vaccine has been approved for use by the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP).
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease is a viral disease that is transmitted via the bites of certain mosquitoes. Affected animals show symptoms similar to those suffering from bluetongue, also called bluetongue disease.
There is currently no outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in Belgium. The authorities note, however, that this disease is approaching the Belgian borders. The vaccine is the only effective way to prevent it.
Mandatory prescription for Sinutab and other similar products
Access to Sinutab and similar medicines will be subject to the presentation of a medical prescription, indicated the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP).
A royal decree recently published in the Belgian Official Gazette now requires medical prescription for medications based on the active ingredients (pseudo-)ephedrine and fusidic acid, i.e. Sinutab and similar medications.
These tablets are frequently used for the symptomatic treatment of nasal congestion in colds, often in combination with other active ingredients such as paracetamol. However, (pseudo-)ephedrine is not recommended in any guidelines for the treatment of colds, points out the FAMHP. Its use is associated with potentially serious adverse effects (including cardiovascular, neurological and psychiatric). Some of these risks are unpredictable and not dose-related, adds the federal agency.
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