Antwerp's public transportation system might be busier than you think! According to recent data, city buses and trams are carrying significantly more passengers than are accounted for by scanned tickets. De Lijn, the public transport operator, has been using transport cameras since last year, and the results are eye-opening.
The Unseen Passengers
The cameras reveal that the actual number of passengers riding buses and trams is roughly double the number of scanned tickets. This suggests a significant portion of riders are not paying fares or are using passes that aren't being properly registered. This could have a major impact on De Lijn's revenue and resource allocation. 
“This phenomenon needs further investigation,” says a local transport analyst. “Understanding the reasons behind this discrepancy is crucial for De Lijn to optimize its services and ensure fair revenue collection.”
Brussels Considers Easing Green Agenda Rules
In other news from Brussels, the European Commission is reportedly considering relaxing controls and penalties for companies that fail to meet the "green agenda." This is part of a larger legislative package aimed at simplifying bureaucratic processes. 
The move could be seen as a response to concerns that overly strict regulations are hindering economic growth and competitiveness. However, environmental groups are likely to criticize the proposal, arguing that it could undermine efforts to combat climate change.
The Cost of Defense: A Historical Perspective
Meanwhile, a new study by the IfW institute suggests that countries can only achieve military readiness by taking on debt. The study draws a parallel between Great Britain's vulnerability to Nazi Germany due to insufficient defense spending and the current debate in Berlin and Brussels over the financial burden of rearmament. 
The economists behind the study argue that investing in defense is essential for national security, even if it requires incurring debt. "The lessons of history are clear," they state. "A strong defense is a necessary investment, and it's one that countries cannot afford to neglect."
Whether it's unseen passengers on Antwerp's public transport or the debate over defense spending in Europe, these issues highlight the complex challenges facing governments today.