Belgian coalition talks collapse over tax policy disagreements; King Philippe consults party leaders.

Belgian coalition talks have collapsed due to disagreements over tax policies, specifically a proposed capital gains tax. Bart De Wever, Flemish nationalist N-VA leader and chief negotiator, resigned as coalition talks failed to progress. King Philippe will now consult party leaders to find a viable ruling coalition, as Belgium faces pressing deadlines, including nominating an EU commissioner by end-August and submitting a deficit reduction plan to the European Commission by September 20th.