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BELGIUM IN BRIEF Today's edition presented by UNESDA How can we build a more sustainable and competitive food and drink industry? Find out more here about the European soft drinks sector’s vision. Brussels has a million square metres of unused buildings, according to an often-cited estimate. The accuracy of this is difficult to verify but there is no question that huge spaces are left empty in a city where demand for housing and areas to serve communities is high. And whilst building is part of the national psyche, the rental pool in Brussels is contracting as investors see barriers to construction in the capital, rather than opportunity. In this context, a more efficient use of existing space is evidently in the general interest. In light of this, the Belgian State has purchased 21 offices in the Brussels EU Quarter, which will be renovated with the aim of injecting new life into a neighbourhood notoriously business-oriented and soulless. To combat this, a strategy that has been labelled "tactical urbanism" should "activate" 300,000 m2 empty office space.  About a quarter of this will be turned into housing, of which 20% will be social units. But much more of the space will be turned into amenities that will cater to people living there – cafés and restaurants, a nursery, a police station... Still, 70% of the buildings will remain offices, albeit newer ones adapted to a more flexible workforce that is less attached to a fixed location.  But although the plan marks a bold intention to revitalise one of the city's less inspiring districts, it won't render the area outwardly pleasant. The buildings concerned are still concrete façades intersected by multi-lane traffic arteries. Planners are hoping to trigger a "virtuous circle" that will gradually change the face of the whole area. Appealing though it sounds, this will be many more years in the making. Before you go! How do you feel about your commune? What would you like to improve? Take our quick survey and share your feedback here.  Belgium in Brief  is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. Want to sign up?  Click here . 1. ‘Tactical urbanism’: Belgium to start emptying office buildings in European Quarter Belgium bought 23 office buildings from the European Commission in April, aiming to transform them into housing, public facilities, shops and sustainable offices.  Read More . 2. Audi Brussels staff protest as management want vehicle keys back by noon A protest began on Sunday after management said the factory would remain closed until workers agreed to resume "normal" production and dispatch the vehicles to dealers.  Read More . 3. Four Brussels art dealers convicted for selling false artwork for thousands of euros Two art galleries in Brussels were found to be dealing counterfeit artwork for years.  Read More .   4. ‘Tip of the iceberg’: Suicide is leading cause of death among 15-45 year olds in Belgium Since 2019, suicide has superseded cancer, road accidents, and cardiovascular diseases to become the leading cause of death among 15 to 45-year-olds.  Read More . 5. Let’s talk about sex? Belgium’s battle for sexual education in schools Despite ranking highly for contraception services, teaching sexual education throughout Belgium isn't so simple.  Read More . 6. Belgian contractors ‘avoid working in cities’ due to traffic regulations Contractors have trouble parking within city limits, leading to a risk of fines. Collaboration with city authorities and local districts can prove challenging.  Read More . 7. Hidden Belgium: Bar du Matin He revamped an old corner bar dating from 1900 to create a spacious bar with sober furniture, big windows and a curved bar. He then added a curving ceiling inspired by the Spanish artist Miro.     Read More .