WORLD WORLDWIDE EUROPE BELGIUM BRUSSELS - The Brussels Times - THE RECAP - Thursday 19 December 2024

 

View this email in your browser THE RECAP Your daily catch up - great with a morning coffee. Sign up  here. 1. Huge rise in drug trafficking: Five-fold increase in cocaine seizures at Brussels Airport Authorities have found ecstasy in tins of dog food and soup cans, methamphetamine in a steel beam, and cocaine in a pot of petroleum jelly.  Read More .   2. ‘Goeiemorgen, bonjour’: Conductor receives complaint for speaking French on train in Vilvoorde The situation is "a bit ridiculous, frankly," an SNCB spokesperson told The Brussels Times.  Read More . 3. New Year’s Eve: Fireworks show moves to new location in Brussels This year, Brussels' traditional fireworks display will be organised at a new location, preceded by a DJ set to get the party started.  Read More .   4. Wartime mindset? Belgium advises population to prepare ’emergency kit’ The changing geopolitical climate has sparked a growing interest in how to prepare properly for a crisis among the Belgian population.  Read More . 5. A 2024 festive guide to Christmas markets in Belgium and beyond What better way to celebrate the festive season than to sip on some steaming mulled wine at one of the famed Christmas markets in Belgium or on its borders?  Read More . 6. Brussels police warn against QR code parking ticket scams Fraudsters are using stickers to apply fake QR codes to local parking meters.  Read More . 7. Unions announce two days of strikes in schools at end of January There is a “huge anger” within the educational community, which has been exacerbated by the measures of the MR-Engagés majority.  Read More . 8. Belgian film ‘Julie Keeps Quiet’ misses out on Oscars shortlist Two other Belgian entries made it onto the Academy Awards shortlist.  Read More . HIDDEN SECRET OF THE DAY 9. Hidden Belgium: Café Tati They offer a simple vegetarian menu, local beers and a programme of jazz concerts.  Read More .