WORLD WORLDWIDE EUROPE BELGIUM BRUSSELS - The Brussels Times - BELGIUM IN BRIEF - Friday 10 January 2025

 

View this email in your browser BELGIUM IN BRIEF The year is hardly underway and already it feels that things are about to hit the fan, especially if Donald Trump and his crew follow through on some of their huffing and puffing before he takes office in ten days.  And whilst the President-elect hasn't threatened to annex part of the Kingdom of Belgium, there's plenty else to worry about in the heart of Europe. Half a year on from the elections and we still don't have a government leading the country, nor for the Capital Region – an inconvenient situation at a time when the global order is set for a thorough shake-up.  Businesses, NGOs, and consumers in Belgium are bracing for a rough ride, with the next government bound to cut down spending as the bulging national debt and deficit can no longer be left unattended. Various public sector employees will hold a strike on Monday to voice their collective concern about austerity measures (that have yet to be decided by the next Federal Government).  To better understand the implications for Belgian enterprises, the economy, and how households might be impacted, we asked specialists in various fields what they foresee in 2025. Is it all gloom or can we reasonably hope for some silver linings? Whilst many variables remain undecided, their assessment of the current situation and how we got here at least provide an overview of the trends that are emerging. Here's what you need to know to be that bit more clued up on the challenges in key Belgian sectors: What's the economic outlook in 2025? What's the Belgian energy outlook in 2025? What's the outlook for Belgium's construction sector in 2025? What's the outlook for business in 2025? What's the outlook for consumer rights in 2025? What's the outlook for Belgium's rule of law in 2025? What's the outlook for police reform in 2025? What's the outlook for migration policy in 2025? What's the outlook for Belgian politics in 2025? 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. ‘More than a business city’: 2024 was top year for tourism in Brussels Brussels is attracting more and more tourists. But maintaining this buzz in off-peak periods remains a challenge.  Read More . 2. Belgium’s snow day 2025 – as you saw it We asked our readers to send us their best snowy photos whilst out and about on Thursday. Here are some of our favourites!  Read More . 3. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 10 – 12 January From dancing to Colombian classics and an exhibition focused on female artists to one of Brussels' key jazz festivals, here's what's on this weekend.  Read More .   4. Flu – cases on the rise, government urges caution A flu epidemic was declared in December and the alert level rose from yellow to orange on Thursday.  Read More . 5. De Croo calls on EU to take action against the ‘rich and powerful’ "Freedom of expression is close to my heart, but it cannot be an excuse for lies and manipulation."  Read More . 6. Brussels Christmas market attracts record number of visitors The 24th edition of the Brussels Winter Wonders event was marked by a return in numbers of international tourists, especially from the United States.  Read More . 7. Filling a climate vacuum Donald Trump will gut the climate credentials of the US once he is installed as president, so who will step in to fill that green leadership role?  Read More .