WORLD WORLDWIDE EUROPE BELGIUM BRUSSELS - The Brussels Times - THE RECAP - Thursday 30 January 2025

 

View this email in your browser THE RECAP Your daily catch up - great with a morning coffee. Sign up  here. 1. Changing Belgium’s wage indexation: What’s the next government’s plan? The opposition warned that fiddling with the index could cost workers up to €2,195 annually, while other calculations have showed the impact could be limited.  Read More .   2. Brussels remains region worst affected by poverty Brussels is a paradoxical city: while it is home to the most expensive property and highest gross wages, a large share of its population faces poverty.  Read More . 3. Ryanair CEO criticises Zaventem for ‘hopelessly uncompetitive’ approach The low-cost Irish airline will launch four new flights this summer.  Read More .   4. European Commission unveils ‘competitiveness compass’ in response to Draghi report The "competitiveness compass" aims to address the competitiveness gap highlighted by the now-famous Draghi report.  Read More . 5. Tumours or falls: What are Belgium’s most common causes of death? The number of non-natural deaths, such as accidents, falls and suicides, rose to the highest level since 2001.  Read More . 6. Belgian technology sector had its worst year in a decade Belgian ICT companies generate €71.7 billion in revenue, provide 130,000 jobs, and contribute 4.8% to Belgium's GDP.  Read More . 7. ‘Roaring Twenties’: What’s happening at the Brussels Art Deco Year 2025? Exhibitions, guided tours, openings of closed buildings will allow people to be immersed in the decadence of the 'Roaring Twenties'.  Read More . 8. ‘Guinguette’ bars might not open in Brussels parks this summer The Brussels Region's failure to form a government might mean that the capital's favourite summer staple might not open this summer.  Read More . HIDDEN SECRET OF THE DAY 9. Hidden Belgium: Hôtel Van Eetvelde Listed by UNESCO in 2000, this astonishing Art Nouveau town house was built by Victor Horta in the 1890s. The client was Edmond Van Eetvelde, the wealthy secretary-general of the Congo Free State.  Read More .