WORLD WORLDWIDE EUROPE BELGIUM BRUSSELS - The Brussels Times - BELGIUM IN BRIEF - Maandag 3 February 2025

 

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BELGIUM IN BRIEF Today's edition is presented by Regus Here, there, wherever. Discover a flexible workspace that works better for you. After nearly eight months of negotiations, Belgium now finally has a fully-fledged Federal Government, led by Bart De Wever. As the country's brand new Prime Minister, he immediately has a very busy day ahead. De Wever and his team of 14 ministers were sworn in by the King at 09:00 on Monday, followed by the traditional "family portrait' photo on the steps of the Palace. Afterwards, the new premier had to rush off to Rue de la Loi 16, where his predecessor Alexander De Croo welcomed him to his new office. Normally, this symbolic exchange of power would be followed by the traditional government statement in the Belgian Parliament. Exceptionally, however, this has been postponed a day so De Wever could attend his first European meeting at 11:00. European heads of state and government are meeting at the Egmont Palace for an informal summit on defence, having lunch with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and dinner with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer later today. A good start is half the battle? 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. Who’s in Belgium’s new Federal Government? Here is an overview of the new ministers and their powers.  Read More . 2. New Belgian Government: De Wever arrives at EU summit for first time as PM Good morning, Belgium has a new Federal Government. Follow our latest updates.  Read More . 3. Trump: EU tariffs are coming ‘very soon’ "The EU is really out of line, it is an atrocity, what they have done. I do not have a timetable but it is coming very soon."  Read More .   4. What does Arizona mean for Brussels? The "Arizona" coalition's overarching mission is to stabilise Belgium's finances. But what could this drive for efficiency mean for Brussels?  Read More . 5. Mayors and mergers: Why are they so against a centralised Brussels police force? A merger of the six Brussels police zones is often floated as a solution to the city's crime woes. Why are local mayors so opposed?  Read More . 6. Cash or card: Brussels businesses split over future of payments Over half of young Belgians haven't used cash recently. Federal law mandates that cards are accepted but some Brussels businesses are still pushing for cash.  Read More . 7. The Brussels Times Gig Guide: What are the best concerts in February? Find out the best gigs in Brussels for you and your friends to not miss this February.  Read More .