WORLD WORLDWIDE EUROPE BELGIUM BRUSSELS - The Brussels Times - BELGIUM IN BRIEF - Wednesday 11 September 2024

 

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BELGIUM IN BRIEF Today's edition is 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. While only delays of over five minutes are taken into account for railway operator SNCB's punctuality reports, the company will now let passengers know why their trains are running late if the delay is 90 seconds or longer. Since 2007, the reason for a delay was only made public if it related to a "significant incident" – often leaving passengers stuck on a train wondering why their journey was not continuing as planned. Examples of the "minor delays" that will be shown are a slightly delayed departure, traffic regulation problems, a large number of passengers on the platform (prolonging boarding) or an unplanned crossing with another train. By doing this, SNCB and Infrabel hope to draw attention to structural issues in Belgium's "very fragile" railway network, especially during peak hours. "Over the last ten years, the number of scheduled trains has increased by 10% and the number of passengers by 18%, on a network that has not been proportionally extended." While external factors such as accidents, intrusions on the tracks, and the impact of delays abroad are often seen as the main reasons for Belgium's delays, SNCB hopes to show that there is more to it than that: the railway's infrastructure is unable to cope with demand, and minor delays can create a "snowball effect," says SNCB. 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. Audi Brussels factory gates remain closed despite return of seized keys The possibility of a takeover by an Asian investor generated little enthusiasm, as they had a "poor financial record".  Read More . 2. Belgium delays submitting crucial budget plans to EU The chances of Belgium agreeing on a budget plan before having a new government were slim, but the new delay could take until November.  Read More . 3. Over 80% of Belgian EV drivers happy with range, but price the biggest hurdle Despite the "common criticism" about the driving range of EVs, almost 83% of drivers are generally happy with the distance they can travel.  Read More .   4. Brussels formation puzzle: MR vows to stick to government agreement "But now, there is no framework, and there is not even a majority on both sides to negotiate such a governance agreement."  Read More . 5. ‘Restored to former glory’: Forest’s Art Deco town hall reopens to the public "This beautifully renovated town hall of Forest will undoubtedly be one of the eye-catchers during our Brussels Art Deco Year 2025."  Read More . 6. From refugee to consultant: Finding fortune in Belgium "In 2015 the process was efficient. But today most people don't consider that a migrant could have a degree and contribute to the economy."  Read More . 7. Bois de la Cambre couple ‘living luxurious lifestyle’ arrested for fraud The couple forged wealthy lifestyles while living in an expensive gated community in Brussels, known as Billionaire’s Square.  Read More .