WORLD WORLDWIDE EUROPE BELGIUM BRUSSELS - The Brussels Times - BELGIUM IN BRIEF - Friday 31 January 2025

 

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BELGIUM IN BRIEF Today's edition is presented by Oxfam Oxfam Trailwalker is a sportive and solidarity hike of 100km or 25km Register here and join the fight against poverty on May 30-31. Tensions in Belgium are high today, as there might be light at the end of the tunnel for the country's next Federal Government before the weekend begins. Led by formator Bart De Wever (N-VA), the negotiators from the so-called 'Arizona' parties (right-wing N-VA, liberals MR, centrists Les Engagés, socialists Vooruit and Christian Democrats CD&V) have been in a multi-day marathon meeting since Wednesday – hoping to find an agreement by the time De Wever is due to meet the King on Friday evening. Negotiations went late into the night on both Wednesday and Thursday, with De Wever reportedly starting bilateral talks with the individual delegations of every party just after midnight last night. At around 08:00 on Friday, negotiators convened again to discuss the socio-economic issues included in De Wever's 'supernote', parts of which were leaked to the press in recent weeks. This includes charged topics such as the budget, pensions and taxes. However, discussions have seemingly been slow-going and some of the most difficult topics have yet to be broached. In the days and weeks leading up to Friday, De Wever made it clear that his appointment with King Philippe would be a "make or break" moment: if he cannot present the King with an agreement tonight, he will throw in the towel. What do you think? Will Belgium start February with a new Federal Government? 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. Moment of truth: Will there finally be a Belgian Government by the end of today? By the end of today, there may be light at the end of the tunnel for Belgium.  Read More . 2. Pricier public transport and PFAS: What changes on 1 February in Belgium From paying more to ride public transport and train disruption to interest rates on Belfius savings accounts dropping, here's what changes on 1 February.  Read More . 3. Stabbing at Schuman metro station – suspect still at large The victim was slightly injured and the suspect is still at large.  Read More .   4. Museums, Art Nouveau and the Big Screen: The best cultural passes in Brussels Keen to explore the rich cultural scene in Brussels but not sure where to start? There are several passes that might be able to help you with that.  Read More . 5. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 31 January – 2 February Looking for a lively shindig, or prefer a meander through one of the oldest and most prestigious art fairs? Brussels has got you covered!  Read More . 6. Holocaust denier tribute at Flemish Parliament exposes ‘dark soul of Flanders’ "They keep on honouring those kinds of people and I was thinking well, maybe in 2025, this is not possible anymore. But it goes on."  Read More . 7. Five years after Brexit: What future for EU-UK relations? Five years after Brexit, we are now faced with the question of how to reorganise relations, writes Sandro Gozi MEP, chair of the EU-UK delegation in the Parliament.  Read More .