WORLD WORLDWIDE EUROPE BELGIUM BRUSSELS - The Brussels Times - THE RECAP - Wednesday 29 January 2025

 

View this email in your browser

THE RECAP Your daily catch up - great with a morning coffee. Sign up  here. 1. DRC: Belgian Embassy attacked by demonstrators in Kinshasa The embassies of Rwanda, France, Belgium and the United States were targeted on Tuesday, according to an AFP journalist.  Read More .   2. ‘Characterful and distinctive’: Brussels bar crowned best in Europe The legendary Brussels café was a well-known haunt for Belgian artists such as surrealist artist René Magritte, author Hugo Claus and comic artist Hergé.  Read More . 3. Calls to extend maternity leave as Belgium among lowest in Europe With mothers allowed up to 15 weeks off, Belgium's maternity leave is one of the lowest in Europe.  Read More .   4. Far-right Patriots Network allowed to hold conference in Flemish Parliament this week "It's a scandal that the Nazi salutes are entering the Flemish Parliament," a Brussels anti-fascist group said in response to the news.  Read More . 5. Nainggolan cocaine case: Footballer under suspicion but released on conditions Famous Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan has now been released on conditions meaning he can resume training and participate in matches from Wednesday.  Read More . 6. Record number of visas for family reunification in Belgium Reunification is strictly regulated and applicants must have support from a family member earning at least €2,089 net per month. But for refugees the rules are relaxed.  Read More . 7. ‘At the finish line’: Will Belgium finally get a new government this week? "Everything has been on the table for months, everything has been talked about, and there is not going to be anything extra. It is time to decide."  Read More . 8. Trains to Brussels Airport disrupted: Which passengers will be worst-hit? A whole range of trains will no longer stop at Brussels Airport, while those that are continuing will run at a reduced frequency. Passengers should allow extra travel time.  Read More . HIDDEN SECRET OF THE DAY 9. Hidden Belgium: Birth of the Nation A forgotten statue in the corner of a romantic Brussels park shows a young couple gazing adoringly at their newborn son.  Read More .