Free Belarus!

Andrew Keymaster

Photo by Andrew Keymaster on Unsplash The EU parliament is currently staging an exhibition on Belarusian political prisoners. The exhibition ‘Belarusian martyrology – political prisoners in Belarus’ invites visitors to get acquainted with the life stories, portraits and voices of the people who chose democracy over dictatorship. Belarusian artist Xisha Aniolowa started creating portraits of political prisoners in 2020. She…

Calling UK Citizens Living in Belgium

Kelly Sikkema

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash A webinar on financial issues facing UK citizens living in Belgium will be held later this month. The online event, from noon to 1.30pm on 21 September, will focus on tax, pensions and social security. It is organised by the “Expat Welcome Desk” of the Brussels Commissioner for Europe and International…

Crazy About the Cotswolds

Liv Cashman

Photo by Liv Cashman on Unsplash The indifferent summer weather in Belgium has left many looking to think about an autumn getaway to foreign shores. If you’re among them, you’d do well to consider a part of England that is often overlooked by people living on this side of the Channel – the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds region around…

The Proof of the Pudding

Ian Dooley

Photo by Ian Dooley on Unsplash It is said that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Former Prime Minister Winston Churchill clearly endorsed this when he sent back to the kitchen a dull dessert, complaining that the pudding had no theme. It raises the question as to which pudding best represents the…

UK National Rejoin March

Jannes van den Wouwer

Photo by Jannes van den Wouwer on Unsplash A major march will be held in London later this month as part of the campaign for the UK’s eventual return to the EU. UK nationals who live and work in Europe will join people who are based in Britain on the march on 23 September. Called the “National…

BD Comic Strip Festival

Erik Mclean

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash Another year, another huge success for the BD Comic Strip Festival in Brussels. Over 60,000 people visited the Gare Maritime at Tour & Taxis to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of comics. Visitors turned out in force to enjoy meetings, events, signings and exhibitions. And not forgetting the…

Is Animal Welfare Still an EU Priority?

Jinen shah

Photo by Jinen Shah on Unsplash  The EU is reportedly considering dropping its plans for stricter animal welfare measures, according to Compassion in World Farming EU. The group, based in Brussels, quotes press reports which say draft laws on the issue may now be scrapped. Compassion in World Farming EU said that two years ago, the European…

Night of the Dragons

Ravit Sages

Photo by Ravi Sages on Unsplash An exciting new show is set to “breathe fire” into autumn for its Belgian audience. “Night of the Dragons” is the name of a new ‘immersive’ show created by the well-known director Luc Petit and produced by l’ASBL Avant que l’ombre. The show is multidisciplinary and brings together artists,…

Iliana Ivanova New EU Commissioner for Research

noaa

Photo by noaa on Unsplash The European Parliament has approved the appointment of Iliana Ivanova (Bulgaria) as Commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth. She was voted in by 522 MEPs voting in favour with 27 against and 51 abstained. On 5 September, the Industry, Research and Energy Committee and the Culture and Education…

EU-China Relations

Ying Wu

Photo by Ying Wu on Unsplash The EU and China have both said that they wish to pursue “stable and constructive relations”. The pledge comes amidst growing tensions surrounding China’s policy towards its near neighbour, Taiwan, and other issues. European Council President Charles Michel met with China’s Prime Minister LI Qiang in the margins of…