This is bleak reading

I spoke with #RadioSchuman for @euronews.com about our city, the political deadlock, and why empathy and real listening might be the key to a breakthrough.

🎙️ Listen in 👇 podcasts.euronews.com/radio-schuma...

For today's @euronews.com Radio Schuman episode, I spoke with outgoing Brussels Mobility Minister @elkevandenbrandt.bsky.social about how to break the current political deadlock in Brussels, her vision to make the capital liveable (and criticism of this) and the future of Metro 3.

Around one week ago, I started at @euronews.com as Podcast Producer for Radio Schuman. Today, I hosted my first episode! My colleague @peggycorlin.bsky.social and I delved into the EU fines on Apple and Meta and what this means for the deteriorating EU-US relationship.

Yesterday, a Cureghem resident, Jonas, showed me around his neighbourhood, which in recent weeks has been rocked by a series of shootings.

We spoke about how the escalating drug violence is impacting locals, and is even driving them away.

‘We’re in a crisis’: Idris Elba calls for more action on youth violence in UK

Almost all of last week's shootings took place at officially designated 'hotspots', but has the label made any difference to Brussels' handle on drug violence?:

www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/143...

Another national strike is taking place this week. While previous actions were based on assumptions and leaked proposals, this Thursday is a response to a concrete agreement. Some 60,000 people are expected to demonstrate. "There is even more anger now; many feel cheated," one union Gen-Sec told me.

Belgian airspace closed - no flights to land or take off across country

Learning to drive in Belgium can be daunting.

The Brussels Times has created a guide to ensure a smooth ride.

Internationalisation in Brussels has pushed English to the forefront, making it the second most widely-spoken language. This rising use has driven debates about weaving it into Brussels' administrative fabric, and even making it the third official language.
www.brusselstimes.com/brussels-2/1...

These dark days call for something to look forward to. The return of Brussels' light festival next month definitely brightened up my mood.
From tornadoes in fountains, a vintage lamps market and Kids' zone, here's what to expect!
www.brusselstimes.com/brussels-2/1...

Syrians in the process of getting papers are now in limbo, while others who have lived in Europe for years fear being sent back.

www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1350...

"Instead of using this momentum to help us rebuild Syria, governments jump at the chance to get rid of us."

Syrians in Belgium and across the EU are being met with opportunism rather than solidarity by European governments.

Compassionate reporting from my colleague @laurenhwalker.bsky.social 👇

How does a city manage an exploding homelessness crisis without resorting to brutal tactics?

The Brussels Times went on patrol with Team Herscham, a pioneering police unit treating the homeless as human beings rather than eyesores to be moved along.

www.brusselstimes.com/magazine/134...

The employment rate has grown in Belgium's three regions – but the biggest rise was seen in Brussels, where the figure is at a historic high.

www.brusselstimes.com/brussels-2/1...