In an era awash with disinformation, "alternative facts", and polarized public debate, how can we make sense of the world around us? How to preserve trust in society and fight the creeping cynicism that comes with an apparent abandon of moral standards?
Questions such as these challenge the foundation of modern society and are exploited as populists shape the political discourse for their own agenda. Suspicions that linger in the back of our minds will come to the fore as Europe goes to the ballot box next month. In Belgium, voters are subjected to reductive arguments that play up regional differences and paint crude caricatures of rivals.
Whilst we know to take the rhetoric with a generous pinch of sodium chloride, the hyperbole is distracting and would have you wanting to switch off from politics.
If you also are losing patience with current affairs, why not look to Ancient Greece for a fresh perspective on community, belonging, and leadership? An aptly-timed run of theatre productions in Ghent offers a refreshing take on civic life with classic tragedies taking place around the city over the next eight weeks.
Even better, acting will engage directly with the public, taking place in open areas so that passers-by can observe (and sometimes take part) as they go about their daily routine. Organisers hope that the pieces, which are staged in provocative or socially important areas, will spark contemplation and perhaps action as democracy is again contested.
All Greeks Festival might be just the remedy we need to see clearly and avoid our own hamartia as elections draw nigh.
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1. Frontex can be deployed at Brussels-Midi and Brussels Airport
The Federal Government has passed a law allowing agents from the European border agency Frontex to be deployed at various entry points to Belgium, including Brussels-Midi railway station and key airports. Read more.
2. How Ghent is being transformed into Ancient Greece
Over 30 Greek tragedies will be performed in Ghent over the next eight weeks, inviting audiences to observe the stark parallels between modern and ancient society. Read more.
3. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 3 - 5 May
Not sure of your weekend plans? There's plenty happening, from the iconic Iris Festival celebrating the Brussels-Capital Region, a day dedicated to Poland to the chance to look inside key EU buildings. Read more.
4. Not hungry (but not healthy): Lunch boxes in Flemish schools highlight diet deficiencies
While very few primary school pupils (aged 6 to 12) have empty lunch boxes in Flanders, their meals are often unhealthy and of poor environmental quality, research by Ghent University and the Flemish Institute Healthy Living shows. Read more.
5. Belgium passes 'historic' bill to include animal welfare in constitution
The Belgian Parliament has officially recognised animal welfare in the constitution, a move which animal rights organisation GAIA has hailed as a "historic advancement" after many years of campaigning. Read more.
6. Rubbish collection services carry out strike until Sunday 5 May
Rubbish collection services in Brussels have been disrupted by a strike that started on Thursday 2 May and will last until Sunday 5 May. Read more.
7. Road collapses on Thursday in Saint-Gilles, street closed to traffic
A parked van fell through a road in the Brussels municipality of Saint-Gilles as its pavement collapsed on Thursday evening, the Brussels fire service announced. Read more.
