Good afternoon!
As European leaders are hoping to announce a much-anticipated UK-EU security and defence agreement during Monday's summit in London, Brexit is seemingly back on the agenda.
At the same time, many people in Belgium are not paying too much attention to important politics today, as their minds are already on the LGBTQ+ Pride parade that will be marching through Brussels tomorrow.
While Pride is known for its many afterparties (and after-afterparties), I'm sure some of them will also include watching/dancing to the Eurovision Song Contest in the evening – even though Belgium unexpectedly did not make the final this year.
Belgium in Brief
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1. Belgium’s public sector strike on Tuesday: What we know so far
Daily life will be disrupted by another strike in Belgium, as workers in all public services will protest against the Federal Government's austerity plans. Read more.
2. ‘Only five seats left’? Ryanair taken to court for ‘misleading’ booking process
"Anyone who has booked on Ryanair will be familiar with the tactics used, but may not know many breach well-established consumer law and passenger rights." Read more.
3. Great Brexit reset: EU and UK expected to sign defence pact in London
Monday's post-Brexit summit could still be derailed by disputes over fishing and student exchanges. Read more.
4. Visit one of Belgium’s 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites
16 of UNESCO's 1,233 World Heritage sites are in Belgium – some in Brussels and others further afield. Read more.
5. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 16 – 18 May
Ahead of this busy weekend, The Brussels Times has curated a list with the best family-friendly activities, festivals and the best parties. Read more.
6. Belgian telescopes provide unique images of the sun
Three telescopes constructed mainly in Belgium and installed on the Solar Orbiter space probe capture the first top-down images of the Sun’s north and south poles. Read more.
7. Former Belgian asylum secretary of state in running to lead UN refugee agency
Nicole de Moor was the State Secretary for asylum and migration during the De Croo government. Read more.
