Good afternoon!
If you are taking the public holiday today, I hope you are having a relaxing one, despite the inclement weather here in Belgium. Maybe not so much a day to head to the coast, as to catch up on some rest, or some chores. Either way, if you had forgotten that today was indeed a holiday (Ascension Day), or were wondering what to do, or even what today's holiday was all about, then we have all those questions answered for you in an article in The Brussels Times today.
I am not a huge fan of anniversary journalism, but today does mark an important one – and one of the darkest days, in Brussels' recent history. It's the 40th anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster – where 39 Juventus fans lost their lives at the European Cup Final against Liverpool. In the immediate aftermath, swift conclusions were drawn as to who was to blame. But as our article today explains, what caused it was a combination of factors, with the Belgian authorities coming in for fierce criticism in an official report.
It is a stark reminder of how quickly scenes of happiness and excitement can turn to tragedy. We only have to look at this week's events in Liverpool, again involving Liverpool FC in what should have been a moment of unbridled joy, to bring that home.
It's also a reminder that jumping to initial conclusions about events, about what has happened and who is to blame, can often prove premature or even wrong. Things are often more complicated than they first seem. This is why in this rapidly changing and confusing world, good reporting and journalism that gives you the context of events is more crucial now than ever. We at The Brussels Times aspire to this level of journalism every day.
If you believe in this and you enjoy our content, then think of subscribing, or if you already do, recommend us to your friends or colleagues. We believe we are essential reading for navigating your life in Belgium and beyond. If nothing else, you will know what Ascension Day is and what to do this holiday.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. What is Ascension Day, and what is open in Belgium today?
More than just a Thursday day off, the Ascension, sometimes called Holy Thursday, is a key celebration as part of Christian Easter celebrations. Read more.
2. The Heysel stadium disaster, 40 years on
40 years ago today, 39 Juventus fans lost their lives in a stadium disaster in Brussels. Here we look at how it happened and what the consequences were. Read more.
3. ‘Difficult political context’ eroding independence of equality bodies – report
Racial profiling, Roma bias, and transphobia. The ECRI has flagged rising intolerance and fading watchdog power across Europe. Read more.
4. ‘Taking fate into our own hands’: MR launches declaration to ‘save’ Brussels
"We are very confident that this text will lead to a new Brussels Government. But I have stopped sticking a date on these kinds of things." Read more.
5. Belgian Crown Princess Elisabeth’s academic future uncertain after US foreign student ban
With US President Donald Trump revoking universities' permission to admit international students, the education of Belgium's next queen is now uncertain. Read more.
6. ‘Not only about the war’ – Ukraine on Film comes to Brussels
From documentaries about the Russia-Ukraine war to an intergalactic romance adventure, this year's Ukraine on Film festival has something for everyone. Read more.
7. How Brussels’ multi-faith cemetery offers a final resting place for all
“We’re not here to tell people how to express their faith. It’s something deeply personal –between you and your creator.” Read more.
