Good afternoon!
In case you are wondering where to get lunch or dinner today, and what to have, we have a fishy tale in The Brussels Times for you. Apparently, in many cases, all is not what it seems if you go for the fish option on the menu.
It's not necessarily that you are being charged more for cheaper alternatives masquerading as premium products, but more that you are being served types of seafood which may be less ethically fished or farmed or may be more damaging to the environment.
Check out the article – it raises some interesting questions – but the basic advice is ask if you believe that the price of your dish looks too good to be true before you fall for it hook, line and sinker.
Speaking of interesting questions, don't forget that together with our friends at Full Circle Brussels, we are hosting a Christmas Quiz next week, on 16 December. Make sure to reserve your space here. There will be prizes as usual.
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. Too cheap to be true? Nearly 80% of seafood in Brussels restaurants is mislabelled
The canteens of the European Parliament and European Commission are among the Brussels restaurants widely mislabelling seafood. Read more.
2. Belgium joins European anti-migration push to ‘constrain’ ECHR
A group of European leaders want to modify the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to deport migrants who commit a serious crime. Read more.
3. Massive delays in processing of sex offenders could lead to release of prisoners
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep our heads above water,” said a representative of Brussels Support Centre (CAB). Read more.
4. Crackdown on spitting in the street as commune issues warning
Ixelles has launched a new campaign to clamp down on the scourge of public spitting. Read more.
5. All Belgian universities on strike action over budget cuts
Known as Université en colère in French, the group brings together professors, lecturers, and researchers who warn that the cuts will undermine the quality and accessibility of higher education. Read more.
6. Belgian King on patrol with police
The visit began in Brussels Park, where the king met members of the bicycle patrol unit. Read more.
7. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 12 – 14 December
Christmas Day is exactly two weeks away – and Brussels' events calendar is hotting up. Find all the key events happening in the Belgian capital here. Read more.
