Good afternoon from Avenue Louise.
Today you've got me, Katie Westwood, back at the coalface curating your daily dish of Belgian news for an English-speaking audience.
Anyone with a modicum of interest in the world around them will be watching and waiting to see how the situation in the Middle East unfolds.
After the US and Israel launched a massive and ongoing attack against Iran over the weekend, the Iranian regime responded with a series of missile and drone strikes across the region.
Around 26,000 Belgians, including dual nationals, are currently in countries affected by the conflict.
Dubai – long seen as a safe haven in a troubled region – was targeted by Iran, shaking its large community of expats, and shattering the belief held by some residents that they were "not exposed to geopolitics" in the city.
Earlier this week, Brussels Times Political Editor Maïthé Chini spoke to a Belgian woman who was caught up in the attacks in Dubai.
Mariam Mizaty, 31, moved from Brussels to Dubai in 2024. On Saturday, she was walking her dog when the first strikes hit the city. In her chat with Maïthé, Mariam described panic-buying, disinformation and the "eerie atmosphere" in Dubai as the attacks unfolded. Read the report here.
Closer to home, reporter Rita Alves highlights a worrying trend: the increase in sexual exploitation of children in Belgium. Last year, the Brussels-based child protection agency, Child Focus, opened 151 new cases related to the exploitation of minors in prostitution, a 60% increase compared to 2024.
As Rita reports, Belgium is now stepping up its efforts to tackle the trafficking of children.
For altogether lighter reading, you might wish to check out our gig guide, in which regular Brussels Times contributor Simon Taylor looks at the best gigs and concerts in Brussels this month.
If you have any comments, tips or suggestions to improve our coverage, please feel free to drop me an email at k.westwood@brusselstimes.com.
Bye for now!
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. ‘Like a scene from a movie’: Belgians in Dubai shaken as city is hit by Iranian missiles
"I went to my balcony and saw missiles going past. Several minutes later, I saw videos and images circulating online showing fires and a hotel being hit." Read more.
2. ‘Worrying increase’ in child sexual exploitation cases in Belgium
There was a 60% increase in 2025 in new cases of sexual exploitation of minors for prostitution, according to the child protection group Child Focus. Read more.
3. Belgium among countries to host France’s nuclear weapons
Macron has announced plans to increase the number of warheads in France's arsenal, cooperating with eight other European countries, including Belgium. Read more.
4. Brussels Airport confirms no repatriation flights from Middle East yet
As of Tuesday morning, Brussels Airport was not aware of any passenger flights scheduled to Belgium, due to the conflict in Iran. Read more.
5. No impact on supermarket prices from extreme weather in southern Europe
Belgian consumer protection experts warn that prolonged pressure on oil prices could trigger another surge in food inflation in the future. Read more.
6. Bike boxes in Brussels: How do they work and are they safe?
With cycling on the rise in Brussels, bike boxes are a necessity in a bustling city. Read more.
7. The Brussels Times Gig Guide: What are the best concerts this March?
Check out the best upcoming gigs in Brussels for you and your friends not to miss. Read more.
