Lauren Walker

Focus on Brussels, EU affairs, equality, sexual harassment and violence, education and languages. Email: l.walker@brusselstimes.com

What changes in Belgium on 1 October?

From assistance with the energy crisis to all adults in Belgium being eligible for a second Covid-19 booster dose, here's what changes on Saturday.

Average of ten rapes reported per day, highlighting urgent need for care centres

The latest figures from Care Centres after Sexual Violence show how rampant this issue is in Belgian society, and why more centres are needed.

What to do in Brussels this weekend – 30 September to 2 October

Not sure what to do this weekend in Brussels? Worry not, from dining in the dark to the city's first Oktoberfest, our list will surely inspire you.

Free public transport for those moving house in Flanders

The concept was extensively tested in a few Flemish municipalities, but will now be made available to people in the entire region following positive feedback.

Inflation in Belgium reaches highest level since 1975

The rate at which life in Belgium became more expensive in the past year is one that would normally be expected over almost six years.

Brussels university takes decisive steps to tackle sexual misconduct

The plan launched by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) focuses on lowering the threshold for reporting incidents and increasing the support for victims.

Brussels Marathon returns with new course ending on running track of Heysel

This year's marathon will kick off at the Atomium, with runners finishing with the cheers of supporters in the King Baudouin Stadium.

Gender wage gap almost eliminated in Belgium for full-time employees

Women working full-time jobs in Wallonia even earned more than men on average, marking the first time this has happened in a Belgian region.

Staff cuts and colder offices: Belgian SMEs scrambling to save money

"Personnel costs, together with energy costs, are the main priorities for the fourth quarter."

Italian astronaut officially becomes first European woman to command ISS

Italian astronaut and TikTok star Samantha Cristoforetti will be the next International Space Station Commander, and the first-ever European woman to do so.

Social media influencers: Practical solution found to address-sharing issue

The solution gives influencers a practical way to comply with regulations without having to expose their home address on their channel and risking their security.

One-third of people with diabetes in Belgium not aware of condition

One in three diabetics in Belgium is unaware of suffering from the disease, highlighting the need for better screening and early detection.

Official date for Brussels Christmas market and festivities announced

This year's edition of the Winter Wonders, including the traditional Christmas market and ice rink, will go on for one week longer than last year.

NASA spacecraft crashes into asteroid in successful planetary defence mission

The agency said the mission demonstrates a "viable mitigation technique for protecting the planet from an Earth-bound asteroid or comet."

Detached houses in Brussels reach median price of €1.15 million

Meanwhile, the cost for semi-detached and terraced houses in Brussels increased by 12%, some €230,000 more compared to the Belgian median price for such properties.

Coral diversity could help reefs survive climate change, study finds

Coral reefs are home to about 25% of all marine life, but nearly 75% of their total volume is threatened by climate change and human activities.

Ombudsmen call for 'urgent solution' over international residence permit delays

This situation is leaving people in precarious situations, unable to settle their administrative matters, losing their jobs or being unable to pay their rent.

Politicians and human rights organisations decry Belgian exchange treaty with Iran

A group of former EU Prime Ministers warned that part of the treaty could have a colossal impact on Europe’s combat against terrorism.

What to do in Brussels this weekend – 16 to 18 September

A busy weekend lies ahead with the opening of the cultural weekend being celebrated in Brussels and further afield, but Car Free Sunday is top on our agenda!

National strike likely to disrupt Brussels public transport next Wednesday

STIB expects disruptions on its network on Wednesday 21 September due to the national strike and stated that some of its services may not leave their depot.

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