Yesterday again marked the start of a new month.
From modifications to driving license tests, more transparent gas contracts, free healthcare for young vulnerable people and the Thalys reaching its terminus – a whole range of changes came into force in October.
A notable one is the end of the Thalys brand, well-known as the red high-speed trains that link Brussels to Paris. From this month on, however, these trains will all be included in the Eurostar brand.
The company's merger with Eurostar, those other high-speed trains linking Brussels (and Paris) to London, was announced four years ago and the two operators have been grouped together within a single entity since May 2022 – the Eurostar Group, based in Brussels.
From now on, the brand's new logo is gradually being applied to the group's various trains.
While the Thalys brand officially reached its terminus this weekend, a new website and mobile application will only be launched in mid-October, together with a new loyalty programme.
Any notable changes in your life this month? Let @Maajtee know.
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. Coca-Cola, Unilever: Big businesses now also calling for nature restoration in Europe
An influential group of companies – including multinationals Coca-Cola and Unilever – are calling for nature restoration in Europe, as a new report has revealed the economic and social benefits that it would also have for businesses. Read more.
2. Nicotine pouches, Thalys and social tariffs: What changes in Belgium on 1 October?
Sunday once again marked the start of a new month, with just two more months to go before 2023 comes to a close. As is the case every month, a whole range of changes come into force in Belgium from 1 October. Read more.
3. Belgium to set up two emergency villages for asylum seekers this winter
Belgium is looking to set up emergency villages for asylum seekers this winter, as Prime Minister Alexander De Croo is asking his ministers and administrations to take responsibility and provide those requesting international protection with the shelter to which they are legally entitled. Read more.
4. Best in Town: New eateries to discover in Brussels
Brussels is already thriving on the culinary front, but new restaurants, cafés and bars continue to pop up across the region, further adding to its limitless offering. Read more.
5. Brussels increasingly cracking down on 'rodeo drivers', but battle is complex
Excessive speeding in Brussels, often referred to as "urban rodeos" is becoming an evergrowing phenomenon in the capital, despite increased efforts to combat this issue. On a daily basis, such driving not only poses a major nuisance but also a danger in terms of road safety. Read more.
6. Delhaize announces another 19 supermarkets to be franchised across Belgium
The management of the Delhaize supermarket chain has announced a third batch of supermarkets that will be franchised, meaning they will come under the control of independent operators. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Ticky Tacky
Pauline Rauzy arrived from France in 2015 looking for the perfect spot to open a gift shop selling postcards and gifts. She finally found the place of her dreams in the lovely cobbled Rue des Renards. Read more.
