Good afternoon.
In case you'd forgotten, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) helpfully reminded us that we live in a city slap bang in the middle of Russia's potential target zone should they decide to go after NATO and the West.
Fear not, though, as he also tried to soothe our panic by declaring that if Putin attacked Brussels, Moscow "would be flattened." So that's alright then.
The fact that we will all be shadows on pavements or able to illuminate an entire football pitch on our own is by the by; we can rest safe in the knowledge that Corporal AI will exact his revenge on our behalf, whilst presumably letting out a long raspberry and an "I told you so" in the direction of the Kremlin.
Of course, I know what Francken is saying and why he's saying it. But it doesn't necessarily make us sleep any easier.
There used to be a (happy) understanding when it came to the arms race, and particularly the nuclear deterrence argument, solidified by treaties and international agreements which, until now, had allowed us a degree of mutual safety and stability, instead of mutually assured destruction.
Not so now. With the current START treaty due to expire in February 2026, and with unpredictable forces and leaders opposing each other, things have never been so perilous – at least not for a generation or so.
Belief in and support for international agreements and organisations can be the bedrock of stability and calm, and in that sense, Francken is playing a part, albeit a small one.
Anyway, to take your mind off heavy thoughts, why not join some of The Brussels Times newsroom together with The Full Circle Cub at their house for another Pub Quiz tonight? There are still places available. Expect fun, drinks and some Halloween-themed questions as well. Sign up here, and we look forward to seeing you there!
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. If Brussels is attacked, Moscow will be flattened, says Belgian defence minister
In a wide-ranging interview with De Morgen, Theo Francken discussed NATO, drones and the prospects for a European army. Read more.
2. Brussels is Belgium’s economic powerhouse, says report
A new report by the National Bank of Belgium (BNB) has upended previous assumptions about regional wealth in Belgium. Read more.
3. ‘We must be able to take them out of the air’: Defence Minister after drones spotted over Belgian base
Multiple drones had been spotted flying over the army base in Marche-en-Famenne at the weekend, triggering a police and military investigation. Read more.
4. Two injured in suspected shooting in Schaerbeek
Emergency services were called to Rue Allard in Schaerbeek shortly after midnight on Wednesday. Read more.
5. Brussels marathon to shut down key roads and tunnels on Sunday
Brussels police have warned of major traffic disruption this Sunday due to the Brussels Marathon. Read more.
6. Murder and intrigue on the streets of Brussels: A true crime tour of the city
This two-hour walking tour immerses visitors in the city’s criminal past, from 19th-century murders to forgotten tales of vengeance and betrayal. Read more.
7. Stromae is putting one of his most famous stage pieces up for auction
Belgian singer Stromae is putting one of his most famous stage pieces up for auction, the Papaoutai box used during his Racine Carrée tour, in support of Handicap International. Read more.
