Good afternoon.
For many of us, when asked what the attractions of living in Brussels are, amongst our answers, one of them is almost always guaranteed: it's so easy to get to so many places from here.
That might sound a little counterintuitive – to say you like living somewhere because it's so easy to leave it at the drop of a hat. But if you look at it from the other perspective, it also means it's so easy to get here. And that is one of the reasons that Brussels has become a hub for politics, business, and travel.
While air travel is finding it difficult to expand here (and indeed make money) and the direct intercontinental routes and connections are still inferior, rail travel is on the up and up. So much so that both major players and start-ups are swooping in to expand overnight sleeper routes (you can expect a feature on European sleeper trains next week!), long-distance cross-border fast intercity lines, and now the granddaddy of them all, the underwater Eurostar to London routes.
In today's The Brussels Times, we take a look at this and what it might mean for passengers. Eurostar has undergone a transformation over the last year – it's in profit, and is investing in new rolling stock and routes. So, is breaking up its monopoly going to be a fast track to improvement, or could it ultimately hit the buffers?
Philip Herd
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. End of an era? Virgin challenges Eurostar’s long reign
After nearly thirty years of Eurostar’s dominance, that monopoly has finally come to an end. So, who are the new challengers, and why now, after fifteen years of near standstill? Read more.
2. Mandatory digital electricity meters in Belgium: What happens if you refuse installation?
From the cost and the different contracts to solar panels and more, matters related to energy concern everyone. But the complexity of the details can be daunting for consumers. Read more.
3. Flemish universities warn of possible tuition hike amid budget cuts
Planned cuts for next year are set to impact students at Flemish universities, according to a group representing the higher education institutions. Read more.
4. Belgian clubs consider league-owned channel amid TV rights crisis
Pro League teams face losing a significant part of their revenue if the broadcasting deal collapses. Read more.
5. Belgian station named among World’s seven most beautiful
Designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the newly inaugurated station was praised for its "aerial style, clean lines, and dazzling white steel forms." Read more.
6. ‘I think they’re trying to create panic in Belgium’, warns Defence Minister over new drone incursions
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) said on Monday that a series of recent drone incursions across the country appears to be part of a coordinated and professional operation. Read more.
7. Belgium top of the class in recycling plastic waste
Belgium stands out as one of the EU’s recycling champions, standing head and shoulders above many of its neighbours. Read more.
