Whether you are a lifelong Brusseleir, came to the Belgian capital for work, followed the love of your life here or got lost on your way to somewhere else, the main article on our website today is for you.
What do the non-Belgian residents of Brussels call themselves? And why? Those are the questions that have been going through the head of our reporter Isabella Vivian (one of these non-Belgians herself) recently.
Some people who moved here for work are called "expats"; while others who find themselves in rainy Belgium for the same reason are referred to as "immigrants" – words with meanings that largely overlap, but are worlds apart in terms of connotation.
Izzy asked people on the street which word they use to describe themselves and what it means to them, but also sat down with experts to learn about where the word "expat" originated. The result is a very interesting read that seems especially relevant in our dear European capital today.
In other news, I wanted to highlight another article written by our News Editor, Ugo Realfonzo, who wrote about the findings of the Corporate Europe Observatory's latest report.
The non-profit found that US Big Tech companies – such as Meta, Google, TikTok and Snap – are and have been lobbying the European Commission to ensure that EU citizens stay addicted to social media.
It's not a fun read, but it is definitely an interesting – and very important – one. I hope we can draw your attention away from your Instagram or TikTok for long enough to read it.
Not entirely unrelated, The Brussels Times is hosting an event that will touch on some of these topics.
Will AI take your job, and what happens if it does?
Live at Flagey Theatre on 17 February with one of the world’s leading thinkers on Universal Basic Income, we explore whether freedom is still possible in the age of Big Tech.
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. Are you an expat, or an immigrant? And why does it matter?
One EU lawyer said, "it's a fuss where fuss shouldn't exist," while another retired EU official said, "if anyone called me an expat, I'd strangle them." Read more.
2. Luxury British gym chain reportedly ‘mulling a bid’ for Aspria
No further details were given on whether the putative bid is likely to be accepted. Read more.
3. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 6 – 8 February
While the weather in the capital remains chilly and cloudy, there are plenty of events in Brussels that promise to brighten up this weekend. Read more.
4. US tech giants pressuring EU to keep us addicted to social media
"They can leverage Trump's America First policies, framing EU digital laws as foreign extortion, censorship or discrimination." Read more.
5. France may reopen chilling cold case of two Belgian cousins who vanished 40 years ago
Cousins Françoise Bruyère and Marie-Agnès Cordonnier from Liège were last seen on 22 August 1984 while hitchhiking in France. Read more.
6. Foster families for puppies urgently needed in Belgium
These families would have to look after the pups from the age of eight weeks for around 14 months. Read more.
7. Three-day action against Belgian Government cuts starts today in provinces
Protests will take place today in three Belgian provinces, marking the first of three provincial protest days against Federal Government measures. Read more.
