Goeiemiddag, bonjour à tous, and happy Monday!
It's Maïthé Chini on duty again, filling you in on what's going on in Brussels and Belgium.
For those living in Brussels who have had to fight over paperwork with the authorities of this country/city/municipality in their time here (meaning, all of us, probably), it is a happy Monday indeed.
After years of promises that led nowhere, the Brussels Government has finally taken the first step toward simplifying its administrative services. And while many citizens (some with affection, most with contempt) refer to the many administrative levels layered atop one another as Belgium's "institutional lasagna", everyone agrees that something needs to be done.
And now, it seems like that call is finally being heard. Before the end of this year, the first two phases of the four-point plan should be completed. Next year, it's time for step three.
Having finally started, the government is seemingly not wasting any time. You can read what this modernisation of government services means for you here.
Also on our website today is a piece about the European Union's plans to become "an AI continent". News Editor Ugo Realfonzo looked into the EU's tech sovereignty package, with new measures to strengthen Europe's autonomy on tech by boosting capacity-building in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and open source technology.
This could lead to more data centres in countries like Belgium, with experts calling out a "misguided AI race to the bottom".
According to them, the measures will have a big impact on the environment and human rights – while the extent of the promoted economic benefits remains unclear. Ugo tells you all about it.
I would also like to highlight some of the excellent feature articles on our site you might have missed over the weekend.
The first one, about three British nationals walking from London to Brussels to call for the UK to rejoin the EU, was written by our reporter Isabella Vivian.
Having set off from London on 23 May, the trio trekked approximately 350 km over almost two weeks to Brussels. Ten years after the Brexit referendum, they wanted to personally deliver a book titled 'Voices Across the Channel' to MEPs, with hundreds of messages from the British public expressing support for the EU.
Symbolically, the pouring rain quickly made way for the sun when the walkers arrived at Place du Luxembourg opposite the European Parliament, Izzy writes. Is this the universe trying to tell us something? I am choosing to believe so.
Another nice feature you might have missed is Anas El Baye's piece about an activity that shot straight to the top of my to-do list: taking a ride on Brussels' new AperOtram.
Being driven through all parts of the city in a restored post-WWII tram for two hours, while enjoying snacks and champagne? Count me in.
Whether you're a tram nerd (like me), are up for every opportunity to see Brussels from a different point of view (also like me), or love a little apéro and champagne (definitely like me), Anas tells you everything you need to know.
Speaking about seeing the city in a new light, News Editor Ugo has also taken a closer look at a building that many of us will have walked past numerous times, but have probably never given a second look.
Hidden in plain sight on the Parvis de Saint-Gilles, the historic Aegidium hall in Brussels was recently saved after it was bought by a leading Georgian opposition politician.
A symbol of Brussels' roaring twenties, it has been left abandoned for over 40 years. But as Ugo writes, that may soon change. Find out what's happening here.
And lastly, as always, should you have any comments, tips or suggestions, you know where to find me: m.chini@brusselstimes.com.
See you later!
Maïthé
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1. No more ‘institutional lasagna’ as Brussels starts updating its administration
The Brussels Government has approved the "first and most important" part of the upcoming reform, aiming to cut expenses. Read more.
2. Saint-Gilles urged to ‘permanently pedestrianise’ school street near busy Barrière
An open letter to Saint-Gilles mayor Jean Spinette (PS) is asking for the creation of a "garden street" in front of the school. Read more.
3. ‘More and more data centres in Belgium’ under latest EU plans on AI
Belgium has 45 data centres, including 18 in Brussels. Now, the EU wants to build more despite the enormous energy costs and fears it may boost US tech giants. Read more.
4. Fare dodgers beware: STIB clampdown in Brussels leads to €7m collected in fines
More passengers on Brussels public transport were subjected to a ticket inspection than the city's official population in 2025. Read more.
5. Two bodies found in Anderlecht warehouse fire rubble
The blaze started on the roof of a warehouse on Saturday morning, producing a large plume of smoke that was visible across parts of Brussels. Read more.
6. Francophone Education Minister seeks to ‘rebuild ties’ with teachers and students
The minister, however, distanced herself from proposals put forward by Defence Minister to send young rioters to military discipline camps. Read more.
7. Brussels joins tributes to literary pioneer George Sand
In Brussels, tributes will wrap up on Monday with events organised by L'Hêtre ASBL, bringing three days of talks, readings and music celebrating the writer to a close. Read more.
