The expat population of Brussels is a testament to the city's broad employment opportunities and is little surprise given the concentration of international companies and organisations. What's more, Brussels is a fantastic place to settle and many who start here for an internship or fixed contract end up calling the city home.
But it also is under-rated and to those not in the know doesn't have the same allure as other capitals, despite the best efforts of local politicians to hype the city (and Belgium) on the international stage.
Were it not for the EU institutions many Bruxellois would not have come to know the city's charm; indeed I myself would be elsewhere. But with both the European Parliament and the Commission running two five-month internship programmes each year, around 1,000 newcomers arrive in Brussels every six months to face the excitement of a new job and at the same time figure out everything beyond the job.
It's a packed schedule from the start with the desire to impress supervisors balanced by building a social life after hours, fixing a place to live, and inevitably having to get your head around local administration.
Fortunately we can offer a few pointers on some of the main challenges that trainees grapple with during their internship. With the latest roster of trainees landing in Brussels around now (to start in October) this is also a good opportunity to direct you towards our Belgium Unlocked section, our glossary to discover the country's quirks and navigate the unfamiliar and complicated bits.
What topics would you like us to cover in Belgium Unlocked? Let @Orlando_tbt 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. How to survive an EU traineeship in Brussels: Top tips from previous trainees
Every year in March and October, hundreds of enthusiastic and beady-eyed young professionals flock to the Belgian capital to start prestigious traineeships within the EU institutions. But where to begin? Read more.
2. 'Could save €43 million': People living in polluted areas go to doctor more often
People living in heavily polluted areas have to visit their doctor more regularly, highlighting that air pollution not only has a negative impact on people's health but also national medical costs. Read more.
3. Tram from city centre to Brussels Airport: Flanders gives the green light
Flanders has given the go-ahead for the environmental permit allowing the airport tram to pass through Machelen and Zaventem, bringing the project one step closer to realisation. Read more.
4. Cheap train rides: €8 return ticket across Belgium on Car-Free Sunday
On the occasion of Mobility Week, national railway company SNCB will offer €8 tickets for a return journey to destinations across the entire country next Sunday (17 September). Read more.
5. Uccle looks to open its own public open-air swimming pool
The Brussels municipality of Uccle is considering opening its own public open-air swimming pool in response to the shortage of pools in the region. Read more.
6. Will Brussels soon drop the limits on rent indexation?
Brussels Minister for Housing Nawal Ben Hamou is calling for the freeze on rent indexation to be continued for energy-inefficient properties. But the measure, introduced on October 14 2022 for a one-year duration looks unlikely to be extended by the regional authorities. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Het Anker
Hidden down an alley in Mechelen’s Begijnhof, Het Anker has been brewing beer since the 15th century. Its strong, dark Gouden Carolus ale has been made in this spot since the days of Emperor Charles V. Named after the golden coins minted by the Emperor, the beer was voted ‘world’s best dark beer’ in 2012. Read more.
