After two days of abnormally high temperatures, many in Belgium would have been relieved to wake up to a considerably cooler day, with thunderclaps and brief rainfall clearing the oppressive Brussels air.
Towns and cities across Belgium are now making the final preparations for National Day, with celebrations getting underway today before the main schedule of events takes place tomorrow.
Brussels is getting into the festive mood with flags lining the streets and a number of events scheduled for Wednesday evening. This includes a street party in the Marolles district that will even have dance instruction beforehand, just in case you've forgotten your steps. Live music will then get participants into the swing of things although attendees might want to bring a raincoat.
Tomorrow will see military parades and a fly-past over the Royal Palace in Brussels. This will cause various bus and tram routes to be diverted and a few metro stations closed. See here for changes to public transport.
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1. Higher net wages, fewer tax benefits: Finance Minister proposes broad tax reform
On Tuesday, Federal Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem launched his proposal for a broader fiscal reform which strongly reduces the burden on labour and will ensure that Belgium is no longer the tax champion when it comes to labour costs. Read more.
2. Belgium’s National Day festivities: Wednesday agenda
Belgium celebrates its national day on Thursday 21 July but preparations and activities will already start on Wednesday. Read more.
3. Collapse of German energy giant Uniper could bring down European energy sector
As Russia turns off the taps on Europe’s gas supply, major importers are struggling to survive on limited supplies. Uniper, which once imported and stored massive volumes of Russian natural gas, is on the brink of collapse. If it falls, much like Lehman Brothers during the 2008 recession, it may bring others with it, according to Belgian broadcaster RTBF. Read more.
4. Hundreds of passengers stuck for hours on scorching train to Brussels
On Tuesday evening, some 750 passengers on their way from Paris to Brussels were stuck in a high-speed Thalys train for about four hours in the scorching heat, without proper help or communication from the company. Read more.
5. Ukraine criticises major European banks for keeping ties with Russia
A senior economic advisor to Ukrainian president Volodymr Zelenskyy has written to major European and US banks, such as JPMorgan and HSBC, insisting that they cease doing business with companies that trade Russian oil. Read more.
6. Traffic jams expected across European roads this weekend
Belgian commuters wishing to drive into Europe this weekend can expect considerable traffic congestion, according to the VAB traffic service. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Greenwich Modern
The Surrealist painter René Magritte liked to visit the creaky old Brussels bar Le Greenwich in Rue des Chartreux. He would join the local men to play chess and try unsuccessfully to sell one of his paintings. Read more.
