Recent events in the UK have provided much distraction in this daily missive, giving me cause to digress from the brief and look beyond Belgian shores. You might even have found yourself half-wishing that Belgian politics was a little more exhilarating, though when it comes to the decisions that allow us to stay warm this winter, I'll take boring legislators over nail-biting.
The truth is that the multi-layered design of Belgium's governing bodies is genuinely fascinating and a product of the country's development as an independent state that strives for representation of the various communities. For a nation that is both the geographic and institutional centre of Europe, it is unsurprising that Belgium's various languages are key to the layers of government.
Straightforward it is not. But neither is it nonsensical and this fantastic explainer from Maïthé Chini will help you get your head around it. Not only will this de-complicate matters that might previously have left you wondering how the country continues to function at all, it's a riveting read which can kindle a deeper appreciation of oft-used but rarely questioned terms such as "democracy", "devolved", or "diplomacy".
Belgium is undoubtedly a funny place, but its charm lies in its peculiarity. If you'd like to learn a bit more about some of the quirks that make Belgium great, head over to our new Belgium Unlocked section, where we attempt to demystify things that perplex newcomers and old hands alike.
In due course, we will compile a catalogue of guides and hot tips for you to get the most out of all Belgium has to offer.
Does Belgium leave you bemused? Send @Orlando_tbt suggestions for handy explainers you'd like to see.
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. Schaerbeek Good Move protests: Two police officers and firefighter injured
On Tuesday, two police officers and a fireman were injured during the second consecutive night of protests against the implementation of the new Good Move traffic circulation plan in the Brussels municipality of Schaerbeek. Read more.
2. Why Belgium has six governments (and not seven)
To many, Belgium's fractured politics may seem impenetrable. Even those who have lived here all their lives can get lost on the intricacies of regional competencies, advising committees and federal legislators. But a basic understanding of the tangle of governments that make up the Belgian political puzzle gives an insight into what makes this peculiar country tick. Read more.
3. 24 hours of Cycling festival returns to Louvain-la-Neuve
The 43rd edition of the 24-hour cycling race in Louvain-la-Neuve returns after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The organisers, CSE Animation ASBL, promise something for everyone. Read more.
4. FlixBus temporarily moves from Brussels North Station
The international bus services FlixBus and Eurolines, which usually both have stops in front of the Brussels North train station, will temporarily move to another location just around the corner, on Boulevard Roi Albert II. Read more.
5. Belgian rail offers free tickets to international travellers following delays
Fifteen European railway companies, including Belgium's SNCB, have agreed to provide free connecting trains to international travellers who have missed their trains due to delays. Read more.
6. Belgium unprepared against nuclear attack as threat of war escalates
Belgium is completely unprepared for the possibility of a nuclear attack, La Libre Belgique has reported. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Father Damien
The Belgian saint Father Damian (or Damiaan in Dutch) lies buried in the crypt of a mediaeval chapel in Leuven. Born Jozef De Veuster, he travelled as a missionary to Hawaii in 1873 to work in a leper colony. Tragically, he caught the incurable disease and died on the island in 1889. Read more.
