Situated at the centre of Europe and with institutions and multinationals concentrated around the capital, Belgium is an attractive destination for higher education and has numerous universities to cater to the varying interests of domestic and foreign students.
Yet with tens of thousands of students converging in the country's educational establishments, university responsibilities are no longer purely academic. The welfare of those studying is paramount to the function of universities – especially when on campus. In schools this goes without saying and in places of work, there are company and legal frameworks to guarantee this.
Which makes it particularly concerning that one of Brussels' premier institutions – the VUB – seems to have repeatedly failed in its duty to provide pastoral support to students that have been abused.
The allegations are serious and concern a male student who has been accused of numerous counts of rape. Victims have expressed their shock and anguish as the university neglected to take action, preferring a hands-off approach where students were "left to figure things out for themselves".
This stand-offishness can be discerned in other student affairs that have had grave consequences. The death of Sanda Dia in a barbaric student hazing shone a light on these grotesque rituals that continue to take place at the start of each academic year. Universities have been remarkably soft on ringleaders, shying away from the "tradition" rather than clamping down on perpetrators.
With university playing a crucial role in the social, personal, and academic development of young adults, there is a clear need for robust systems that protect students and ensure their wellbeing beyond the lecture theatre.
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1. 52 monkeypox cases in Belgium as Europe is ‘epicentre’ of virus outbreak
A total of 52 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been registered so far, the health institute Sciensano announced. With more than 1,500 cases in the continent, Europe is the epicentre of the outbreak, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) is concerned about the further spread of the virus. Read more.
2. ‘Shocking response’: Brussels university under fire for mishandling sexual harassment
Just months after the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) was criticised by victims for its slow response to allegations of transgressive behaviour, intimidation and abuse of power by one of its professors, the university is once again under fire for its handling of such incidents. Read more.
3. Why are unions organising another national strike next week?
On Monday next week, trade unions in Belgium are once again calling on people to take to the streets for a national strike, during which they will be calling for the protection of employees in light of the continued rising cost of living. Read more.
4. National strikes: Brussels Airport advises against travelling on 20 June
Brussels Airport has advised travellers scheduled to fly on Monday 20 June to rebook their flights due to a national trade union demonstration that will see cabin crew and security personnel carry out strike action. Read more.
5. ‘In bad taste’: Belgium asked to change name of Order of Leopold II
Three politicians will be decorated with the Order of Leopold II on 30 June this year, but Belgium’s Green parties consider it “indecent” that the order is named after the monarch who was responsible for many colonial cruelties in Congo. Read more.
6. Payment term for energy bills could be extended from 15 to 30 days
The deadline for paying energy bills in Belgium could be extended from 15 to 30 days, Federal Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten announced in the House Committee on Wednesday. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Rombaux music shop
This beautiful family business located in an old Bruges town house is a reminder of the days before the internet killed off the music store. Read more.
