After much anticipation and varying reports about how much we should expect, snow has finally come to Brussels and at time of writing has laid a satisfying sheet on the city. The days of crisp cold under a brilliant sky have given way to clouds fat with flakes that now are falling thick.
The childish excitement is hard to suppress and as I read about schools closing and watch a snowman taking shape on the square below, I'm reminded of younger days when such conditions would initiate snowball fights and sledging. Maybe I'll make my way over to Mont des Arts armed with a tea tray.
But aside from the fun outdoors, these recollections are intermingled with the joy of returning to a cosy home with mum's tea and cake to reward my efforts. The thrill of frosty games would be nothing without the guarantee of warmth and sustenance when I'd had enough.
A walk through Brussels last night highlighted the persistent issue of homelessness – I came across several rough sleepers as temperatures were well below freezing. Already last week, Brussels triggered its "Extreme Cold Plan", which makes emergency provisions to shelter those on the streets. The number for Samusocial – an organisation that works to help les sans-abri – has also been circulated (free call: 0800 99 340).
Fortunately, two gardiens de la paix – the local patrols in purple jackets who respond to neighbourhood issues – were nearby and passed the location on to Samusocial. They told me of the pressure that the city's charities are currently facing and lamented the lack of lasting measures to deal with the situation on the ground.
Whilst emergency shelter spaces have been made available, these will only be in place during the period of near-freezing temperatures and are still very limited. So to return to my point made last week, Brussels dearly needs decisive action to help the most vulnerable, now and in all seasons.
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6. Belgium one step closer to national register to prevent bike theft
Belgium is paving the way for a national bicycle register. This measure which aims to prevent bicycle theft may come into force as early as this summer. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: The ghost town of Doel
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