Old Number Plates to be Completely Replaced
According to motoring organisation Febiac, the “old style” number plates will be completely gone from our streets within three years. They began to phase out in 2010 with the introduction of EU standard plates. Now, 60% of Belgium’s cars carry new plates, a total of 3.1 million. At this rate, the old plates will cease to be seen in 2016.
Sustainable Fishing Promoted with New App
A new guide and smartphone app has been published by the WWF to promote sustainable fish consumption. The guide offers the best choice of source for each species of fish, and which species to avoid, hopefully making the more endangered fish no longer economic to catch. For example, for catching anchovies, the southwest Atlantic is recommended.
Arts Day for Children Promotes Culture
Sunday was the second Annual Arts Day for Chldren, a day designed to encourage children to take interest in the arts. 30,000 participants took part, an increase of 5,000 on last year. Children from all across Flanders and Brussels were involved. 250 organisations hosted events, from concerts to workshops and exhibitions to a “Harry Potter Library.” The Flemish Culture Minister stated that “It’s important that children discover culture with their families, that will ensure that culture will be part of their lives later on.”
Brussels Scores Highly With Restaurant Critics
According to the new Michelin Guide for Belgium and Luxembourg, Brussels now has 18 restaurants with Michelin star status and one restaurant with two stars, which is more than Berlin, Rome or Milan. 132 Belgian restaurants in total now have at least one, an increase of 19 on last year. According to the guide, “The Bon-Bon in Brussels has grown into one of the best establishments in the country.”
25 Belgians Remain Missing in Philippines
According to the Belgian Foreign Ministry, 25 Belgians remain missing in the wake of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. 5 are believed to have been staying in the worst hit area in the country. An unconfirmed report does state that one of the Belgians has been killed after waves swept through his home.
Income on the Increase?
According to the Federal Economy Ministry, incomes are rising. The national average income was €16,106 in 2011, higher than 2010 by 3%. The richest municipality of Sint-Martens-Latem. Overall, Flanders has the highest income of €17,146, Wallonia’s being €15,277 and Brussels the lowest with €12,885. Some of the poorest overall municipalities can be found in Brussels.
Primark Expanding in Belgium
Fashion chain Primark is expanding here in Belgium, with the addition of a second store in Brussels, soon to be located on the Nieuwstraat. A third Belgian store will be opening in Ghent, East Flanders at the end of 2014. Brussels’ store will have floor space of 2,900 square metres. The location was formerly home to Forever 21 before a fire took place last year.
Ties between Australia and Indonesia are reportedly “damaged”, following spying allegations. Indonesia’s Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono describes it as a “hurtful action” while Australian PM Tony Abbott sent a series of angry tweets, somewhat underestimating the scale of the row.
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According to the Toronto City Council, Mayor Rob Ford has been stripped of the majority of his powers, as he continues to resist stepping down. He began to face increasing pressure to resign after admitting to buying and consuming crack cocaine. He has promised “outright war” against his opposition at the next election.
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A manhunt for a gunman in Paris has been launched, after an attack at the Liberation newspaper offices and a shooting outside the HQ of the Societe Generale bank. A 27 year old photographer was injured at the scene. The shooter then hijacked a car; police are now situated outside all media offices in the city.
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Investigations are underway at the Dallas Zoo in Texas after a lion attacked and killed a lioness in full view of visitors during the day. The lions had previously lived together for years seemingly very peacefully. The exhibit was ssoon closed and the male was removed