John Tower?

Oops. Glaring error in that post, NYT!

I try not to discuss politics too much on here, but I can't resist thinking that the headline saying that JD Vance said the pope should be more careful when talking about theology is a bit like saying that @jeancomte.bsky.social should be more careful when talking about comitology :)

You have that (wild boars) in Berlin too, if I recall correctly.

indeed, in fact, where I'm going tonight, the wine was paid for by my (and my co-organizers') hard-earned wages :)

I'm sure some people will attend, but I won't be. I have other plans this evening: www.linkedin.com/events/74470...

As Mr. Grueskin says, journalists, this is why you seek comment. It's not only ethical, but it can help you if you wind up in court.

“The United States,” Undersecretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby said, according to a blistering new report by The Free Press, “has the military power to do whatever it wants in the world. The Catholic Church had better take its side.”

newrepublic.com/post/208820/...

Iran War News Live Updates: Trump Warns Iran 'Whole Civilisation Will Die'; U.S. Strikes Kharg Island President Trump has given a deadline of 8 p.m. ET for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

This is the lead in a news story in a major American newspaper:

“President Trump threatened to wipe out the entirety of Iranian civilization if Tehran doesn’t cede to his demands by 8 p.m. Tuesday.”

www.wsj.com/livecoverage...

Wouldn’t it be amazing if rail firms saw an opportunity here… 🤔

I was there in late January. The only thing fallen (or 'falling' as it were) was the rain.

Happy start to Q2 to all who celebrate!

If the EU ever starts adding countries again, will we then start hearing about a '29th regime'?

Snotometrics

Important subject, but aren't you fighting impunity against those *harming* journalists?

Wealthy Dubai residents race back to UAE to avoid tax bills Some risk spending too few days in the emirate and too many in the UK

I don't really understand this. Most expats won't be within just a few days of falling UK tax resident. Even if they are, the obvious solution is: spend a few weeks in France, Italy, the US... anywhere at all except the UK.

www.ft.com/content/80bf...

Not now, Saharan Dust!

I loved the line in the article about the woman putting up 'Bills mafia' on her door in Albania and people being wondering about it, as the country has an organized crime problem.

One day, just one day, I would love a policymaker to say, 'Economic environment leaves room for complacency.'

A Happy Independence Day to my friends in Estonia!

Brussels folks, we noticed a sign today saying that the Central Station isn't accessible for persons with reduced mobility until September 2026. I think it's due to renovations, but still: how is this okay? What are people in wheelchairs, with walkers, crutches, etc. supposed to do? Not travel?

Leading Belgian opera singer José Van Dam dies aged 85 Leading Belgian opera singer José Van Dam dies aged 85

"Belgium loses its greatest ambassador of lyrical art, and the world loses a legend who, through his genius, shaped the history of opera in the 20th and 21st centuries."

A thought on the reports that Lagarde is leaving the ECB early: Is there a risk her doing this would actually help the political extremes? They can just point to her and say 'she's running away so the elites can replace her. See, it's all rigged.' Or something like that?

Yes, but I was pleased to see a new center of cash machines open recently at Frere Orban Place. It's not Round Point Schuman, but it's still 'EU quarter.'

I get it that this is frustrating for people, but this is how the system works in the US, I believe. I wouldn't dream of trying to enter the US on my Belgian passport. I think it might even be illegal.

Well, Brussels friends, it looks like our regional nightmare is finally over. Habemus government!

I'm one of the three

Washington Post Begins Laying Off More Than 300 Journalists

Very sad to see the Washington Post cutting 300 reporting positions.

It was a honour to be a freelancer for 4 years at the foreign desk. Even with a small team in Europe, we managed to produce great journalism!

Good luck for those looking for new gigs.

www.nytimes.com/2026/02/04/b...

Personally, I'd say Sept. 10, 2001 was the last good day.

I began my career as a journalist on Feb. 2, 2009. Then I was a junior ECB correspondent. Fast forward 17 years later to the day and I edited an article about the ECB that reminded me of things I wrote about years ago. I'll think about this if I ever doubt what I've accomplished professionally.