The secrets of solidarity: NATO opens up its cultural diplomacy archives

NATO, celebrating its 75th anniversary, has opened its cultural diplomacy archives, showcasing classified documents and historical artifacts at its headquarters in Brussels and Washington D.C. The archives include items like a 1957 cookbook featuring recipes from member states, emphasizing the diplomatic power of cultural exchange. The NATO headquarters also serves as an exhibition space, displaying significant historical symbols like pieces of the Berlin Wall and the World Trade Tower. Tours of the facility have been popular, offering visitors a unique insight into NATO's history and operations.

Love in the Office: After the Breakup, I Quit Because It Was So Stressful

After a painful breakup with a colleague, the author found it unbearable to continue working in the same office. This personal crisis became the catalyst for pursuing a long-held dream of becoming a freelance journalist. Despite initial fears of leaving a stable job, the transition to freelancing exceeded expectations and brought fulfillment. The breakup, though difficult, inadvertently pushed the author towards a more desired career path.

Love in the Office: After the Breakup, I Quit Because It Was So Stressful

After a painful breakup with a colleague, the author found it unbearable to continue working in the same office. The relationship had developed in the workplace, but after it ended, the shared environment became a source of distress. This experience prompted the author to pursue a long-held dream of becoming a freelance journalist, a decision that proved to be fulfilling and successful. The breakup, while difficult, served as a catalyst for positive change, pushing the author towards a desired career path.

After my difficult breakup with a coworker, we were forced to work together on a project. It was too painful, so I quit.

The author narrates a personal experience of a difficult breakup with a coworker, which led to a challenging work environment. This situation became the catalyst for the author to leave their job and pursue a long-held dream of freelancing. Despite the initial fear of leaving a stable job, the author found success and fulfillment in their new career path, realizing that the breakup inadvertently pushed them towards a life they had always desired.

A reverse book club in Brussels has guests sharing from the soul

The Book Club, founded by Kriticos Mwansa, offers a unique approach to book discussions by allowing participants to engage without having read the book, fostering inclusive and intimate conversations. Since its inception in 2019, it has expanded to cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Brussels, and has become a business offering private sessions for companies like Netflix and Nike. The initiative has been praised for empowering marginalized voices and creating community connections. It has also been introduced in prisons, receiving positive feedback for encouraging vulnerability and open discussions. Mwansa plans further expansion, including sessions in Paris, London, and potentially Africa.

European elections: why von der Leyen is courting Italy’s Meloni ahead of likely reelection bid

Ursula von der Leyen is strategically aligning with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as she prepares for a potential re-election bid as the European Commission President. Meloni, once a eurosceptic, has become a significant player in EU politics, influencing policies like migration. Von der Leyen's frequent visits to Italy and her alignment with Meloni's right-wing narrative suggest a tactical move to secure support from the European Parliament and national leaders. However, this alliance carries risks due to Meloni's dual stance on EU policies, which could impact von der Leyen's re-election strategy.

Migration top of the agenda as Belgium outlines priorities for its Council of the EU presidency

Belgium, taking over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in January, will focus on migration, health policy, and technology. Ambassador Willem van de Voorde highlighted the urgency of adopting a new Migration Pact and establishing a Critical Medicines Act, including a Critical Medicines Alliance to address drug shortages, such as the diabetes drug Ozempic. Belgium also advocates for an EU agency to screen algorithms. The upcoming presidency will also ensure the enforcement of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

A traveling exhibit of Ukrainian modernism keeps art safe in wartime

A collection of valuable Ukrainian artworks was transported out of Kyiv to Poland for safety amid Russian missile attacks. These works, dating from 1900 to 1930, are now on display in Brussels at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in the exhibition 'In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine, 1900-1930s.' The exhibition, which includes over 50 works from Kyiv’s National Art Museum and its Museum of Theatre, Music and Cinema, aims to showcase Ukraine’s cultural heritage and keep international attention on the ongoing conflict. It will travel to Austria's Belvedere Museum and London's Royal Academy of Arts in the coming months. The future of the exhibition post-London is uncertain and depends on decisions by Ukraine's Ministry of Culture. The exhibit, which was planned before the war, has gained significance due to the conflict, and features a range of modernist styles and artists with multinational backgrounds, including Kazymyr Malevych, Sarah Shor, and Alexandra Exter.

Turning research into policy to tackle Europe’s NCD crisis

The Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience (PHSSR) EU Expert Advisory Group has released a report urging EU policymakers to enhance prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The report emphasizes the need for a systemic approach, increased EU investment, improved data infrastructure, and comprehensive evaluations of health interventions. It aligns with the European Parliament's focus on NCDs and calls for collaborative efforts among EU Member States. Key recommendations include updating health workforce action plans, aligning air quality standards with WHO guidelines, and creating targeted action plans for high-burden NCDs.

Bridging the gap: How Stephanie Manasseh made new audiences accessible to Belgium's artists

Stephanie Manasseh, originally from Montreal, became a significant figure in Brussels' contemporary art scene after founding the Accessible Art Fair, which allowed artists to sell their work directly to audiences without gallery intermediation. The fair, which ran for 15 editions, ceased during the pandemic. Manasseh, now an art consultant and curator through her company SM Art Advisory, has observed changes in the art market, including the rise of social media enabling artists to promote their work independently. Despite the fair's end, Manasseh continues to influence the art market by advising clients and working on art-related projects.