/r/belgium

Photograph via snooOG

A subreddit for everything about Belgium! This sub serves to discuss Belgian related news, topics, memes, …

Use the FAQ thread for questions about packages, public transport, student questions, job related questions, ...

Check out the discord: https://discord.gg/w9jEFSdV3C

A subreddit for everything about Belgium!

  1. No flaming, insults or personal attacks.

  2. No racism or bigotry.

  3. Do not editorialise titles of articles (see wiki for further clarification).

  4. No agenda pushing.

  5. Do not advocate serving Belgian beers in beer glasses that weren't specifically designed for those beers.

  6. Respect [Serious] threads.

  7. Don't ask for, or give advice on or advertise stuff that is illegal under Belgian law.

  8. Only post content that is relevant specifically to Belgium or Belgians. Maps should specify the context/relevance for Belgium.

  9. We adhere to Belgian copyright laws pertaining paywalled/off-line articles.

  10. Ask FAQ in the daily slowchat.

To find out what these rules mean exactly, please read more about them in the wiki


Tourist PSA: before asking a question you might want to check out one of our guides/maps:


Check out the wiki for more related subreddits!

Looking to move to Belgium? Check out our Belgian Survival Guide for what you need to know.

List of Belgian helplines


Upcoming or past AMA's and events

Date Time Event
Wed 23/11/22 16:00 CET Cultural exchange with /r/Morocco
Tue 26/10/2021 14:00 CET Sam Ooghe, Humo
Sun 02/05/2021 14:00 CEST Cultural exchange with /r/de
Wed 24/03/2021 19:00 CEST Covid Vaccination Task Force
Tue 02/02/2021 15:00 CEST Tim Verheyden
Thu 14/05/2020 9:00 CEST Cultural exchange with /r/bih
Fri 06/12/2019 21:00 CEST Cultural exchange with /r/Romania
Fri 22/11/2019 12:30 CEST Matthias Dobbelaere-Welvaert
Tue 20/08/2019 17:00 CEST Cultural exchange with /r/Polska
Thu 06/06/2019 18:00 CEST WTTAA (Alex Agnew and Andries Beckers
Thu 11/04/2019 20:00 CEST Xander De Rycke
Tue 06/02/2018 all day Cultural exchange with /r/ukraine
Wed 09/08/2017 14:00 CEST Cultural exchange with /r/Austin
Mon 31/07/2017 20:00 CEST Maurits Vande Reyde (Jong VLD)
Wed 02/11/2016 all day Cultural exchange with /r/canada
Sat 27/08/2016 0:00 CEST Cultural exchange with /r/iranian
Wed 24/08/2016 16:00 CEST Frank De Winne
Tue 29/03/2016 14:00 CEST Johan Braeckman
Fri 25/03/2016 10:00 CET and onwards Cultural exchange with /r/mexico
Fri 18/03/2016 14h00 CET Joost Vandecasteele
Fri 11/03/2016 all day Cultural exchange with /r/india
Wed 02/03/16 19h00 CET Sarah Van Liefferinge
Wed 03/02/16 20h00 CET HotMarijke
Mo 01/02/16 19h00 CET Frank Camberlain
Thu 28/01/16 14h00 CET Carl Devos
Wed 27/01/16 18h50 CET Chimiel82
Mon 25/01/16 20h00 CET Xander De Rycke
Wed 20/01/16 20h30 CET Lieven Scheire
Tue 01/12/15 14h00 CET Kristof Calvo

Interested in doing an AMA? Contact us!

/r/belgium

315,108 Subscribers

1

Thomas More - Master Degree

Hi everyone,

I plan to apply to TM for the service design M.A . I have read reviews in the sub and figured out TM is not an university and only provide vocational bachelor degree. I just wonder if master degree provided by TM is legit and credible. Thank you.

Here's the link to one of the program: https://thomasmore.be/en/educations/postgraduates/space-and-service-design/mechelen/full-programme

0 Comments
2024/05/12
12:25 UTC

0

Ecopower, zijn die nog steeds de goedkoopste?

Ik ben al 15jaar cooperant van ecopower als elektriciteitsproducent en leverancier van elektriciteit. Vroeger was het simpel, je betaalde 18 cent per verbruikte kilowattuur. De prijs schaalde rechtlijnig met je verbruik. Vandaag wil ik weten of er mensen die de berekening gemaakt hebben en puur op prijs bij ecopower uitkomen. Voor de duidelijkheid, de dag dat ik kan participeren in nucleair stap ik mee in, maar dat kan vandaag nog niet.

1 Comment
2024/05/12
12:16 UTC

0

Euthanasia

Hi Can I apply for euthanasia there? I'm from India... What is the process...?

5 Comments
2024/05/12
12:03 UTC

1

Found a sollution to our company car and traffic issue guys!

Lit motors comes with a fully close electric mix between a car and a motorcycle. Electric and has a gyroscoop so it cannot fall.

What do you guys think?

2 Comments
2024/05/12
11:19 UTC

10

Elektrisch keuringsverslag klopt niet

Bij de aankoop van ons huis hebben we een elektrisch keuringsverslag gekregen waarbij bleek dat deze conform zou zijn.

Nu we aan het intrekken zijn, zien we echter dat dit onmogelijk correct kan zijn: kabels die los zitten, elektriciteitskast met zekeringen die aan het oxideren zijn, stopcontacten aan een kabel die uit de muur komen, losse koperen draden, plaatsen zonder aardig waar dit wel zou moeten, ...

Wij vroegen ons nu af of wij hier iets aan kunnen doen? Wij voelen ons natuurlijk wel in het zak gezet doordat we nu redelijk wat kosten hebben om dit allemaal in orde te laten zetten.

11 Comments
2024/05/12
10:37 UTC

6

Virtual offices in Belgium?

Looking for advice from somebody who has experience with this set-up.

So I am Belgian, have a small Belgian company but my physical activity is mostly in the EU.
As my company is at the moment a 'eenmanszaak' the main office is where my domicile is.
This is my parents place but as this house will be sold my idea is to change the company into a vennootschap and use a Virtual office or Postbox office (preferred with letter forwarding service)

Anybody with experience hiring such a place?

My accountant will solve the changeover of company but it is difficult to find a reliable officeservice. (Not sure if reddit is the best place though :-) )

4 Comments
2024/05/12
10:21 UTC

11

Anyone have a good explanation why we just massively voted for Israel is ESS?

I thought Belgium was getting pretty pro Palestina. Even VRT was showing messages.

89 Comments
2024/05/12
09:41 UTC

6

Free resources for learning Flemish online?

Hi dear friends, I'm a Spanish expat and even if I live in a french speaking commune and am fluent in French I would like to learn some Flemish so I can understand the basic stuff when I move around the country. I prefer not to go to formal lessons as I don't have the time for it, but rather something where I can learn at my own pace. Do you have any good recommendations about sites, resources, whatever that could be useful?

Thank you very much!

14 Comments
2024/05/12
07:56 UTC

49

Zwitserland wint het Eurovisiesongfestival • Belgische kijker geeft Israël meeste punten / Switzerland wins Eurovision Song Contest - Belgian viewer gives Israel most points

De Zwitserse artiest Nemo wint de 68ste editie van het Eurovisiesongfestival met het nummer ‘The Code’. De overwinning is de apotheose van een spannende finale waarin deelnemers en publiek naar subtiele manieren zochten om tegen de Israëlische kandidaat te protesteren.

De Israëlische deelnemer Eden Golan werd een hele avond lang op boegeroep getrakteerd, maar Belgische kijkers lieten dat niet aan hun hart komen. Israël kreeg 12 punten van Belgische fans, de hoogst mogelijke score.

https://www.demorgen.be/snelnieuws/zwitserland-wint-het-eurovisiesongfestival-belgische-kijker-geeft-israel-meeste-punten~b241dc0e/

303 Comments
2024/05/12
05:05 UTC

1

Stade Emile Verse/Constant Vanden Stock in Brussels

Hello everyone. I'm creating quiz about UEFA Euro 1972 host cities and stadiums and I can't find any aerial photo of Brussels' Stade Emile Verse from 1970s. If you have one to send that would be really appreciated!

2 Comments
2024/05/12
00:53 UTC

0

Any interest in a subreddit for Belgian software devs?

Hello,

As per above, would there be enough interest to justify creating a subreddit for developers in Belgium? Or have there not been enough posts on this topic in r/belgium to create a dedicated subreddit?

Thank you, and have a pleasant evening,
MF-G

View Poll

3 Comments
2024/05/11
22:02 UTC

35

[serious] Polar lights tonight?

Will we be able to see the spectacle tonight again?

14 Comments
2024/05/11
21:02 UTC

1

100 km Dodentocht

#Belgium #Dodentocht

Is anybody willing to sell their ticket for this to me because they cant attend? Missed registration as ill but desperate to go!

Thanks in advance.

2 Comments
2024/05/11
18:23 UTC

8

FIrst time attending to a piano concert at Bozar (Henry Le Boeuf) in Brussels, any tips on where to pick a sit?

17 Comments
2024/05/11
18:49 UTC

60

Op een maand voor de verkiezingen nemen maar weinig politieke partijen de opkuis van het Belgische financiële huishouden echt ernstig. De onwil en het onvermogen om budgettair orde op zaken te zetten, kunnen heel asociale gevolgen hebben.

39 Comments
2024/05/11
18:14 UTC

0

Anyone knows if there are many cosplay/anime conventions held in Belgium? ☆ Are language exchange cafes common? ☆ What city would you recommend to move in?

Hi everyone! So I was wondering if it's common for cosplay conventions to be held in Belgium, I lived in The Netherlands and that was crazy there were cons almost every month, was really cool. I like moving around so I thought maybe I could try Belgium next, but conventions are my way of making new friends and meeting new people with similar interests to myself so I kinda wsnted to ask abiut this before moving there (specially since I gotta bring one big dog and 2 cats with me). I would also be interested in language exchange cafes since that was my way of making friends back in Korea.

Last question to which city would you recommend me to move in? I like cities where everything is fairly at hand and not too overcrowded if possible. I am fluent in english and I understand dutch fairly well but since I havent spoken dutch for a few years I cant really speak fluently anymore, I studied french but I suck at it, I am also fluent in spanish but I doubt I will find many spanish speakers there.

Thanks in advance

9 Comments
2024/05/11
18:09 UTC

0

SNCB Youth Holiday

The easter holiday (for school in wallonia?) ends at 12.05. according to the SNCB website. If I buy the 1 week youth holiday pass today (or tomorrow), will I be able to take the train for the whole week (so until 17/18.05) or I just waste my 18 euros.

1 Comment
2024/05/11
17:27 UTC

0

Is it legal in Belgium to raise a hand as if to slap someone without actually committing an act of violence?

40 Comments
2024/05/11
17:13 UTC

1

Beautiful houses

We’ve been to central parks in Lommel (BE) and amazed by the beautiful houses in Lommel. Are there similar cities in terms of architecture/cleanines in the south east of Belgium?

3 Comments
2024/05/11
12:02 UTC

0

Buying an appartement in Brussels, what would you do in my case?

Firstly, this question pertains to real estate advice in Brussels. If I’m not in the right subreddit, please let me know where I can post this question. Thank you!

My partner and I are about to buy an apartment, and we're on the verge of signing the sales agreement. The property is located in Schaerbeek near Josaphat Park, and it meets our criteria as it is bright, has a terrace, and has been recently renovated inside. The listing advertised it as a duplex with two bedrooms and a bathroom on the upper floor of the living area. However, after some research with the municipality, we've realized that it's not technically a duplex because the rooms in the attic are not considered habitable. The plans obtained from the municipality (dating back to 2003) before making the offer also indicated that the upper floor indeed had two bedrooms and a bathroom. So, we're about to buy a beautiful studio with converted attic space into two bedrooms + a bathroom.

Our notary has been in contact with the Schaerbeek municipality several times to try to have them recognize the attic as habitable based on the 2003 plan, but they refuse to acknowledge it without new plans showing the attic layout so they can consider it habitable according to the Regional Urbanism Regulations.

I have several questions:

  • What would you do in my place if you really like the apartment despite it not being (yet) recognized as a duplex? Would you try to have it recognized as a duplex by providing plans that prove the attic is habitable (net surface area, ceiling height, light, etc.)?
  • So far, the bank has fully supported us with the loan, but they are not aware that the rooms upstairs are not considered habitable. I'm afraid they'll find out in the sales agreement (even though it mentions "two bedrooms in the attic") and therefore estimate the property's value lower than the purchase price. How can I avoid this?

For now, my opinion is that I can still buy it, there's a low chance of a municipality inspection, and I'll have time later to regularize with the municipality to sell it as a duplex later. However, I'm unsure how strict municipalities can be. I would appreciate your input on this question here, and I apologize if I'm not in the right subreddit.

In Dutch :

Allereerst, deze vraag gaat over vastgoedadvies in Brussel. Als ik niet op de juiste subreddit ben, laat me dan weten waar ik deze vraag kan stellen. Dank je wel!

Mijn partner en ik staan op het punt een appartement te kopen en we zijn bijna klaar om de verkoopovereenkomst te tekenen. De woning bevindt zich in Schaarbeek, vlakbij het Josaphatpark, en voldoet aan onze criteria omdat het licht is, een terras heeft en recent van binnen is gerenoveerd. De advertentie beschreef het als een duplex met twee slaapkamers en een badkamer op de bovenverdieping van de woonruimte. Na wat onderzoek bij de gemeente hebben we echter ontdekt dat het technisch gezien geen duplex is omdat de kamers op zolder niet als bewoonbaar worden beschouwd. De plannen die we bij de gemeente hebben opgevraagd (uit 2003) voordat we het bod deden, gaven ook aan dat de bovenverdieping inderdaad twee slaapkamers en een badkamer had. Dus we staan op het punt om een mooi studio-appartement te kopen met omgebouwde zolderruimte tot twee slaapkamers en een badkamer.

Onze notaris heeft meerdere keren contact opgenomen met de gemeente Schaarbeek om te proberen de zolder erkend te krijgen als bewoonbaar op basis van het plan uit 2003, maar ze weigeren dit te erkennen zonder nieuwe plannen waarop de zolderruimte als bewoonbaar wordt getoond volgens de Regionale Stedenbouwkundige Verordeningen.

Ik heb verschillende vragen:

  • Wat zou u doen als u in mijn situatie was en het appartement echt leuk vond ondanks dat het (nog) niet als duplex wordt erkend? Zou u proberen het als duplex erkend te krijgen door plannen te verstrekken die aantonen dat de zolder bewoonbaar is (netto oppervlakte, plafondhoogte, licht, enz.)?
  • Tot nu toe heeft de bank ons volledig gesteund met de lening, maar ze zijn niet op de hoogte dat de kamers boven niet als bewoonbaar worden beschouwd. Ik ben bang dat ze hier achter komen in de verkoopovereenkomst (ook al staat er "twee slaapkamers op zolder") en daardoor de waarde van het pand lager inschatten dan de aankoopprijs. Hoe kan ik dit vermijden?

Naar mijn mening kan ik het nu nog steeds kopen, is de kans op een inspectie door de gemeente klein en heb ik later tijd om het met de gemeente te regulariseren om het later als duplex te verkopen. Ik weet echter niet hoe streng gemeenten kunnen zijn. Ik waardeer uw input op deze vraag en excuses als ik niet op de juiste subreddit ben.

8 Comments
2024/05/11
14:52 UTC

0

Is there social life in Belgium

Hello, I am an incoming international student who will reside in Brussels. I am little curious how I should socialize with people because I'm renting a studio apartment. Is there any social club or other ways that I can engage in??

3 Comments
2024/05/11
10:30 UTC

1

Eurovision finals in Bruges

Any clubs/pubs/bar that streams Eurovision finals tonight in Bruges???

0 Comments
2024/05/11
11:19 UTC

25

I’ve had enough: Which party to vote for to reform Brussels’ disastrous trash collection system?

I know we are taking about a strike causing this problem these days, but it is evident that the trash collection system in Brussels is a joke and simply does not live up to the standards for a developed country.

Which politicians/political parties wish to reform this system fundamentally? They might get my vote at the next local election.

https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels-2/1041095/bin-strike-brussels-residents-asked-to-bring-uncollected-rubbish-back-inside

18 Comments
2024/05/11
10:57 UTC

0

Can dog bites cause rabies in Beglium?

My pet dog bit me in my finger purely by accident. She's old and getting more blind and i was feeding her some dog candy from my fingers (dumb, i know). Its quite deep and i barely feel my finger 2 days later.

I know in Belgium Since 2018, domestic animals do not get rabies shots anymor00

.

However, i read that there are still wild bats and foxes that do carry rabies. Now i went to a doctor and they gave me Tetanus + ab's. I live in a place with a very big garden, tons of bats and other wild animals in my garden every night.

Everyone i asked says we don't have rabies here so it doesn't matter but i'm still slightly worried for the off chance of my dog having been bitten some time go (rabies can be incubation period for months to years).

I know its probably very unlikely and i do have some anxiety, am i overreacting? I don't feel like dropping dead some time in the short future.

Thanks :)

47 Comments
2024/05/11
15:53 UTC

2

Marriage traditions

Is it tradition here to ask a fathers permission before asking his daughters hand in marriage?

19 Comments
2024/05/11
14:49 UTC

1

Choix entre ULB et UCLouvain, en polytechnique

Bonjour à tous et à toutes,

Je suis malheureusement dans un dilemme cornélien.

Tout d’abord je suis bruxellois en rétho Sciences (7h) Maths (7h). Pour l’année prochaine je compte m’inscrire à l’école Polytechnique.

Je compte passer l’examen d’admission à ULB car j’ai suivis les cours de samedi et l’examen blanc.

Mais j’hésite fortement entre ULB et UCLouvain.

ULB est à 38min de chez moi et UCLouvain est à 50 min de chez moi.

Ça sert à rien de demander à mes profs de secondaires car ils sont tous sorti de ULB et sont pro ULB.

J’ai fait également le prépa à Louvain la neuve donc j’ai eu la possibilité de visiter les 2 campus. Les infrastructures de UCL sont meilleures que celles d ULB.

Ma seule envie est d’être bien formé en tant qu’ingénieur civil. La distance etc n’est qu’un détail pour moi.

Si vous êtes/etiez dans l’un de ses universités, pourriez vous l’amabilité de me dire les avantages et les inconvénients.

Je compte également faire Erasmus et peut-être un double diplôme.

Merci davantage pour votre aide.

7 Comments
2024/05/11
14:26 UTC

240

I'm a tourist. What's up with these black crosswalks?

154 Comments
2024/05/11
14:20 UTC

6

Fish lovers of Belgium - where do you buy your fish in bulk?

Hello fellow pescatarians!
My partner and I have been looking for a place that sells whole fish in bulk.

Is there anyone else here buying in bulk, and where do you get your fishy needs? :)

We live in Antwerp, but are more than happy to travel for our omega 3 needs!

21 Comments
2024/05/11
14:13 UTC

9

Gift from Belgium to Swiss friends

Fellow Belgian citizens, I am going to visit my Swiss friends in Switzerland soon (by plane).

What typical belgian thing should I offer them ? Needs to be LIGHT since I am going by flight.

Thank you

40 Comments
2024/05/11
11:25 UTC

0

Best indoor playground for toddler in Brussels?

Yes I googled but which one is the best from your experience?

9 Comments
2024/05/11
08:39 UTC

Back To Top