Maïthé Chini

2 weeks ago | brusselstimes.com | Maïthé Chini

Teachers across Europe are reporting a widespread challenge with students performing below expectations and shifting views on generative AI, according to the latest annual European Teacher Survey. Across European countries, 40% of teachers stated that a large proportion of their students are performing below the expected level. This is especially prevalent in primary education, and most noticeable in Spain, where 80% of teachers say many or most of their students are underperforming.

2 weeks ago | brusselstimes.com | Maïthé Chini

Belgian railway operator SNCB/NMBS is launching a 'Flex Parking Subscription,' a formula with a flexible parking subscription that is particularly advantageous for commuters who go to work two to three times a week. With teleworking now firmly anchored in the habits of many commuters, more than a quarter of all subscriptions for journeys between work and home were flexible ones (Flex Subscription) in 2024. "Some of these commuters come to the station by car.

2 weeks ago | brusselstimes.com | Maïthé Chini

Baby playing with a ball in Brussels. Credit: Belga/Laurie DieffembacqThe European Parliament and the EU Member States reached an agreement on Thursday to make toys safer. Under the new plans, the safety requirements for European toys will be tightened, for example by extending the ban on the use of hazardous substances. The use of chemicals that are carcinogenic, can damage genetic material or affect reproduction will remain prohibited.

2 weeks ago | brusselstimes.com | Maïthé Chini

IKEA x Living Room. Credit: EquinoxLightPhotoBrussels is getting a touch of Sweden as IKEA has opened a pop-up coffee bar in the city's European Quarter. And yes, you can get their popular Swedish cinnamon buns there. Until 7 May, the local coffee bar Living Room on Place Jean Rey will be transformed into a piece of Sweden. The pop-up bar was created to mark the launch of the Stockholm collection at IKEA, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

2 weeks ago | brusselstimes.com | Maïthé Chini

On top of the import taxes already announced, United States President Donald Trump also wants to impose tariffs on the import of pharmaceutical products into the US – something that would heavily impact Belgian companies. Belgium exports €216 million worth of biopharmaceutical products every day, including the many vaccines produced in Belgium. In 2024, this amounted to €79 billion in exports.