Taxes

**Soirée débat — Cuba : l’échec du communisme ? Aux radical-chic européens ne reste-t-il que la Corée du Nord ?** Cette semaine, notre discussion porte sur Cuba. Depuis la révolution de 1959, l’île est gouvernée par une dictature communiste. Pendant des décennies, Cuba a survécu grâce au soutien économique de puissances alliées, d’abord l’Union soviétique, puis le Venezuela, l'Iran, la Chine. Aujourd’hui, l’économie cubaine traverse une crise profonde : pénuries alimentaires, coupures d’électricité, inflation, migration massive et dépendance énergétique. La fin du soutien pétrolier vénézuélien ont accentué une situation déjà dramatique. Dans le débat public occidental, Cuba est souvent présentée à travers des récits simplifiés : – soit comme un symbole romantique de résistance révolutionnaire – soit comme un exemple caricatural d’échec politique Notre objectif n’est pas de répéter ces récits. Notre objectif est de comprendre. *** ### **Topics We Cover** Nous analyserons la situation cubaine à travers plusieurs angles : **1\. Le système politique cubain** Comment un régime communiste à parti unique a-t-il maintenu le pouvoir pendant plus de six décennies ? **2\. L’économie cubaine et ses limites** Pourquoi l’économie planifiée cubaine produit-elle pénuries chroniques, dépendance énergétique et faible croissance ? **3\. Les sanctions américaines** Quel est l’impact réel de l’embargo américain ? Affaiblit-il le régime ou renforce-t-il sa légitimité politique ? **4\. La fin du soutien vénézuélien** Quel rôle le pétrole subventionné du Venezuela a-t-il joué dans la survie du modèle cubain — et que se passe-t-il lorsque ce soutien disparaît ? **5\. L’avenir de Cuba** Transition politique, réforme économique progressive ou stagnation durable ? *** ### **What Makes This Different** – Nous privilégions les témoignages de personnes originaires ou connaissant directement la région – Nous examinons ce que les médias simplifient ou ignorent – Nous encourageons les désaccords argumentés et les perspectives contradictoires – Nous analysons les intérêts, les rapports de force et les réalités économiques — pas les slogans Ce n’est pas un espace de propagande. C’est un espace de réflexion. *** ### **Why This Forum Exists** À Bruxelles, plusieurs initiatives proposent des débats structurés. Trop souvent, cependant, un petit cercle détermine les propositions et limite la diversité réelle des conclusions possibles. Il existe aussi des espaces où la géopolitique se réduit à des slogans anti-américains ou à des indignations partisanes. Ce forum n’est ni l’un ni l’autre. Nous accueillons une véritable diversité d’opinions et d’expériences. Personne ici ne sera exclu pour avoir remis en question un récit dominant. Les idées se confrontent librement. Les attaques personnelles ne sont pas tolérées. *** ### **Motions & Proposals Welcome** Nous encourageons les participants à proposer des motions de débat. Une motion doit être formulée avec sérieux : – une thèse claire – un minimum de contexte historique ou juridique – une compréhension des enjeux géopolitiques Les propositions destinées à stimuler la réflexion sont bienvenues. Les slogans et provocations faciles ne le sont pas. *** ### **Languages** La langue dépendra des participants présents. Les débats se déroulent généralement en anglais et en français, mais nous pouvons accueillir d’autres langues lorsque cela est possible. Langues actuellement possibles : – English – Français – Nederlands – Español – Italiano – Русский – Farsi L’objectif est la compréhension, pas la pureté linguistique. *** ### **What We Ask of Participants** – Venez pour comprendre, pas pour “gagner” un débat – Soyez ouverts à des perspectives qui contredisent les vôtres – Parlez avec des faits, du contexte et de l’histoire – Si vous proposez un sujet, venez préparé – Critiquez les idées, jamais les personnes – Pas de censure des opinions – Pas d’attaques personnelles – Pas de diffamation Le désaccord est normal. La paresse intellectuelle ne l’est pas. *** ### **This is not a dating meetup** Tous les espaces sociaux ne sont pas destinés à flirter ou à chercher des opportunités romantiques. Si vous considérez ce forum comme un terrain de drague ou que vous faites des avances non désirées, vous n’avez pas compris le but de ce groupe. La conversation vient d’abord. Les idées viennent d’abord. Le respect vient d’abord. *** ### **Location & RSVP** L’événement aura lieu à Ixelles, dans un bar public. Pour préserver la qualité et la sécurité de la discussion, le lieu exact est communiqué uniquement aux participants confirmés via notre groupe WhatsApp. 👉 Pour RSVP et recevoir le lieu : https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX7UkWGZ3UdLQWLBvNdezN L’objectif n’est pas l’exclusivité. L’objectif est une discussion sérieuse entre personnes capables de réfléchir librement. The goal is not exclusivity, but accountability and quality of discussion. If this format doesn’t suit you, this event may not be the right fit.

Corporations shape much of the modern world, and behind these corporations are individuals: engineers, managers, marketers, researchers, and countless others whose work contributes, directly or indirectly, to the final product. This raises a fundamental question about responsibility. When a company produces something harmful, misleading, or ethically questionable, where does accountability lie? Is it confined to leadership and decision-makers only, or does it extend to every individual involved in the process? A developer writing code for a platform may not control how it is ultimately used. A scientist working for an energy company may not decide corporate strategy. An employee in marketing or administration may be far removed from the core activity that attracts criticism. Yet without these roles, the company could not function. This debate invites us to explore the nature of ethical responsibility within large organizations. Can morality be separated from one’s professional role, or does it inevitably follow from it? Are individuals morally responsible for outcomes even if they do not control them, or is responsibility something that belongs primarily to institutions? Join us as we examine the relationship between personal ethics and corporate structures, and question where responsibility truly begins and ends in the modern workplace. This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into **four teams of two.** Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming: * **Respect ideas and people** Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. * **Be concise and civil** Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. * **Respect boundaries and time** No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. * **Follow moderators** They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 NEW YEAR - New You ? :-) Maybe you've always wanted to try a Men-Only Yoga class but kept putting it off to January ? :) Well... January is here now - so no more reasons for you not to join our weekly Yoga Class **exclusively for men**. Gay, Bi, Trans, ally, curious, we don't really care... if you identify as male and have friendly vibes - come and join us ! Ladies, unfortunately you'll have to skip this one - but come and join us on Sunday mornings ! :) 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Class takes place every **Wednesday evening - from 18:30 to 19:45 :)** After class, we can hang around for a cup of tea and a chat, or go for a drink - depending on the energy. No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome, beginners included! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * ⏰ 18:30 to 19:45 (doors will open at 18:15 - **class starts at 18:30 sharp** \- not possible to join after that **as the door will be closed**). 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. For more info - follow us on [Instagram.com/queeryogabrussels](http://www.instagram.com/queeryogabrussels) **Come and try it !** Spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga, from increased flexibility, better posture, a stronger body to a calmer mind. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️✨ Edson P.S. We also have a "mixed gender" class on Sunday mornings from 11:00 to 12:15 - make sure to check it out on Meetup !

**⚡️ Bitcoin accepted** via [Swiss Bitcoin Pay](https://swiss-bitcoin-pay.ch/) **⚡️** No presentations (usually). No altcoins or shitcoins. No photos. Telegram: [https://t.me/BrusselsBitcoinMeetupGroup](https://t.me/BrusselsBitcoinMeetupGroup) NOSTR: [https://tinyurl.com/BRUSSELS-BITCOIN](https://tinyurl.com/BRUSSELS-BITCOIN) Every 2nd Wednesday of the month.

🏃‍♂️ Sunday Vacations | Train Together, Finish Together --- Thinking about joining the **20km of Brussels on May 31st**… but don’t want to train alone? 👉 Join our **after-work training group** and prepare together in a fun, social, and motivating atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or already running regularly — **you’re welcome.** --- ## 📆 Weekly Runs (April → May) We train **twice a week after work**: ### 🔵 Once per week – Easy Social Run 👉 Perfect to build consistency and meet the group --- ### 🟣 Once per week – Long Run (Main Session) * Distance increases every week * Structured pace groups 👉 This is the **key session** to prepare for the 20km --- ## 🏳️ Follow Your Flag (Pace Groups) To keep things simple, we use the official **20km Brussels pacemaker system**: * 🟠 **Beginner (≈ 2h15)** Run/walk friendly — just aim to finish * 🟣 **Steady (≈ 2h00)** Comfortable and regular pace * 🟢 **Intermediate (≈ 1h45)** Faster group for those who want a challenge 👉 Not sure? Start easy — you can switch anytime. --- ## 📊 Long Run Progression We gradually build up to the race: 6 km → 8 km → 10 km → 12 km → 14 km → 16 km → 18 km 🔥 * lighter week before the race --- ## 🏁 Goal 📅 Sunday 31 May 2026 🎯 Run the 20km of Brussels — together --- ## 💡 What to expect * Friendly, international group 🌍 * No one left behind * Natural pace groups * Motivating and social vibe 👉 We start together, run in groups, and finish together. --- ## ☕ After the run Optional drink or snack — because it’s also about **meeting people and having fun** --- ## ⚠️ Practical info * Bring water * Wear proper running shoes * Join at your own responsibility * Beginners welcome --- ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations We are a **Brussels-based community** organizing social activities, hikes, and trips. 👉 This training is part of our mission: **bringing people together through shared experiences** --- ## 🔗 Participation To join, a **Sunday Vacations membership** is required: * Explorer (€5/year) → + €5 organizing fee * Voyager (€50/year) → no organizing fee * Ambassador (€150/year) → no organizing fee + perks 👉 Details: [www.sundayvacations.com/membership](http://www.sundayvacations.com/membership) --- 🔥 Don’t train alone — join us and enjoy the journey to the 20km!

Need some quiet time for reading? Want to share the experience with others? Join us at the charming venue of The Sister Café to read in the company of others. It’s alone, but also together, get it? We read for an hour and a half, then chat over a drink. This is a free activity except for the price of the drinks you're consuming.

**Let us simply meet and spend some relaxed time together**. This is a very simple gathering: We meet, have a drink, visit the garden, chat, and get to know each other with other members of the **Happy Body community**.

Meet and make new Friends after work.

This week we will walk through ***the Halle forest*** ([www.hallerbos.be/en/](http://www.hallerbos.be/en/)) and enjoy the ***blossoming bluebells*** (who are only blossoming 3 weeks a year) and watch the spectacle of ***blue carpets in the forest***. As starting point I choose ***“Beersel” with its beautiful castle*** ([http://en.visitbeersel.be](http://en.visitbeersel.be/) ). From there we will continue our route to Dworp where we will have lunch somewhere before entering the ***“Halle Forest” to see the bluebells***. Afterwards we hike to Sint-Genesius-Rode where we can have a coffee/drink in ***the local pub “Onze Parochie”*** and where you have the possibility to take the ***train back to Brussels***. For those who are ***not tired*** we will ***continue our road to Watermael-Boitfort*** passing trough the “Soignies Forest” and end our hike with a ***drink in in the local pub “Le Club”*** at Place Wiener before taking the tram home. ***Don't forget to pay Maikel a drink :-)*** We will walk both ***on paved and unpaved roads***. I’ve ***never walked this road before*** so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. ***●●Meeting point*** We meet ***at 09h30 in front of the Delhaize “Shop & Go” inside the Schuman train station***". The train (S5 3379 - direction Halle) leaves from ***platform 4 at 09h48.*** We will arrive at our destination at ***Beersel at 10h15*** and start our hike. ***●● Train tickets*** ***\- single ticket Brussels to Beersel \(2\,60 € weekend / 2\,60 € with train card\+\)*** ***\- single ticket Sint\-Genesius\-Rode to Brussels \(2\,90 € weekend / 2\,60 € with train card\+\)*** ***●● Trains back to Brussels*** There are ***2 trains every hour*** from Sint-Genesius-Rode to Brussels at ***XX:07 and XX:26*** **Last Train = 23h00** ***●● Specifics*** distance: \~ 24 km / \~ 34 km elevation gain: \~ 355 m / \~ 394 m net walking time: \~ 5h00 / \~ 7h00 ***level: easy – open to everyone*** ***In the unlikely case of too bad weather we may cancel a hike even few hours before the event. If this must happen we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the ([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/)) website and/or your emails.*** ●● ***What to bring*** \- warm comfortable hiking clothes – ***waterproof hiking shoes*** \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- enough water \(min 2 l\) and food for lunch/breaks \- sun protection oil\, a hat and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/)) **\- some money to pay Maikel a drink ;\-\)** ●● ***Basic rules*** Please RSVP only if you ***really intend to come***. And if your plans change ***update your RSVP latest 1 day before the hike*** so other people still have the possibility to join. This is basic courtesy towards others. ***People who cancel at the last day or don’t show up for the hike will be blacklisted for future hikes.*** Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the roster (i.e. Yes RSVP - but not Wait Listed). **●● *Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability*** **By signing up for this event you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.**

Shake off the workday and train with a welcoming crew of internationals and Brussels professionals. This is a **co-hosted session with F45 Brussels**—fast, fun, and coached circuit training that fits perfectly after work. **Why join?** * **Community vibe:** Friendly, social, in English. * **All levels welcome:** Coaches demo every move with **easier/harder options**. * **Time-smart:** 45 minutes, full-body, high energy, great music. * **Accountability:** Come with the group, leave with endorphins. **What we’ll do** 1. Quick intro & warm-up 2. **F45 functional circuits** (intervals that mix strength + cardio) 3. Team finisher & cool down 4. Optional post workout social drink/rooftop bowling nearby (meet new people, not just new burpees 😉) **Good to know** * **When:** Thursday, **6:30 PM start** (arrive 6:15 to check in) * **Where:** **F45 Brussels** (Brussels Central Station) Galeries Ravenstein * **Bring:** Clean trainers, towel, water bottle * **Fitness level:** Beginner to advanced (scalable stations) * **Capacity:** Limited spots — **RSVP required** * **Price:** Free weekly tryout **Who this is for** * New in Brussels and want a **friendly fitness + social** routine * Busy professional looking for a **structured, coached** workout * Sunday Vacations regulars who want to stay fit for hikes & trips **About F45** F45 = **Functional 45-minute training**: coach-led, station-based, results-driven. Expect variety, technique tips, and a positive team atmosphere. See you on the floor at 6:30! 💪🏽✨ By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back. Optional lunch at Trolley District.

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

Join us for a two mile trail hike alongside the Brookside Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park. This trail is largely gravel and does include some hills and stairs. Hopefully we will see some wildlife while hike this scenic trail! Join us!

Let’s walk the gardens and enjoy what has spring has on display.

Join us for lunch at Cooper’s Hawk in Easton. If the weather is nice, we’ll enjoy lunch on their gorgeous patio!