EDI

We will cover the following topics * Tech as a tool of geopolitical power * Relations with the U.S., China, and Global South * Export controls and tech diplomacy * Balancing openness with strategic protection I am looking forward to discussing with you this critical topic, You will find below links to articles that I suggest as pre-reads for our chat. Reading one article is enough, reading them all is a plus. Also, feel free to suggest what you think might be relevant for the discussion via DM. 1. [https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/digital-sovereignty-europes-declaration-of-independence/?utm_source=chatgpt.com](https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/digital-sovereignty-europes-declaration-of-independence/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 2. [https://www.noemamag.com/reclaiming-europes-digital-sovereignty/](https://www.noemamag.com/reclaiming-europes-digital-sovereignty/) 3. [https://ip-quarterly.com/en/dominance-and-sovereignty-geopolitics-transatlantic-tech-stack?utm_source=chatgpt.com](https://ip-quarterly.com/en/dominance-and-sovereignty-geopolitics-transatlantic-tech-stack?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 4. [https://ecfr.eu/article/trumps-ai-thaw-how-europe-and-the-gulf-can-protect-against-american-and-chinese-tech-pressure/?utm_source=chatgpt.com](https://ecfr.eu/article/trumps-ai-thaw-how-europe-and-the-gulf-can-protect-against-american-and-chinese-tech-pressure/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 5. [https://www.webpronews.com/data-sovereignty-key-to-protection-amid-geopolitical-tensions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com](https://www.webpronews.com/data-sovereignty-key-to-protection-amid-geopolitical-tensions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) I am considering changing the location, to a more private café in Place Jordan. If you have an issue with this, please let me know. Cheers, Carolina

Voici un espace simple et régulier pour celles et ceux qui souhaitent découvrir ou approfondir la pratique de la méditation de pleine conscience. La pleine conscience aide à mieux gérer le stress, traverser les émotions difficiles sans se sentir dépassé et à se centrer dans un monde qui devient de plus en plus turbulent. Je propose un petit temps de méditation guidée, suivi d’un échange, en ligne, tous les samedis matins. C’est ouvert à toutes et tous, aucune expérience n’est nécessaire. 🗓 Tous les samedis ⏰ 10h15 (entre 45 et 55 minutes) 💻 En visio 💚 Première séance gratuite 👉 Puis 10 € / séance Si ça te parle, tu es le·la bienvenu·e 🌿

Dear Folks, Valentine’s Day without a date? No problem. Let’s celebrate **self-love** with Ramen 🍜💘 Talk about life, meet new friends sounds pretty **Ramen-tic** to us 😉 **Contribution to Our Events:** Starting this year, we kindly ask participants to contribute in one of the following ways: **€5** per event, or **€40** annual membership fee If you feel like supporting us beyond this, to help people who can’t afford it, you are very welcome to do so 💛 If the contribution is a concern for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly 😉 * These contributions will help us: Cover the annual Meetup platform fee Encourage everyone to respect RSVPs (We experienced a high number of no-shows at several events last year, which made organization more difficult.) **We will donate 10% collected fees to support Queer oriented organisations in the end of the year.** *Yifei Yang BE 1236 3234 512 492* *Communication: your name+ event name/membership* Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. **Cheers!** 🍻 Yifei

Hello, join us in this walk through the different light art installations of the [10th edition of Bright Brussels Festival](https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/agenda/bright-festival). We meet at the round square in front of Gare Centrale and walk straight to stop #15 Cycle of illusions at the carillon of Mont des Arts. Here [the map ](https://photoresk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/plan_site_v21.pdf)with the all different stops. We should finish the walk within two hours and then we can all together get a drink somewhere.

Bright Brussels Festival ✨ est de retour du 12 au 15 février 2026 pour sublimer la capitale européenne au creux de l’hiver. Au programme, un parcours féérique à travers le centre historique de Bruxelles magnifié par près d’une vingtaine d’installations artistiques originales venues d’ici et d’ailleurs. Pour sa dixième édition, le festival s’offre une programmation culinaire 🍽️ avec le Bright Brussels Food. 💡https://www.visit.brussels/fr/visiteurs/agenda/bright-festival Bright Brussels Festival ✨ returns from 12 to 15 February 2026 to once again transform the European capital in the depths of winter. The programme includes a magical journey through the historic centre of Brussels, enhanced by nearly twenty original art installations from Belgium and abroad. For its tenth edition, the festival will feature a culinary programme 🍽️ with Bright Brussels Food. 💡https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/agenda/bright-festival De volgende editie van het Bright Brussels Festival ✨ vindt plaats van 12 tot en met 15 februari 2026. Dan zal de Europese hoofdstad vier winteravonden lang schitteren dankzij een betoverend lichtparcours. De route loopt door het historische centrum van Brussel en wordt opgeluisterd door een twintigtal originele artistieke installaties uit binnen- en buitenland. Speciaal voor de tiende editie van het festival is er dit jaar ook een culinair programma 🍽️ met de naam Bright Brussels Food. 💡https://www.visit.brussels/nl/bezoekers/agenda/bright-festival

This event is organized by the group [Paint & vibes by Amarte](https://www.meetup.com/painting-in-the-parc/) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Join us for a romantic and playful **Paint & Date, Speeddate Edition** on **15 February**. Whether you're looking to meet someone new or just want to enjoy a creative evening with like-minded singles, this event is the perfect mix of fun, art, and connection. As everyone arrives, you can get a ca drink to break the ice, and each pairing will have a cosy little set-up waiting for them. Every round, you switch partners and create a small part of a shared artwork, a fun, low-pressure way to get to know each other while letting your creativity flow. What’s better than meeting new people, laughing over your brushstrokes, and discovering unexpected chemistry through colour? You’ll go home with: * new connections (and maybe a spark!) * fun memories * and a unique art piece created during your speed-date rounds To make this event possible, I ask a small contribution that covers canvases, paints, materials, and my guidance throughout the evening. It also secures your spot so we can welcome as many people as possible. **Price:** €25 The **€25 fee** includes **all painting materials** and **one drink**. **No expectations, just painting, conversation, and good vibes.** To join, **fill in the form**. If you’re selected (to keep a balanced group), you’ll receive a **payment link via WhatsApp**. [https://forms.gle/ihnZs9pm5egP577E9](https://forms.gle/ihnZs9pm5egP577E9)

Let’s have our first meetup this coming Sunday at MIR Concept. This meeting is meant to be relaxed, human, and focused on real conversations ,no pressure, no expectations, just people meeting people. I created MIR as a space for genuine human connection, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a cozy and inspiring place designed for conversation, creativity, and positive impact. I warmly invite you to join us and enjoy a great cup of coffee, tea, or matcha, along with delicious pastries. We’ll chat, laugh, share opinions, and see how different languages and cultures connect us. I’m really looking forward to hosting this first event and meeting many of you.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞'𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨: 🍵Take a moment to unwind and connect with herbal tea and snacks. 📑 Read a thought-provoking passage from a spiritual author and share our reflections and insights in the circle. 🧘🏻‍♀️🧘🏻‍♂️ Engage in a silent meditation for 20 minutes to integrate our insights and experience (you'll be guided into the silent meditation). 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨: 🪻 We’ll provide comfortable mattresses, and the room is warm and cozy. Feel free to bring a light blanket for the meditation if you like. You’re also welcome to bring a small snack to share. ➡️ Participation is based on donation (suggested on-the-spot donation: €10-20). 🤗 Limited to 10 participants – if you’d like to bring a friend, please let us know in advance. 🪶 Visit our website for more information & registration: [https://justinspiring.org/tea-meditation-evenings/](https://justinspiring.org/tea-meditation-evenings/) 📩 For any questions, you can contact Eirini by email or WhatsApp/Sms/Telegram/Instagram: Email: [info@justinspiring.org](http://info@justinspiring.org/) WhatsApp/Sms/Telegram: +32 (0) 487 20 14 73 Instagram: @inspiringeducationcoaching

**PLEASE READ THE ATTENDANCE POLICY (below) IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME** **SUNDAY COFFEE & JAPANESE CONVERSATION** 日曜日のコーヒー＆日本語会話 Our "Japanese/English Conversation Exchange" offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese culture and language, all while helping native Japanese members to learn their target language. 私たちの「日本語/英語会話交流」は、日本の文化と言語の世界に没頭しながら、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学ぶのを手助けするユニークな機会を提供します。 **Date: /** 日付：**(almost) every Sunday** **Time: /** 時間：**from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm** **Location: /** 場所：**Cafe Caberdouche - Place de la Liberté 8, 1000 Bruxelles** **Venue Note: /** 会場の注意：**The manager of the cafe kindly accepted us to book a table on a regular basis. To thank him for his kindness, please order AT LEAST ONE DRINK**. カフェのマネージャーが親切にも私たちに定期的にテーブルを予約することを承諾してくださいました。その親切に感謝の意を示すために、少なくとも1杯のドリンクを注文してください。 **Location Assistance: /** 場所の案内：**If you can't find us, ask one of the waiters. They know where we are :) You can also send us a message.** 私たちを見つけられない場合は、ウェイターの一人に尋ねてください。彼らは私たちがどこにいるか知っています :) メッセージも送っていただけます。 **Event Agenda: /** イベントのアジェンダ： * **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: JAPANESE CONVERSATION** \- Join us for the Japanese conversation and cultural exploration\. Beginners are welcome // 日本語会話 \- 最初の30分は日本語の会話と文化探求に充てられています。初心者も聞くだけでも歓迎です。30分後に参加しても構いません。多言語交換 \- ベルギーの多様性を体験し、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学びたいと熱心に待っています。さまざまな言語で異文化交流の会話に参加しましょう。私たちの日本の友人にベルギーの文化、伝統、生活を紹介しましょう。 * **6:00 PM: EVENT CONCLUSION** \- Please respect the event's start and end times to maximize your language exchange opportunities\. Your participation and enthusiasm are appreciated\! イベントの終了 \- イベントの開始時間と終了時間を尊重して、言語交換の機会を最大限に活用してください。参加と熱意に感謝します！ **Attendance Policy: --->** 以下の日本語 * We're excited to have you join our events and appreciate your commitment to learning and growing together. To ensure a productive and enjoyable experience for all participants, please take note of our attendance policy: 1. **Punctuality:** Please arrive on time for scheduled events. Late arrivals can disrupt the flow of the event and may miss important information. 2. **Language Commitment:** If you sign up for language-specific sessions, such as Japanese conversation or language exchange, we kindly request your commitment to actively participate in that language for the designated duration. 3. **Respect:** Treat fellow participants, organizers, and cafe staff with respect and courtesy. Harassment or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. 4. **Removal Policy:** A participant who is not respectful towards other members will be removed from the group and blocked, with no warning. This point is not negotiable. 5. **Cancellation:** If you are unable to attend an event you've registered for, please let us know as soon as possible. This helps us plan accordingly and allows others to take your place if there's a waitlist. 6. **No-Show Policy:** Three no-shows (failing to attend without prior notice) may result in restrictions on event registration to ensure fairness to other participants. By attending our events, you agree to adhere to these guidelines. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and connect. Thank you for being part of our community! **出席ポリシー：** 私たちは、イベントに参加していただけることを楽しみにしており、皆さんが一緒に学び成長することに取り組んでいただけることを感謝しています。すべての参加者が生産的で楽しい経験をするために、出席ポリシーにご留意ください： 1. 時間厳守：予定されたイベントには時間通りにお越しください。遅刻はイベントの流れを乱し、重要な情報を見逃す可能性があります。日本語のみのセッションは午後4時、全言語のセッションは午後4時30分開始です。 2. 言語へのコミットメント：日本語会話や言語交換など、特定の言語のセッションに登録された場合は、その言語での積極的な参加をお願いします。 3. 尊重：他の参加者、主催者、カフェのスタッフには敬意と礼儀をもって接してください。嫌がらせや迷惑行為は許容されません。 4. 退場ポリシー：他のメンバーに対して敬意を持たない参加者は、警告なしにグループから削除され、ブロックされます。このポイントは交渉の余地がありません。 5. キャンセル：登録したイベントに参加できない場合は、できるだけ早くお知らせください。これにより、他の人があなたの代わりを取ることができます。 6. ノーショーポリシー：事前の通知なしに3回のノーショー（欠席）がある場合は、他の参加者に公平になるようイベントの登録に制限がかかる場合があります。 私たちのイベントに参加することで、これらのガイドラインに従うことに同意するものとします。私たちはみなさんが学び、つながることができるように歓迎される包括的な環境を作り出すことを目指しています。コミュニティの一部としてご参加いただき、ありがとうございます！ **Note: Please stay tuned to our event page for updates and schedule changes. We can't wait to see you there and exchange languages, cultures, and stories!** 備考：更新やスケジュールの変更については、イベントページをご覧ください。そこで皆さんにお会いして、言語や文化、物語を交換できるのを楽しみにしています！

Please [register yourself on the website](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/j5YTbU6YaGLgGOXyvMNn) to receive the full details: Use your Sunday to connect with yourself and the Earth! We will have a short talk about spirituality (a different subject every week), followed by a guided meditation to bless ourselves and the Earth. Topics such as chakras, self development, self connection are examples of themes discussed during the session before a meditation. The Twin Hearts Meditation was developed by Master Choa Kok Sui to connect ourselves and share loving-kindness to the entire Earth! **Sunday** **10:30 - 11:30** Av Louise 505, Brussels Donation-based. There is a box at the entrance to receive your donation. Register yourself on the link a the top to receive all the details. Let's allow ourselves to **shine and share our light with the Earth**! This talk + meditation is followed by a Pranic Healing session, a powerful healing system to bring more inner peace, self-connection, and emotional and physical healing. You can [register yourself for that session here] (https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/7QLiiTnqLMxNg6Bdm5Bm). With love, Juliana

Been with us before or coming along for the first time, all welcome. Join the journey from where you are and however ever you are. Lets explore together. Registration mandatory, limited seats available.

**Cinema Flagey : La grazia** 15/02 @ 14h00 La grazia. 2025. Italy. Written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino. With Toni Servillo, Anna Ferzetti. DCP courtesy MUBI. In Italian; English subtitles. 131 min. Perhaps the most fantastical plotline for a film this year would be “a political drama centered on thoughtful contemplation and ethical decision-making.” Oscar-winner Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, 2013) crafts a captivating contemporary tale about a fictional Italian president on the cusp of retirement, and several decisions that will shape his legacy. Brilliantly portrayed by Toni Servillo (winner of the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at this year’s Venice Film Festival), this is a leader capable of restraint in a world that is pulling him to extremes. With a vibrant score, and Sorrentino’s signature lush urban visuals, La grazia seeks that rarest of qualities in today’s world: grace. [Cinema RITCS](https://www.cinemaritcs.be/february-2026/) [Museum of Modern Art](https://www.moma.org/calendar/events/10981) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

*We will take a winter break in January and meet again in February.* _____ Let's read and discuss non-fiction together. In **February** we will be discussing "The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center" by Rhaina Cohen. For more information about the book check out goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127305688-the-other-significant-others How it works: - 10-15min Introduction round - 1 - 1,5h Free discussion around the book - 10min selection of the next book. (We will vote between three possible books. I bring two suggestions and we select a third one from the group. So if there is a book you like to discuss feel free to put it forward.) Don't worry if you cannot finish it in time. Just join us for a coffee or tea and a good conversation. :) Happy reading!

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday February 24 from 7-10 pm at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new friends! WE HOPE TO BE COLLECTING SIGNATURES TO OVERTURN SB56. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO JOIN US AND SIGN! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBA

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message **Chris (the organizer)** with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!