English

Hallo Freunde der deutschen Sprache, wir laden alle, die gern ihr Deutsch üben wollen und in Brüssel geblieben sind, zum nächsten Treffen ein! Falls Ihr angemeldet seid, aber nicht kommen könnt, wären wir dankbar für Eure Abmeldung (WhatsApp - Mike: +32 475 60 88 68). Wir freuen uns auf den Austausch mit Euch!

Join us every Wednesday for an authentic Korean experience in the heart of Brussels! ✨ Let’s share Soju, delicious Korean food, fun karaoke sessions, and plenty of good vibes. Don’t miss our photo booth moments and the chance to meet amazing new people from all over the world! Free entry, just order at least one drink to support the venue. Gyosang, Rue Sainte-Catherine 8, Brussels Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Come for the language exchange, stay for the laughter, food, and Soju!

Given the current state of affairs, one can wonder which step world leaders will take next, and which means they will use to do so. Technological and scientific progress can be in part attributed to the military, as can historical changes. Civilisations evolve, but having an army remains a constant. Is it a necessary evil ? Can we do without it ? If not, why not ? Tonight, we will be discussing the societal role of the military. Please join us with some humour, some paper and a pen. Looking forward to seeing you all.

**This week’s discussion looks at Iran without tropes, slogans, or predictable moral positioning.** **Iran** today is at a geopolitical inflection point — facing deep economic strain, widespread domestic unrest, stalled diplomacy with the United States, a significant regional role, and renewed power alignments with Russia and China. We are not here to repeat talking points, defend geopolitical orthodoxies, or feel morally validated. **We are here to understand power, interests, history, law, incentives, and consequences as they actually are — not as they are marketed.** **Topics We Will Examine** 1. **Sanctions, Economy, and Domestic Pressure** Why continued sanctions have shaped Iran’s internal politics and economic crisis, how inflation and public dissatisfaction interact with state legitimacy, and what domestic pressures mean for strategic posture. 2. **Nuclear Negotiations and Strategic Posture** What the current talks reveal about incentives on both sides, where they are stuck, and how nuclear policy functions as leverage rather than merely a weapons issue. 3. **Regional Security and Proxy Strategy** Iran’s role in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and its deterrence strategy; how regional proxies fit into Tehran’s broader objectives and how Western, Gulf, and Israeli policies interact with these dynamics. 4. **Great Power Dynamics: Russia, China, and the West** How Iran’s strategic ties with Russia and China alter balance-of-power calculations in West Asia, and how Europe and the U.S. are adjusting policy in response. 5. **Geopolitical Signals vs Reality** U.S. military posture in the Gulf, Iranian military exercises near chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, and what these movements signal about escalation risks versus diplomatic incentives. **What Makes This Discussion Different** – We focus on **sovereignty, incentives, and strategic consequence** — not left-right moral theater – We prioritize **nuance over noise** and **context over tribal narratives** – We welcome participants with lived experience and language strengths (including Farsi) – We challenge received wisdom whether it comes from Western media groupthink or simplistic anti-West tropes *This is not pro-Iran or anti-Iran. This is about understanding **why actors behave as they do and how global order is shaped in practice**.* **Boundaries** Speak to ideas, history, strategy, and law — not personalities or identity. Critique systems, not individuals. Expect strong disagreement; intellectual laziness will be called out. Languages: English and French by default. Farsi, Dutch, Spanish, Arabic and Italian are supported. **Location & RSVP** Ixelles, public bar; exact venue shared with confirmed attendees via WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX7UkWGZ3UdLQWLBvNdezN Accountability and rigorous discussion are the point — not performance or talking points.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE BRUSSELS 2026 We meet to allow persons working in the EU Quarter to come along after work and learn how they can help with the Parade Organisation. Volunteers from all nationalities are welcome. More Volunteer Meetings will be organised in the coming weeks.. We meet at the Meeting Point ( nearest metro Schuman or Maelbeek) Come along and briefed and see how you can help. The 18th Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions takes place on Sunday 15th March 2026. We are looking for stewards, musicians, social media helpers and community volunteers to help bring next year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade to life. The parade celebrates the Irish national holiday and the global story of Irish people who have made their homes around the world. Here in Brussels, it is a chance to share Irish art, music, and culture with the wider community and to welcome everyone, Irish or not, into the spirit of inclusion and openness. The event also shines a light on Brussels as a diverse and international capital. It brings together people from many nations and regions, highlights the city’s architecture and heritage, and shows how Belgium and Ireland share long and surprising links stretching back to the 6th century. By joining the volunteer team, you will help create a lively, family-friendly day in the heart of the city. Your support helps us grow a parade that reflects the best of Brussels and strengthens the bonds between our communities. If you would like to get involved, message us here or contact patricks.day.parade(at)gmail.com

**Beyond Relocation: Integrating and Belonging in Belgium** By Helena Andre Brussels, 25 February 2026 Please register here: https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/beyond_relocation.php Relocating to Belgium is more than an administrative transition, it is an emotional, cultural and identity journey. This 90-minute interactive workshop invites experienced expatriates to reflect on their integration path, better understand the different phases of adaptation, and reconnect with their personal intention for being here. Through guided reflection, small-group discussions and practical insights, participants will gain clarity on where they stand today, and how to consciously shape the next chapter of their life in Belgium. **What you can expect to explore and take away from this workshop:** \* A clear understanding of the Expat Curve. \* Insight into how habits, community choices and social environments influence integration. \* Reflection on identity, belonging and the balance between home culture and host culture. \* Practical strategies to build meaningful connections (language, local networks, routine, home environment). \* Personal tools to move forward intentionally from their current stage of integration Participants will leave with renewed perspective, practical integration tools, and a deeper awareness of how to create a life in Belgium that feels aligned, grounded and authentic. **About Helena** Helena Andre is a PhD researcher, career coach, facilitator, and well-being practitioner, specialising in emotional resilience, intercultural communication, and supporting expatriates through career transitions and identity shifts. **Practical Information** **When** Wednesday, 25 February 2026 from 18h45-21h00 **Where?** **Timesmore** Boulevard St Michel 47, 1040 Brussels **How much?** €15 to cover expenses including materials, drinks, snacks, etc. - payable at the door. Register here: https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/beyond_relocation.php **Please Share** If you feel your friends, family and/or colleagues may be interested in this workshop, please share it with them. The Imagination Club relies on new participants to cover our operational costs and maintain a diverse, perceptive and intelligent audience (in other words, people like you) for our events. Might you be interested to give a workshop at the Imagination Club? Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, you are welcome to try out your workshop ideas at the club. We have dates available for this spring and summer

Welcome to our card games night. We will play on Wednesday from 19h-21h at CHEZWaWa Châtelain, a small restaurant. The address is Rue Américaine 91, 1050 Brussels. (Be careful, there also is another CHEZWaWa restaurant.) Please arrive on time. Feel free to call Bruno if you need directions or have questions at +32 485 298 713. We'll bring a selection of games, and you are welcome to bring any of your own. The restaurant serves delicious Mexican-Californian food you might wanna try. It will be available until 20h30. Our group gets a 10% discount on food. We encourage you to have at least a drink, it helps to keep the business running ;) If you like, you can also come a bit earlier for a chat or a snack. We'll be there from 18h30. Katja and Bruno

**️ Let’s talk English together!** We are meeting up for an informal chat to practice. Native speakers are appreciated! No preparation needed, come and go as you like! ❗**Rules and practical info -------------------------------------** \- Make sure you respond to the event\, it is very helpful for the organizer\. Don’t forget to remove it if you cannot make it\! \- A minimum level of A2\-B1 is recommended\. **\- Please purchase at least one thing to support the location\.** Do not consume external food or drinks there. *Visit the website [languagebuddies.be](http://languagebuddies.be/) for the event calendar, other social links, information on how to organize something yourself, and more!*

SESIÓN GRUPAL DE RESPIRACIÓN HOLOSCÓPICA 28 de febrero, de 10:00 a 14:00 h La Respiración Holoscópica, al igual que la Respiración Holotrópica o el Breathwork, es una técnica dirigida a personas que deseen conocerse más o avanzar en su proceso terapéutico. Está especialmente indicada para trabajar bloqueos físicos y emocionales, liberar tensiones y equilibrar el sistema nervioso, facilitando una mayor claridad mental y una mejor regulación emocional. El trabajo se realiza en grupo reducido, acompañado de música y trabajo corporal. Si no lo has probado, te va a sorprender Aportación: 80 € ️ Idioma: Español, +traducción en inglés Facilitan: • Eloisa Acosta, experta en Terapia Transpersonal y Gestalt. Facilitadora de Respiración Holoscópica por la EEDT. • Jesús Sallabera, experto en Terapia Gestalt y Transpersonal (Programa SAT). Facilitador en Respiración Integrativa. Plazas limitadas – reserva: eloisa@eloisaacosta.es WhatsApp: +34 669 019 386 Más información sobre la técnica: [https://eloisaacosta.es/respiracion-holoscopica/](https://eloisaacosta.es/respiracion-holoscopica/) Lugar: Théâtre l’Improviste 120, rue de Fierlant – 1190 Bruselas

Making new friends in a new city doesn’t need to be a struggle at all.

COMEDY CONNECT: The only place in Belgium where your vote matters! ️ February 28th at 20.00 The Sisters Cafè (Just behind Grand Place) ️ [Use the promo code CONNECT and get a ticket for only 7 euros!](https://www.eventbrite.be/e/comedy-connect-vol-7-an-interactive-english-comedy-show-february-28th-tickets-1980316124838?aff=oddtdtcreator) With the help of 4 incredible comedians, we will try to solve the important questions in life, like: Is it normal to wear socks in bed? Is dating your ex-partner a good idea? What is Brussels’ problem? The weather or the people? And much more! **MCs of the night:** Alyce Sevink Michele Marini

On 26.02.2026 we visit Atelier 210 in Etterbeek for the **Science & Cocktails #44** **Lendert Gelens + Noisy Nuns (be)** The idea is to explore the more alternative art scene of Brussels. We’ll kick things off with a cozy Thursday evening event: Cocktail in hand and surrounded by friends, we’ll experience a live science experiment designed to spark some philosophical thoughts — followed by a concert if you feel like sticking around a bit longer. tickets: 10€ (included a cocktail or a mocktail) to buy from the event page: \[https://atelier210\.be/saisons/saison\-25\-26/science\-cocktails\-44/\]\(Event page\) ‍+ **Life without a blueprint (Lendert Gelens, PhD VUB): Lessons from frog eggs** Life is more than DNA. Every living cell is a bustling, self-organizing system where countless molecules cooperate without a master plan. In our lab, we explore this mystery by taking frog eggs apart and watching their molecular “soup” come alive again — forming nuclei, dividing, and even building simple cell-like structures. By combining experiments with physical modeling and computer simulations, we uncover some of the hidden rules that let life build itself and adapt to changing environments. Such work forces us to think differently about life’s origins and what it takes for matter to become living. What makes something alive? **Noisy Nuns (be)** Noisy Nuns are two women sweating behind their keyboards and drums, combining raw energy with incisive melodies. They have both cut their teeth in the Belgian rock scene, working on projects such as Moaning Cities, Von Dead, SOROR, Dario Mars... and decided, with Noisy Nuns, to create a more personal project, giving free rein to their instincts.

Spring is doing its yearly cameo in Brussels, so we’re stealing the good weather for a **small garden BBQ**: grill smoke, laughs, new friends, and language switching mid-sentence like civilized chaos. We’ll mostly keep the conversations centered on food: what you brought, how it’s cooked back home, weird national traditions, and the kind of basic “nice to meet you” talk that works in any language. The goal is easy language practice, meeting new people, and having a good time. Jokes and funny trivia are welcome, as long as you can behave like an adult. This is a **bring & share** setup: you show up with something tasty, you leave with new words, new people, and probably the strong opinion that your country does BBQ better (you’re welcome to defend that position). ### **The vibe** * Backyard BBQ, relaxed and social * Language exchange baked into the night (talk, eat, switch languages, repeat) * Cultural food is strongly encouraged: bring your “this is what we eat at home” item ### **Languages** Host is fluent in **English, Italian, French, Spanish**, and has basics of **Russian, Croatian, Serbian, Japanese**. If you speak anything else, bring it. We collect languages like Pokémon. ### **What to bring (Bring & Share)** * Food + drinks for you **AND** something to share * Bonus points for something from your culture * If you’re bringing veggie stuff, make it something people actually want to eat. ### **If you don’t want to bring food** Message the host in WhatsApp. You can pay a **small fee** instead and still eat like a functional adult. ### **Contribution** **€2 per person** to cover wood/charcoal. Yes, even in 2026 humans still pay for fire. ### **Location (shared privately)** The address is shared **only** with confirmed RSVPs who: 1. Join the CLUB WhatsApp chat 2. Send a quick intro: first name + languages + what you’re into WhatsApp link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/F2hTxZ4TT3hHICiihX1Efy ### **Rules (because humans)** * **Not a dating meetup.** * This is not an “NPC meetup” where everyone tiptoes around like they’re negotiating a hostage release. People can talk freely and share opinions. **No censorship, no tone-policing, no drama farming.** * **No creeps. No harassment. No pushing after a “no.” No weird DMs.** * Respect the host’s home, neighbors, and the group. * If you act shady, you’re out. Simple.

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

# **The Ostrich Social** #### **3408 Indianola Ave** BYOB / Pizza will be provided so Please RSVP Dresden Stammtisch is a monthly social gathering for members and friends of Dresden Sister City, Inc. The event is free and open to the public. We speak German or English - it is largely up to you!

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink. We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Hey Everyone! Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.