OpenID

This is a **recurring weekly gathering** of open-minded people who want to understand geopolitics **without confirmation bias**. We are not here to repeat talking points, defend camps, or feel morally validated. We are here to **listen, compare perspectives, and learn** — especially from people who come from, live in, or are directly affected by the regions being discussed. Each week, we look at **current and long-term geopolitical issues**, including conflicts rarely covered or oversimplified by Western media. **Topics We Cover** Our discussions focus on **current and long-term geopolitical issues**, including conflicts rarely covered or oversimplified by Western media, sovereignty, and reality as it is, not as it is marketed. We approach geopolitics and society from a realist, sovereignty-first perspective, skeptical of globalist ideology and media **groupthink**. The aim is to understand interests, incentives, history, law, and consequences — not to rehearse fashionable outrage. **Examples of topics we regularly examine include:** **1\. Venezuela & Cuba** Sanctions, regime survival, sovereignty, and how U.S. policy, energy interests, and regional power dynamics shape outcomes in Latin America — beyond Cold War clichés. **2\. Ukraine\, Cyprus & European Borders** Frozen conflicts, divided territories, and how international law is selectively applied when sovereignty clashes with strategic interests. **3\. Iran\, Gaza\, Syria & Lebanon** The Middle East beyond slogans: proxy wars, regional balances, sectarian fault lines, sanctions, militias, state collapse, and why Western media framing often obscures long-term realities. **4\. Congo \(DRC\) & Resource Wars** How minerals, supply chains, and foreign interests fuel instability in Africa — and why some of the deadliest conflicts on earth barely make the news. **5\. Taiwan\, Greenland & Strategic Geography** Why islands, trade routes, chokepoints, and remote territories matter enormously in a multipolar world — and how geography shapes power more than ideology ever will. **What Makes This Different** – We prioritize **voices from affected regions**: Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia – We examine **what Western media doesn’t tell, doesn’t show, or doesn’t contextualize** – We welcome **new ideas, uncomfortable facts, and disagreement** – We focus on power, interests, culture, history, economics — not slogans **This is not a safe space for ideology.** **It *is* a safe space for honest thinking.** In Brussels, there are already debate initiatives that offer structured discussions. Too often, however, a small circle curates skewed propositions and narrows the range of acceptable conclusions, turning moderation into gatekeeping . There are also plenty of spaces dedicated to repeating anti-American slogans or reducing complex geopolitics to partisan outrage. This forum is not one of them. Our approach is different. **We welcome genuine diversity of opinion and lived experience.** No one here will be cancelled, banned, or shamed for challenging dominant narratives. Ideas are debated openly; personal attacks and defamation are not tolerated. **Motions & Proposals Welcome** We actively encourage participants to propose motions for debate. If you suggest a motion, please do so with substance: a clear claim, basic historical or legal grounding, and an understanding of the stakes involved. Motions designed to provoke thinking are welcome; motions designed to score points or repeat media talking points are not. **Languages** The language of discussion will depend on the participants present. Debates are typically held in English and French, but we are comfortable switching or accommodating other languages when the moderation team can support it. Languages we can currently handle include: – English – French – Dutch – Spanish – Italian – Russian – Farsi The goal is understanding, not linguistic purity. When needed, participants may clarify or translate key points to ensure everyone can follow the discussion. If you speak more than one language, that’s an asset here ### **What We Ask of Participants** – Come to understand, not to perform or “win” – Be genuinely open to **new ideas and perspectives**, especially those that challenge your own – Speak from **knowledge**, not slogans — history, law, and context matter – If you bring a topic, come prepared: facts, timelines, sources, and legal or historical grounding are encouraged – Argue **ideas**, never individuals – No censorship of viewpoints – No personal attacks – No defamation or accusations against individuals **Strong disagreement is not only accepted — it is expected.** **Intellectual laziness is not.** **This is not a dating meetup.** Not every social space exists for flirting, hitting on people, or testing romantic opportunities. Anyone who treats this forum as a dating pool, approaches others with unwanted advances, or assumes participation implies romantic availability is misunderstanding the purpose of this group. Conversation comes first. Ideas come first. Respect comes first. If you are here primarily to date, pursue, or pressure others, this is not the right space for you. Boundaries are enforced. Discomfort is taken seriously. **Those who ignore this will be immediately asked to leave.** **Location & RSVP** The event will take place in Ixelles, in a public bar. To keep the discussion safe, focused, and accountable, the exact venue will be shared only with confirmed RSVPs via our WhatsApp chat. Depending on the final size of the group, we have several appropriate and secure venue options in the area. This allows us to: – Adapt the venue to the group size – Avoid disruptive or bad-faith behavior common to fully open meetups – Prevent meetup creeps and repeat offenders – Ensure everyone present respects the rules of conduct 👉 To RSVP and receive the location: **https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX7UkWGZ3UdLQWLBvNdezN** 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.

* **Booking + advance payment is necessary please in our online booking system** [click here](https://www.danceandzumbafun.com/book.html) **YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE -** **also for you :)** no matter your age, weight or physical shape. This is an «**open level**» class where beginners and experienced practioners are welcome! Our excellent teacher had 16 years' experience. She provides alternative postures during the class, adapted to your level, and will gently correct you when needed. Hatha yoga is ideal if you are looking to re-connect with your body and improve your physical health. It's practiced more slowly and with more static hold than other yoga types, allowing time to sink into deeper poses. It's thus ideal for **efficient stretching**, and a good choice for beginners. Thanks to your yoga practice you will **develop strength, increase flexibility, your physical balance and stability, and can also find inner balance and strengthen yourself mentally.** Our venue is spacious: you don't have to be too close to each other and it's easy to see the teacher. We ventilate with fresh air (not air condition). Please remember to bring your mat! **BOOKING NECESSARY PLEASE:** * **Booking + advance payment is necessary please in our online booking system** [click here](https://www.danceandzumbafun.com/book.html) (Email if you prefer to pay in cash.) **Your price choices:** \- No inscription fee\, no member fee\! \- You choose to pay per class or to buy a multiple class card at reduced price\. Online payment in the booking system\. If you prefer to pay in cash you need to email before\. \- 1 class = €15\, or €14 reduced price full time students <25 years\, unemployed all ages\, retired\. * 5-class "All classes" pass valid 6 weeks = 70 euros * 10-class "All classes" pass valid 12 weeks = 130 euros. * 20-class "All classes" pass valid 6 weeks = 220 euros. * 20-class "All classes" pass valid 6 months = 260 euros. The "All class" passes are valid for the Hatha Yoga, Muscle Tone & Strength, Muscle strengthening, and Zumba classes of your choice. **Practical info:** \- Address: Rue Doyen Boone 6\, 1040 Etterbeek\. \- Metro: Schuman or Merode\, Tram 81\, several bus lines\, free parking in the street or inside of Parc Cinquantenaire between the museums\. \- Bring your own mat please \(if you don't have one you can borrow one the first time: email to book it\!\)\. \- It can be nice to bring a blanket or sweater for the relaxation at the end\. \- Bring a water bottle \(you can fill it up by tap water at the venue\)\. \- Most participants arrive already in their sport outfit\, but you can get changed at the venue \(however no showers\)\. **Contact:** Questions? Email Sofie: [info@danceandzumbafun.com](mailto:info@danceandzumbafun.com) Our website: [www.danceandzumbafun.com](http://www.danceandzumbafun.com/) Booking system: [https://www.danceandzumbafun.com/book.html](https://www.danceandzumbafun.com/book.html) A WARM WELCOME to former and new participants! Sofie

Tonight we take a step away from heavy political and moral debates and turn our attention to something we all recognize instantly, the suit. Whether worn in courtrooms, weddings, business meetings, or on red carpets, the suit has become almost synonymous with formality. Yet its presence feels so natural that we rarely stop to ask how it came to dominate our collective understanding of what it means to “dress properly.” The modern suit did not appear out of nowhere. Its roots trace back to military and aristocratic dress codes that gradually transformed into civilian formal wear during the industrial age. Over time, what began as a specific cultural artifact spread globally and came to be seen, in many places, as the default language of formal attire. So ingrained is this image that many of us struggle to imagine a time when the three-piece suit was not the expected norm for serious occasions. At the same time, this story is not universal. In many cultures, the suit is not a neutral symbol of professionalism but a garment tied to colonial history, imported norms, and the pressure to conform to Western standards. What some view as timeless elegance may, for others, represent cultural erasure or the expectation to abandon traditional forms of dress in order to be taken seriously. Even today, debates continue around what counts as “professional” attire and who gets to define it. Despite countless changes in fashion, social norms, and work culture, the suit has remained remarkably resilient. From old Hollywood icons to modern TV characters, the suit carries an aura of confidence and authority. Just take Barney Stinson’s relentless “Suit up!” campaign in *How I Met Your Mother* as an example, where suits were treated less like clothing and more like a life philosophy. But does longevity automatically make something timeless? Is the suit a genuinely universal classic that transcends generations and cultural differences, or is it simply a tradition maintained by habit and expectation? This evening, we invite you to explore these questions through debate, examining the history, symbolism, cultural influence, and future of one of the most recognizable garments in the world. 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.

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

### **O’DANCE FIESTA — WEDNESDAYS IN BRUSSELS** **Bring the sunshine to your week!** ***Salsa – Bachata – Kizomba*** Meet, dance, connect & make new friends 📍 Rue Montoyer 1, 1000 Brussels **EVERY WEDNESDAY** ⏰ **6:30 PM** – Welcome + Salsa mini demo **7:00 PM** – Salsa Beginners **8:00 PM** – Salsa Intermediate **9:00 PM** – Practica & SBK Dance Social – FREE Entry INSTA: [O'dance_events](https://www.instagram.com/odance_events?igsh=MXg5eXE4d3g1bXdjMw==) PHONE :0499/891868 No partner? No problem! Warm, fun & international vibe Join the O’Dance energy and dance your heart out! ### **O’DANCE FIESTA — TOUS LES MERCREDIS À BRUXELLES** **Faites entrer le soleil dans votre semaine !** ***Salsa – Bachata – Kizomba*** Dansez, rencontrez, connectez et créez de nouvelles amitiés 📍 Rue Montoyer 1, 1000 Bruxelles **TOUS LES MERCREDIS** ⏰ **18h30** – Accueil **19h00** – Cours de Salsa débutants **20h00** – Cours de Salsa intermédiaires **21h00** – Practika & SBK Social (ENTREE GRATUITE) INSTA: [O'dance_events](https://www.instagram.com/odance_events?igsh=MXg5eXE4d3g1bXdjMw==) PHONE :0499/891868 Pas de partenaire ? Pas de souci ! Une ambiance chaleureuse, fun et internationale Rejoignez l’énergie O’Dance et dansez à fond !

🌟 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 !

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! 🍶🎤

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

Join us for a full day of collaborative work at HSBXL! This event is open to everyone who enjoys working in a community environment, whether you're advancing on business ventures, freelance projects, or creative endeavors. Bring your laptops, your enthusiasm, and your projects to collaborate, learn, and share in the main room of our spacious hackerspace. During this **8-hour co-working event**, you'll have the opportunity to work on your project, ask for feedback, offer help to others, and if you wish, share your achievements at the end of the day. **Please Note**: While HSBXL has multiple rooms for various purposes, this coworking event is taking place in the main room. It's important to note that online meetings should be avoided during this event to prevent noise disturbance and to maintain a conducive work environment for everyone. \#\#\# What the day will look like: 1\. Introduction and setting up: Find a comfortable spot in the main room\, set up your workspace and grab a Club Mate\, soft drink\, or a coffee to get your day started\. 2\. Work Session: Dive into your project\, seek assistance\, and collaborate with others\. 3\. Sharing Session: Optional\, but encouraged\! Share what you've worked on\, your challenges\, and triumphs\. \#\#\# How to get to HSBXL: HSBXL is located in Brussels. For detailed instructions on how to get to the hackerspace, please visit [here](https://hsbxl.be/enter/). If you encounter any issues while trying to get in, you can contact us at +32 28804004. Please note that the phone is inside the space. Alternatively, you can also reach out to us in our [Matrix chatroom](https://matrix.to/#/#hsbxl:matrix.org). \#\#\# Requirements Please bring your laptop, and if you have, an extension cord. The space has WiFi, but having your own internet backup solution can also be useful. Join us at this **8-hour co-working day** in the main room of HSBXL, and we hope you'll have made progress on your projects, learned something new, and most importantly, enjoyed the power of community collaboration. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or creative, we welcome you to this day of productivity, sharing, and collaboration.

[French version below] APIs are everywhere — weather apps, mobile apps, online payments, dashboards — but do you really know what an API is and how it works? In this PyLadies Brussels workshop, we'll take a step back and focus on understanding APIs from first principles. **We'll explore:** * What an API actually is (beyond the buzzword) * How different applications communicate with each other * What CRUD means in practice * How the same API can be used from Python, the browser, and JavaScript Using simple examples (no heavy setup, no complex frameworks), we'll look at a small Python API, explore real online APIs directly in the browser, and see how JavaScript interacts with them. The goal is not to build a "perfect" API, but to build a clear mental model of how APIs work and why they exist. **What you'll need:** * Basic Python knowledge * Laptop with Python installed (a few laptops will be available if needed) * Curiosity about how things work Beginner-friendly, concept-focused, and open to anyone curious about APIs 💜 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Savez-vous vraiment ce qu'est une API ?** Les APIs sont partout — applications météo, applications mobiles, paiements en ligne, tableaux de bord — mais savez-vous vraiment ce qu'est une API et comment ça fonctionne ? Dans cet atelier PyLadies Brussels, on prend du recul pour comprendre les APIs depuis les bases. **On va explorer :** * Ce qu'est réellement une API (au-delà du buzzword) * Comment différentes applications communiquent entre elles * Ce que CRUD signifie en pratique * Comment la même API peut être utilisée depuis Python, le navigateur et JavaScript À travers des exemples simples (pas d'installation complexe, pas de frameworks lourds), on regardera une petite API Python, on explorera des APIs en ligne directement dans le navigateur, et on verra comment JavaScript interagit avec elles. L'objectif n'est pas de construire une API "parfaite", mais de construire un modèle mental clair de comment les APIs fonctionnent et pourquoi elles existent. **Ce qu'il vous faut :** * Des bases en Python * Un ordinateur portable avec Python installé (quelques ordinateurs seront disponibles si besoin) * De la curiosité Accessible aux débutant·e·s, axé sur les concepts, et ouvert à toute personne curieuse de comprendre les APIs 💜

✨ **Meet new people in Brussels** **in a friendly, relaxed and international atmosphere.** The ambience is relatively quiet, calm and sober for easy-going casual conversation, with no chaos and loud party music in the background! 🍻 Large selection of drinks and food available 🌍 Internationals, expats & locals welcome 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Over 10,000 members overall in our Brussels community! The event was also covered in a recent article from Brussels Times: [https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1949146/euromeet-the-real-life-brussels-social-network](https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1949146/euromeet-the-real-life-brussels-social-network) 😀 Our events usually attract **30–40 attendees**, with an age average of around 35 years old and good gender balance (the event announcement is relayed across multiple social media, not just on this page) 💪 Organized weekly since early 2025 🩷 **Safe, respectful environment, and zero tolerance for any harassment!** The organizer is always present all evening in case of problems. You can also leave any anonymous feedback about the event here under this form: [https://gmogni.aidaform.com/brasserie-meetup-feedback-form](https://gmogni.aidaform.com/brasserie-meetup-feedback-form) **.** Looking to meet new people and expand your social circle in Brussels, as well as your network of professional contacts? Join us **every Friday evening anytime from 18:30** **and until at least 23h** **at** **the** **“Quartier Leopold”** **brasserie**, in the heart of the famous Place du Luxembourg in front of the European Parliament, for a fun, relaxed night of **drinks, food, spontaneous conversations, and great vibes**! 💛 . 📍 **Location**: “Quartier Leopold” brasserie, Pl. du Luxembourg 9, 1050 Ixelles 📌 **Google Maps**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/oCvSP1AGZNX2ZV3C8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oCvSP1AGZNX2ZV3C8) (don't worry if you see the bar marked as "closed" on Google Maps for the Friday nights, they will always be open for us!) **🌐 Website of the venue**: [https://www.quartier-leopold.be/en](https://www.quartier-leopold.be/en) 📸 **Pictures gallery from previous events:** [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LRbsinA1wEtUrDhlyw8K6Uz9YKeq0_dw?usp=sharing](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LRbsinA1wEtUrDhlyw8K6Uz9YKeq0_dw?usp=sharing) . ✨ **Why you’ll love it**: ✅ **Everyone is welcome**, even if you don’t know anyone else yet—expats, locals, newcomers, solo adventurers, or groups! ✅ Completely **free to attend**—just grab a drink and join the fun! Please ask the bartenders when you arrive if unsure where to find our meetup group and tables ✅ Possibility to make also useful **professional exchanges and networking** with other participants who work in similar domains, so remember to bring also your business card! ✅ Tons of **indoor and outdoor space available**—the square in front of the bar is quite pedestrian-friendly, and we have a private large room reserved entirely for the Meetup participants at the back of the bar! ✅ Possibility to have **dinner at the brasserie** during the meetup (until 22h), thanks to its comprehensive selection of dishes available in the menu: [https://www.quartier-leopold.be/web/content/1467?unique=b27f82e985f525417a92cbeaf0f1ac1c5e2fb4a0](https://www.quartier-leopold.be/web/content/1467?unique=b27f82e985f525417a92cbeaf0f1ac1c5e2fb4a0) ✅ **Want to keep the night going?** After the meetup, we often continue as a group to explore nightlife hotspots in the city center. . 💬 **Stay connected with our Community**: ▶️ Join our **Facebook/Messenger chat** to get updates and easily find the group on arrival:[ ](https://m.me/ch/Abaqvj9lxNT3_xh7/)[https://m.me/ch/AbaV86vk4SHop_eD/](https://m.me/ch/AbaV86vk4SHop_eD/) ▶️ Otherwise, if you prefer to use **WhatsApp**, please join this other group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMjWrr9wCR7JYsudMD6XV0](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMjWrr9wCR7JYsudMD6XV0) ▶️ We are also active on **Telegram**: [https://t.me/euromeet_meetup](https://t.me/euromeet_meetup "https://t.me/euromeet_meetup") ▶️ And don’t forget to join our **EuroMeet Facebook group** for many more social events in Brussels: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/euromeet](https://www.facebook.com/groups/euromeet) ▶️ Finally, we also manage a **professional networking group on LinkedIn** as well, for more easily retrieving each other's LinkedIn profiles and identifying people who also work in similar domains: [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13194613/](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13194613/) . Come alone or bring a friend—either way, you’ll leave with **new friends, great memories, and maybe even some ideas on how to develop further your professional career!** See you this Friday! 🍻✨😀 . 📧 Got questions? Reach out to the **organizer**: [gabriele.mogni@gmail.com](mailto:gabriele.mogni@gmail.com) . 👉 Please **RSVP on Meetup** if you would like to attend our next event, so that we can plan accordingly. . \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **#BrusselsMeetup #ExpatsInBrussels #BrusselsSocialLife #BrusselsEvents #FridayVibes #EuroMeet #SocialInBrussels #BrusselsNightlife #MakeNewFriends #MeetupBrussels #SchumanAfterWork #WeekendVibes**

De Open Garage is een wekelijkse nerdvriendelijke café-avond in de makerspace/garage van Anthony Liekens. Wekelijks zijn er een paar stamgasten present en ben je zeker ook welkom om eens te komen kijken of een ideetje of technisch probleem op informele manier aan de groep voor te stellen. Breng iets mee om te drinken en share het in onze community koelkast. Maak-projectjes om over te brainstormen of aan te werken, en vriendjes zijn zeker ook welkom. Minderjarigen zijn welkom, maar enkel onder begeleiding van een volwassene.

**Experience Deep Relaxation & Mental Clarity with Access Bars®** ​Imagine letting go of stress, overthinking, and emotional blocks—effortlessly. Access Bars® is a gentle, hands-on technique that activates 32 points on your head, helping to release stored thoughts, beliefs, and tension, leaving you feeling lighter, clearer, and more at ease. ​ ​Your Session ​🕰️ Duration: 30min or 60min in total ​📍 In-Person Only – Feel the full benefits in a calm and welcoming space. ​ ​💰 Investment in Your Well-being: ​30-min session: 25 EUR or 2 Common Hub Tokens (2 CHT) ​60-min session: 50 EUR or 4 Common Hub Tokens (4 CHT) ​ ​Book your session now and give yourself the gift of relaxation, clarity, and renewed energy! ✨ Booking: [https://koalendar.com/e/access-bars-CHB](https://koalendar.com/e/access-bars-CHB) **About Your Host:** ​​​This experience is guided by Mara [Regina](https://linktr.ee/reginadgaia) D'Gaia, holistic therapist and access bars practitioner. ​​​📧 Contact: [integractiveconnections@gmail.com](http://integractiveconnections@gmail.com) ​​​📸 Follow on Instagram: [@reginadgaia](http://www.instagram.com/reginadgaia)

**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

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/

### Tools in your AI's Toolbox : An introduction to MCP Servers The generative AI revolution has unlocked unprecedented capabilities, but the next frontier is agency: empowering models to interact with, query, and act upon the world. The current challenge is the “N x M integration problem,” where every AI model requires a custom, brittle integration for each external tool or data source. This approach simply doesn’t scale. How can we give an AI access to our sales leads, code repositories, or IoT devices in a standardized, secure, and reusable way? This session introduces Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), the open-source framework designed to solve this challenge and become the universal connector—the USB-C port—for AI. MCP standardizes how AI models discover and use external tools, moving beyond simple function-calling to a robust, client-server architecture. We will dive into how this open protocol is creating a new ecosystem for building powerful, context-aware AI agents. Join this session for a developer-focused introduction where you will learn how to: Understand the core concepts of the open-source Model Context Protocol and its architecture. Utilize pre-built, open-source MCP servers to instantly connect AI to tools like Git, Slack, and databases. Build a custom MCP server to securely expose your own proprietary data and APIs as tools for any compliant AI. Move beyond bespoke integrations and contribute to a standardized, collaborative, and open ecosystem. Stop building one-off connectors and start building intelligent agents. This session will give you the practical knowledge to leverage MCP and create the next generation of AI that doesn’t just talk, but does. Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! [https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/](https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/)

Try new games, meet new people, and find out what story games are all about! Explore the reaches of space! Witness kingdoms rise and fall! Create and explore tragedies! All within a single game night. We play story games like Fiasco, Kingdom, Polaris and Microscope that encourage everyone at the table to participate creatively. We also have one-shots of indie, OSR, and narrative-focused RPGs such as Apocalypse World, Dread, Lady Blackbird, and Old School Essentials! Everybody's welcome! It doesn't matter if you've never tried story games before or never played roleplaying games at all! Just bring your brain and a good attitude and come try it out! *** **IMPORTANT** * When you arrive look for the marked Story Games Columbus Tables. Each table will have a separate game. Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis. * If all tables are full, look for a Facilitator. We will find a way to get you into a game! * There is a flat $3 cover charge for events at Tabletop. *** **Facilitators!!** Please arrive early so that we can get you set up with a table. Please reach out to me ASAP if you would be willing to help facilitate. You can reach me on the SGC Discord here - https://discord.gg/jUTvWUu

**\*\*\*\* More details and sign up at: https://aifalliance.org/summit-2026/ \*\*\*\*** **What is AI Freedom Alliance?** AI Freedom Alliance promotes the responsible growth of AI guided by practical, commonsense ethics. Our nonprofit is built by professionals from a wide range of industries and is made up entirely of small- and mediumbusiness representatives—never large tech companies. We provide a counterbalance to big corporate influence, focusing instead on how AI can benefit businesses and the world at large. **What’s Happening?** ***The inaugural AI Freedom Alliance Summit.*** This full-day event will explore how we can ensure AI is adopted responsibly through shared ethical standards that empower humanity. The summit will feature interactive and educational sessions led by thought leaders, technologists, policymakers, and advocates who are passionate about making AI fair, transparent, and beneficial for everyone. **Why Attend?** Learn about the legal and technical challenges with implementing AI solutions within your organization. Build better solutions while protecting your organization from legal and compliance risks. And learn how to think strategically about AI as a differentiation tool for your business. This summit is highly recommended for C-Suite leaders to learn as well as interact with each other and our sponsors.