The week in brief: 8 June

The average member of the Belgian armed forces has a body mass index (BMI) of 26.3 and is therefore technically overweight, defence minister Steven Vandeput said. BMI is a standard measure used to determine if an individual is underweight, normal weight (BMI up to 25), overweight (25-30) or obese. The military’s BMI varies according to age: all under-30s are  lower than 25, while male NCOs over 50 average 27.6. 

Only large supermarkets will be required to accept returned drinks cans and plastic bottles once they are subject to a deposit, Flemish environment minister Joke Schauvliege said. The deposit is intended to encourage customers to return drinks packaging rather than send it to landfill, but small retailers complained they do not have the space to stock the returns. Schauvliege hopes to see the new measure introduced in September.

The demolition of the Reyers viaduct in the Brussels commune of Schaarbeek will begin on 12 July with a street party, public works minister Pascal Smet has announced. The viaduct was slated for demolition after renovation works revealed serious problems with the structure. The area currently covered by the viaduct will be transformed into an open boulevard.

The Belgian Travel Organisation, representing tour operators, is demanding damages from Belgocontrol for the electricity blackout that grounded all aircraft in Belgian air space for four hours on 27 May. Flights were cancelled and others severely delayed, and passengers were stranded at Brussels Airport and abroad.

Jo Libeer, managing director of the Flemish chamber of commerce, Voka, until the end of the month, is set to become CEO of Kortrijk’s Interior Biennale, which next year celebrates its silver jubilee. Libeer, who leaves Voka after 32 years, had said he was looking for an opportunity at the crossroads of culture and economy.

The best milk in Flanders comes from the Adams-Leenaerts farm in Hoogstraten, Antwerp province, according to a survey carried out by the Flemish milk inspection centre MCC. The centre inspects 15 million milk samples from 4,950 producers every year. The Hoogstraten milk scored highly for cell quality and low for bacteria content, water content and infections among the cows.

Red Devil captain Vincent Kompany has been named New European of the Year at a ceremony in the European Parliament. The award is given to a notable European of migrant origin. Kompany was elected unanimously by a jury of politicians, business leaders and NGO representatives, who said he “stands out across all borders, not only for his footballing talent but also for his spirit, his entrepreneurial talent, social commitment and volunteer work”.

Management at the famous Flemish biscuit-makers Lotus has assured all staff that no-one will be laid off as a result of the fire that seriously damaged the company’s bakery in Meise, Flemish Brabant, last week. The company is not certain the factory will be rebuilt, but workers were told jobs would be found for them in other parts of the company. The company also has production facilities in Eeklo, Kaprijke and Ghent, as well as in Courcelles in Wallonia.

The city and province of Antwerp will work together to create a new diamonds and silver experience centre. The province has already purchased two adjoining buildings between the city hall and the Scheldt river. The province will contribute its own collection of diamonds and silver, as well as €6.75 million for the cost of the museum and €1.5 for annual upkeep. Antwerp city will contribute €3 million and pay the communications budget of €210,000. The Diamond Museum on Koningin Astridplein closed its doors in 2012.

Six companies have been nominated for the Export Lion prize, awarded annually by Flanders Investment & Trade for export performance. In the category of companies with fewer than 50 employees: Aluvision, which makes installations for exhibitions and events; Basalte, specialists in interior design; Zappware, developer of digital TV applications. Companies with more than 50 workers: textile company Libeco-Lagae; Pattyn Packaging Lines, which makes bulk packaging; and Sofico, specialising in software for auto dealerships. The names of the two winners will be announced in December.

The government of Flanders has approved €20.3 million in subsidies for school-building projects. The total includes €9.6 million for urgent repairs, €7.1 million for small-scale building works and €3.5 million for new buildings and major renovations.

Even as the country’s first Apple Store is being kitted out on Guldenvlieslaan in Brussels, news has emerged that points to a second one planned for Antwerp. Ads for Apple Store staff “in the province of Antwerp” appeared last week on the website StepStone. The site’s map function points to the Grand Bazar shopping centre near Groenplaats.

Photo courtesy Belgian defence ministry