Author

Kadir Duran

writer · EUReflect

Contributing writer at EUReflect.

69 stories · page 2 of 3

  • general

    Brussels, Capital of Crossing Destinies

    Unity in Profession: Youth & Diplomacy Forum Brussels, Capital of Crossing Destinies Long-form narrative report by Kadir Duran / Bruxelles Korner

  • general

    A Vibrant Kazakh Community Rising in Belgium

    Kazakhs living in Belgium shared their determination: despite challenges related to nationalism, education or work environments, they are committed to safeguarding their roots, their language, and their traditions.

  • economy

    What’s New in Uzbekistan’s Economy?

    What’s New in Uzbekistan’s Economy? October 2025 Monthly Economic Briefing October 2025 was one of the most active months of the year for Uzbekistan’s international diplomacy and economic transformation. From Brussels to Dushanbe, from Gabala to Tashkent, the country advanced major agreements on trade, investment, energy, logistics, industrial cooperation and regional integration.

  • politics

    Europe Doesn’t Want a “Turkish Scapegoat”

    Why Europe Prefers the Balkans Over Turkey The European Union’s enlargement strategy has taken a decisive turn: the Western Balkans are moving forward, while Turkey remains frozen in its accession process. This is not accidental , it’s the result of political, strategic, and institutional choices. Here are the key reasons why the EU prioritises the Balkans over Turkey

  • economy

    Belgium Isn’t Raising Taxes… But It’s Quietly Cutting More and More Ways to Reduce Them

    Belgium Freezes Most Tax Breaks Until 2030 Belgium is not increasing taxes, but it is sharply restricting the mechanisms that allow taxpayers to reduce them. The Arizona government has decided to freeze nearly all tax-advantaged ceilings from 2025 to 2030, reversing the brief indexation window introduced under the previous Vivaldi coalition. Key Measures Pension savings, long-term savings, and savings-account exemptions remain fixed at 2024 levels for the next five years. Regional tax advantages (service vouchers, ALE cheques, childcare deductions) continue to diverge significantly between Wallonia, Brussels and Flanders. Donations see their federal tax deduction cut from 45% to 30%. Several deductions are abolished entirely, including: Household employee tax credit Adoption-related tax reduction Legal expenses insurance deduction Incentives for light electric vehicles Reduction for losses in private PRICAF structures.....

  • politics

    New York enters a new political era

    At only 34 years old, Zohran Mamdani has been elected mayor of the American metropolis, becoming the first Muslim mayor in the city’s history and one of the youngest to occupy the office in more than a century.

  • conferences events festivals

    European Women’s International Leadership Award 2025

    European Women’s International Leadership Award 2025 Held in Brussels Brussels, 3 November 2025 — Eight women from across the globe were honored at the European Women’s International Leadership Award (EWILA) ceremony in Brussels, recognizing outstanding leadership, resilience, and social impact. The event took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City, gathering diplomats, EU representatives, civil society leaders, and media. Established at the European Parliament in 2019, EWILA highlights women who challenge traditional boundaries, drive transformative change, and inspire communities worldwide. This year’s laureates represent diverse backgrounds and fields including humanitarian action, nuclear safety, cultural preservation, emotional health, entrepreneurship, political leadership, and artistic activism.

  • politics

    Mohammed VI hails a “historic victory” after UN resolution on Western Sahara

    Mohammed VI hails a “historic victory” after UN resolution on Western Sahara King Mohammed VI celebrated what he called a “historic and resounding victory” for Morocco after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution endorsing autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as a credible solution for Western Sahara. The decision is seen as a major diplomatic milestone for Rabat, reinforcing international momentum behind Morocco’s plan, already backed by the US, Spain, France, the UK, the EU – and, recently, Belgium. In a solemn address marking 50 years since the Green March and 70 years of independence, the monarch declared the start of a “new victorious chapter” and invited Algeria to open a path toward reconciliation, stressing “no winner and no loser.” He also called on Sahrawi populations in the Tindouf camps to return, affirming national unity. The resolution renews MINURSO until 2026 and passed with 11 votes in favour, while Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained and Algeria declined participation. The speech situates Western Sahara as a pillar of Morocco’s regional economic and security strategy, including major infrastructure projects connecting to the Sahel and increasing European investment interest—particularly in energy, trade, and stability. Algeria and the Polisario rejected the decision, accusing the UN of ignoring Sahrawi self-determination. The development underscores rising international support for Rabat, amid geopolitical priorities including migration, green hydrogen, and Mediterranean security. As Morocco looks ahead, the key question remains: Will this diplomatic breakthrough help unlock long-stalled dialogue with Algiers and pave the way for regional stability?

  • economy

    Arizona Cornered, Brussels Out of Breath

    Belgium faces a dual fiscal crisis: the Federal "Arizona" government (N-VA, MR, Les Engagés, CD&V, Vooruit) is deadlocked over a mandatory €10 billion austerity plan demanded by the EU, while the Brussels Region struggles to fill a €1.5 billion budget hole without a governing majority or a budget deal.

  • general

    Brussels Regional Budget 2026: Stuck in the Mud

    Regional budget talks are paralyzed by ideological gridlock, risking an estimated €1.5 billion deficit and forcing a spending freeze ("provisional twelfths"). Formateur Leisterh struggles as parties refuse to cut. The consequence: municipal projects stall, social services face underfunding, and Brussels' credibility erodes. Critics warn the capital lacks a coherent vision, living on borrowed time as debt piles up.

  • general

    International Investment Forum in Khiva

    Uzbekistan is deploying an ambitious investment strategy in transport and communication infrastructure, aiming to become a major Eurasian logistics hub.

  • general

    Brussels Prepares and Its Vulnerable Citizens

    The CPAS of Brussels plans massive renovations of its 2,300 housing units and iconic properties via public-private partnerships, property sales, and rent adjustments—but critics warn the focus on workers and profitability risks sidelining the city’s most vulnerable.

  • politics

    Gaza: the Global Sumud Flotilla Under Attack

    An unprecedented international flotilla, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), launched in summer 2025, is the most ambitious citizen maritime initiative ever organized to break the Gaza blockade.

  • travel

    13th Service Held at the Armenian Church on Akdamar Island

    Since 2010, the Armenian Church on Akdamar Island (Lake Van) has hosted an annual service, held under special permission and led by the Patriarch of the Armenians of Turkey. The expression “13th service” does not refer to any liturgical tradition of the Armenian Church, but simply indicates that the ceremony was held for the thirteenth time since the reopening in 2010.

  • general

    The MR: Brussels’big Winner

    Despite its Brussels election win, Belgium’s MR party faces internal rifts, stalled coalition talks, and growing dissent against leader Georges-Louis Bouchez.

  • general

    Political issues in Saint-Josse, Brussels

    Once one of Brussels’ richest communes, Saint-Josse faces possible bankruptcy under Emir Kir’s long rule—raising questions of fate or mismanagement.

  • general

    Smartphone Ban at School in Belgium

    Belgium bans smartphones in schools as AI cheating scandals like the ChatGPT exam case spark debate on technology, integrity, and the future of education.

  • politics

    Legitimacy Dispute Between Moscow and Kyiv

    Russia challenges Zelensky’s legitimacy, claiming Ukraine’s presidential mandate expired in 2024, while Kyiv and Western allies reaffirm his authority amid ongoing war and diplomatic tensions.

  • general

    Brussels Blocked: Verougstraete’s Contradiction

    Yvan Verougstraete, entrusted with unblocking Brussels’ 14-month political deadlock, faces criticism for partisan bias as key parties are excluded from negotiations, casting doubt on his role as neutral facilitator.