Belgium, taking over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in January, will focus on migration, health policy, and technology. Ambassador Willem van de Voorde highlighted the urgency of adopting a new Migration Pact and establishing a Critical Medicines Act, including a Critical Medicines Alliance to address drug shortages, such as the diabetes drug Ozempic. Belgium also advocates for an EU agency to screen algorithms. The upcoming presidency will also ensure the enforcement of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

A collection of valuable Ukrainian artworks was transported out of Kyiv to Poland for safety amid Russian missile attacks. These works, dating from 1900 to 1930, are now on display in Brussels at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in the exhibition 'In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine, 1900-1930s.' The exhibition, which includes over 50 works from Kyiv’s National Art Museum and its Museum of Theatre, Music and Cinema, aims to showcase Ukraine’s cultural heritage and keep international attention on the ongoing conflict. It will travel to Austria's Belvedere Museum and London's Royal Academy of Arts in the coming months. The future of the exhibition post-London is uncertain and depends on decisions by Ukraine's Ministry of Culture. The exhibit, which was planned before the war, has gained significance due to the conflict, and features a range of modernist styles and artists with multinational backgrounds, including Kazymyr Malevych, Sarah Shor, and Alexandra Exter.

Stephanie Manasseh, originally from Montreal, became a significant figure in Brussels' contemporary art scene after founding the Accessible Art Fair, which allowed artists to sell their work directly to audiences without gallery intermediation. The fair, which ran for 15 editions, ceased during the pandemic. Manasseh, now an art consultant and curator through her company SM Art Advisory, has observed changes in the art market, including the rise of social media enabling artists to promote their work independently. Despite the fair's end, Manasseh continues to influence the art market by advising clients and working on art-related projects.

Sebastian Ebel, CEO of travel agency TUI, suggests that Belgium, along with the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries, will become more popular holiday destinations as global warming affects Europe's south, leading tourists to seek cooler summer temperatures. He notes an increase in bookings for the Benelux and Scandinavia for autumn 2023 and mentions that TUI will focus on these emerging destinations.

The article discusses the cultural and political significance of the sauna in Finland, highlighting its role in facilitating diplomatic discussions and decision-making among politicians. It is noted that saunas are a Finnish institution, recognized on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List, and have historically provided a relaxed atmosphere for officials to converse and find common ground. The article mentions Finland's recent move towards NATO membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the presence of saunas in Finnish government buildings, embassies, and military. Former Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen and European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen share their views on the importance of the sauna in Finnish culture and politics. The article also touches on the gender dynamics of sauna diplomacy and its evolution over time, with Meta's head of EU affairs, Aura Salla, providing a personal perspective on the sauna's role in her life.

Eva Kaili, the European Parliament’s vice president, was arrested in a corruption scandal involving Qatar and Morocco, accused of influencing the EU Parliament’s work. In 2018, Pier Antonio Panzeri, then a member of the Parliament, signed a cooperation deal with Qatar’s human rights commission, which was not officially recognized by the EU Parliament. This deal facilitated years of collaboration, including conferences and trips to Doha, with Qatar covering expenses. Panzeri has admitted to bribing MEPs in a plea deal, while Kaili and her partner, Francesco Giorgi, deny wrongdoing. The scandal has raised concerns about foreign influence and the lack of oversight in the EU Parliament.

Dacian Cioloş, former Romanian prime minister and MEP, resigned as head of the liberal Save Romania Union (USR) after his plans to reform the party were rejected. He emphasized the need for modernization and dialogue within USR, which has experienced internal tensions since merging with the PLUS party. Cioloş had been USR leader since October and was previously chair of the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament. Despite being proposed as prime minister by President Klaus Iohannis, he did not secure support from MPs. Cioloş will remain a party member.

The article discusses the potential impact of a Joe Biden presidential win on international students, with insights from immigration reporter Felipe De La Hoz. It suggests that if Trump's administration loses, there might be attempts to damage the immigration system before leaving office. The article speculates on the challenges and changes that could occur for international students, including visa issues and re-entry concerns. It concludes that while immediate improvements under Biden are unlikely, the situation for international students could gradually get better.

I20 NATION is a forthcoming resource and community for international students in the United States, offering stories, tips, and expert interviews. The author, a Fordham University graduate and former New York Times employee, will share insights on international student life, track immigration laws, and discuss personal experiences.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which is not known for running a functional subway system, also oversees subway stations with bathrooms that have a reputation for being part of the city's underworld. However, the most shocking aspect might be the scarcity of these facilities, with only 51 operative restrooms across 472 stations, serving an average of 5.6 million weekday riders, equating to roughly one bathroom per 53,000 riders.

The article discusses a diorama at the American Museum of Natural History that portrays a 17th-century encounter between Dutch settlers and the Lenape tribe in what is now New York City. Critics have pointed out that the diorama, created in 1939, shows a cultural hierarchy rather than a cultural exchange, with the Dutch depicted as fully clothed and dominant, while the Lenape are shown in loincloths and submissive poses. Museum officials acknowledge the historical inaccuracies and problematic stereotypes, which visual historian Bradley Pecore, of Menominee and Stockbridge Munsee descent, says still powerfully shape public perceptions of Indigenous people.

Following Amazon's withdrawal of its plans to build a corporate campus in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio has openly criticized the company, describing its decision as dictatorial and immature. This marks a stark change from his previous support, which included collaborating with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to overcome political obstacles for Amazon. The mayor expressed shock at the abrupt decision, conveyed to him by Amazon executive Jay Carney, and quickly shifted to a stance of outrage.

John C. Bogle, the founder of Vanguard Group, passed away at 89 due to esophageal cancer. Vanguard, with $4.9 trillion in assets, was built on Bogle's belief in indexing and low-cost investment strategies. He was critical of high mutual fund fees and advocated for low-cost index funds. Bogle had a heart transplant in 1996 after a history of heart issues.