NATO, celebrating its 75th anniversary, has opened its cultural diplomacy archives, showcasing classified documents and historical artifacts at its headquarters in Brussels and Washington D.C. The archives include items like a 1957 cookbook featuring recipes from member states, emphasizing the diplomatic power of cultural exchange. The NATO headquarters also serves as an exhibition space, displaying significant historical symbols like pieces of the Berlin Wall and the World Trade Tower. Tours of the facility have been popular, offering visitors a unique insight into NATO's history and operations.

The Book Club, founded by Kriticos Mwansa, offers a unique approach to book discussions by allowing participants to engage without having read the book, fostering inclusive and intimate conversations. Since its inception in 2019, it has expanded to cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Brussels, and has become a business offering private sessions for companies like Netflix and Nike. The initiative has been praised for empowering marginalized voices and creating community connections. It has also been introduced in prisons, receiving positive feedback for encouraging vulnerability and open discussions. Mwansa plans further expansion, including sessions in Paris, London, and potentially Africa.

Ursula von der Leyen is strategically aligning with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as she prepares for a potential re-election bid as the European Commission President. Meloni, once a eurosceptic, has become a significant player in EU politics, influencing policies like migration. Von der Leyen's frequent visits to Italy and her alignment with Meloni's right-wing narrative suggest a tactical move to secure support from the European Parliament and national leaders. However, this alliance carries risks due to Meloni's dual stance on EU policies, which could impact von der Leyen's re-election strategy.

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.

The Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience (PHSSR) EU Expert Advisory Group has released a report urging EU policymakers to enhance prevention and early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The report emphasizes the need for a systemic approach, increased EU investment, improved data infrastructure, and comprehensive evaluations of health interventions. It aligns with the European Parliament's focus on NCDs and calls for collaborative efforts among EU Member States. Key recommendations include updating health workforce action plans, aligning air quality standards with WHO guidelines, and creating targeted action plans for high-burden NCDs.

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.

Stella Kyriakides, the European Union's health commissioner, reflects on her tenure and outlines future priorities, including tackling medicine shortages and reforming pharmaceutical legislation. Despite facing opposition from the pharmaceutical industry, her initiatives aim to make drugs more accessible and affordable across the EU. The European Health Union, a key legacy of the von der Leyen Commission, seeks to enhance cooperation among member states in health matters. Kyriakides emphasizes the importance of a holistic 'one health' approach and highlights significant achievements in cancer treatment and mental health awareness.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire announced that France is in talks with the United Arab Emirates to secure alternative oil and diesel supplies amid the need to reduce reliance on Russian petrol. Le Maire emphasized that while the war in Ukraine is not the primary cause of rising energy prices, it exacerbates existing issues, highlighting the importance of energy independence. The discussions come ahead of France's legislative elections, with inflation being a key concern.

The article discusses the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean, highlighting the need for the European Union to enhance search and rescue operations. It references the 2013 Lampedusa tragedy and the subsequent, but short-lived, Mare Nostrum operation. MEPs have called for more coordinated efforts, with key figures like Lena Düpont and Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar advocating for human rights-focused policies. Organizations like Amnesty International and Sea-Watch criticize current EU and member state actions, urging for a more proactive approach to save lives and comply with international law.