News from Olivier?
Dear all, here we are again, spring is in the air! The continually changing climate is not always easy to adjust to but contrary to what the President from overseas keeps telling us climate change is no illusion…
This said, the global political climate is also disturbing and once again the President from overseas can’t wash his hands of it. Let us hope that things will calm down and soon get better rather than worse. This moment is a huge opportunity to strengthen the European Union and its function as a democratic role model in the face of what is happening in too many regions of the world which are governed by dictators or leaders whose mental health status ought to be determined before allowing them to run in elections. I have just spent a year at the service of the Association Européenne de la Pensée Libre (www.aepl.eu) where work needs to be done to explain and defend our non sectarian vision vis-à-vis the institutions of the European Union. As things stand, the social consequences of the global disorder are more than tangible; too many people are forced to emigrate and Europe is still an attractive place of welcome. We see this all too clearly at the SIREAS (le Service International de Recherche d’Education et d’Action sociale www.sireas.be) where alas we have so many visits from people who are lost and in need of help.
Most of my other mandates as a board member in the various organisations I joined when transitioning from my former job have now come to an end. Legally there is a limit to the number of years you can hold such posts at EMMI, microStart and others. Therefore I am now on the lookout for new organisations where I could play a useful role as board member. If you can think of or come across something which is in line with my ideas, values and know-how, please get in touch – thank you very much in advance!
Tennis and singing in our choir keep providing me with the energy one needs when getting on in life; next year there will be a 7 in front….time just flies! We are learning the Verdi Requiem and several other shorter works by Mozart after having performed the Mozart Requiem quite often in Belgium, and other works in Spain, Cordoba and Sevilla, simply magnificent !
Barbara and I are just back from two weeks in our paradise in France with friends. That too is something which does a world of good !! As you know I always start planning our summers and summer visitors at this time of year. We will be there during the two summer months July and August. You know that you are all very welcome provided we have the place and space! So please let me know as soon as possible when you would like to come with how many people and for how long. The sooner I know the faster you’ll get an answer and can I try to combine our friends in the most meaningful way (language, interests etc).
That’s it from me; let us keep our fingers and toes crossed that all these wars come to an end and that ways leading to peace can be found.
Big hug and hope to see you soon, wherever!
Olivier from Brussels April 2026
