SHAPE: Belgian Tax Letters Update

Belgian Tax Letters have been sent out, so please check your mailbox for one. If you, your spouse, your child aged 18+ have received one letter, please use the following guidelines so they can be returned and dealt with on time to avoid any fine.

 

• You will need to complete the French Version of Annex 1, “IPP – Declaration NMR.fr.docx”, these can be collected from the Community Office.

• The Service Personnel/ UKBC should complete the form, and sign it, with the Dependents (over 18 years old) details added in Box B as starred in the English copy below.

• 

• Once you have signed and dated it, take a copy of annex 1 and the tax letter, to the HNLO/CLO Office by no later 14 June.

• The form will be countersigned by the NMR’ s office and released to the BEL NMR for onward action.

• Any question do not hesitate to contact HNLO for assistance : Nadia.ElHamdi329@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Planned Strike Action at Brussels and Charleroi Airports, Tuesday 12th May 2026

Further to my previous blog post about the planned strike action at the airports on Tuesday 12th May, further information has now been released. 

Charleroi has cancelled all flights on May 12th
“Due to this day of action and the lack of staff to ensure flight safety, Charleroi Airport will be unable to operate its scheduled flights,” a press release states. Passengers scheduled to fly that day will be contacted by their airline in the coming days regarding rebooking or refunds. The airport operator “regrets the impact and apologises for the inconvenience.” 

Disruption also expected at Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport is asking airlines to reduce the number of departing passenger flights on 12th May and expects that, as a result, fewer than half of the scheduled departures will be able to take place.

More here.

There is the potential for other means of transport to be impacted as well, although this is not entirely clear at this stage. As information is released, I will keep you updated.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

SHAPE: Taste of Belgium Event, Friday 22nd May 2026, 16:00 - 01:00

Have you been to a ToBE yet? One of the favourite national events of the year, the Taste of Belgium Event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

You will truly get a taste for the country in the SHAPE Tent at the end of this month with over 20 Belgian Beers, a Frites Stall with mayo of course and a visit from Les Gilles. The ticket price includes a commemorative Beer Glass and a glass engraver will be in attendance to personalise your glass if you wish.

There will also be a parachute demo, performance from the SHAPE International School, live Bands and a DJ.

Tickets are on Pre-Sale now at a reduced price:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the Silver Spoon, Building 102

Tuesday in the Conti Mess

Tickets will be available on the door at a slightly higher cost.

WHEN: Friday 22nd May 2026, 16:00- 01:00
WHERE: The SHAPE Tent

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Panaga Club Information - The Brunei & Borneo Experience & Photography Contest 2026 Saturday 09th May 2026 1000 - 1800 hrs @ Main Hall

The Brunei & Borneo Experience

More information can be found at the following link: https://panagaclub.com/blogs/club-sections-news/the-brunei-and-borneo-experience

The Brunei & Borneo Experience Photography Contest 2026

Panaga Dance Centre - Open to Public

BRUNEI: BFBS - Cinelink Screening - The Super Mario Galaxy Movie 10 May 2026 2.00pm @ Paradise Chalchitra (Mumong Community Centre) and Films Available in June

Films Available in June:

Information provided by Brunei HIVE.

NAPLES: Information on Summer Camps

Top Summer Camps for Expat Kids in/near Naples

Città della Scienza Summer Camp (Naples): Located in Bagnoli, this camp offers interactive science workshops, planetarium visits, and outdoor activities for children aged 5-11, running June through early August.

International School of Lago Patria (ISLP) Summer School: Situated near Lago Patria, this school hosts a popular July program tailored for international families, offering both English and Italian-friendly environments.

New Green Garden School in Lago Patria offers summer camp. Commencing June 23rd to July 24th. Registration is required as soon as possible ideally first week in May.

Kamaleonte Summer Experience (Campania Region): Offers nature-based, outdoor, and water sports activities in Mediterranean National Parks for a "free spirit" adventure, often including Italian culture immersion.

Leonardo da Vinci Summer School (Cilento): A bit further south in Campania, this camp offers an international environment for kids (11–16) focused on language learning, beach activities, and Italian culture.

Key Considerations

Duration: Most camps operate in June and July, with limited options in August.
Language: While some programs are English-friendly (ISLP), others offer, "immersion" that allows children to learn Italian while socialising.
Age Groups: Camps generally cater to a wide range from early years up to teenagers, offering specialised activities like football, cooking, or sailing.

Information provided by Naples HIVE

Defence Update on Long-term relationships: Closing the gap on allowances

If you’re in a long-term relationship, a range of allowances and support are now available to you – the same as your married or civil-partnered colleagues.

What’s changed?

Many allowances were only available to Service Personnel who were married or in a civil partnership. That wasn’t fair – not everyone wants to get married, even when they’re in a committed relationship.

From 1 May 2026, if you are in a Long-Term Relationship (Established) – known as an LTR(E) – you can claim allowances and provisions that were previously unavailable to you, just like your married colleagues.

BRUSSELS: Social Dinner, Friday 22nd May 2026, The Indian Restaurant Leefdal

This month is the Social Dinner...

WHEN: Friday 22nd May 2026
WHERE: The Indian Restaurant, Leefdal.

Please RSVP to Adam ASAP to reserve your place on riddett.adam@hq.nato.int

All welcome.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Motorfinity: May Offer Sheets

 

For more info https://www.motorfinity.uk/

Hawley Military Families Open Day - Saturday 6th June from 1000 to 1600hrs.

Come down and chat to our team about membership options, take part in one of our watersports taster sessions (book in advance to avoid missing out!) or just come and grab a bite to eat and a drink by the lake at our licensed clubhouse bar.

All proceeds from our Open Day and Charity Fundraiser will be used to support the Hawley Lake Sail Training Centre Charity (number 1149489).

For more information or to book onto one of our taster sessions, visit MILITARY FAMILIES OPEN DAY FUNDRAISER SATURDAY 6TH JUNE - Hawley Lake