Gibraltar: EU completes formal adoption of treaty and clears way for signing

The European Union formally approved the UK-EU treaty on Gibraltar on Wednesday, 1 July, completing the final internal procedure required before the European Commission can sign the agreement ahead of the planned 15 July date for its provisional application.

The Council's decision marks the last formal EU step before the bloc is able to conclude the agreement.

Although the treaty must still be ratified by both the UK Parliament and the European Parliament, it can be applied provisionally once it has been signed, allowing its provisions to take effect while the ratification process is completed.

BRUNEI: Guide to renew your passport – British passport holders

CHANGE IN APPLICATION PROCESS FOR UK PASSPORT HOLDER IN SERVICE

All applications for UK passports (whether serving in UK or overseas) are to be submitted online using the Gov.uk website. The paper application process has been discontinued. Certain passport facilities are provided free at public expense, and others must be paid for personally.

1. Submit your passport and a passport size photo to the Regimental Admin Officer (RAO) for a Special Pass. If the passport belongs to your spouse or child, a copy of the head of family’s passport and OGS must also be attached.

MOD’s Families Hub is now in its second year – have you used it yet?

 

Discover My Benefits - Families

BELGIUM: Drink Driving Rules tightened

New stricter national drink driving regulations have been introduced to harmonise rules and further deter motorists from driving under the influence.

Previously, national regulations stipulated an immediate license suspension for drivers with a blood alcohol content of 1.15mg/l or higher. This threshold has now been lowered to 0.8mg across Belgium.

Introduced by justice minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) this week, the new rule is valid immediately for the entire country. The debate began when it became apparent that prosecutors were applying different approaches across the country.

Public prosecution offices in Limburg, Antwerp and Flemish Brabant had already taken the initiative of revoking the licenses of offenders with a blood alcohol content of 0.8mg/l or higher. Meanwhile, prosecutors’ offices in East Flanders, West Flanders and Wallonia did not follow this rule.

The minister therefore decided to harmonise the penalty. In addition, driving licences will be revoked for blood alcohol levels of 0.35mg/l or higher, compared to 0.50mg/l previously.

“This stricter approach, which will be applied in strict accordance with existing legislation, sends an unequivocal message: these dangerous driving behaviors will no longer be tolerated,” Verlinden warned.

Regarding the use of drugs when driving, ketamine will soon be added to the list of illicit substances detectable by saliva test.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs remains a recurring cause of road fatalities. The minister notes, however, that social tolerance towards driving under the influence remains too high, despite decades of awareness campaigns.

“That is why the directives issued to the police and prosecutors are being strengthened, and all relevant circulars are being adapted, in order to standardise the application of this stricter policy across the country,” she concluded.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Car Park Closed at Braine-le-Comte Station, Monday 2nd March until late-June 2026

If you are travelling from Braine-le-Comte station, please be aware that due to Roadworks, the car parking will be closed from Monday 2nd March until the end of June 2026.

Season tickets holders for this car park will have access to alternative parking at Chemin de Feluy during this time. This is not available for users without a parking season ticket however.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Mons-Nimy-Casteau Roadworks Latest Update

From Monday, June 8th to Friday, June 19th, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction on the side of the road usually used towards Mons, between Rue des Wartons and Rue du Grand Pays. Speed ​​limits will be in place in the construction zone. During this period, Rue Comte Cornet, Rue de la Vieille Fontaine, and Rue des Wartons will no longer be accessible from the N6. A detour will be in place via Rue de la Lanterne. Parking will also be prohibited along the odd-numbered side of the N6.

A second phase will follow from Monday, June 22nd to Friday, July 3rd. This time, traffic will be diverted onto the lanes usually used towards Casteau. Access to the N6 from the Cité des Epinois, as well as Rue des Pierres, Rue Baron Dubois de Chantraine, Rue Juniaux, and Rue Léon Dewolf, will be closed. A detour will be in place via Chaussée Brunehault. Parking will be prohibited on the even-numbered side of the road. Sofico specifies that "access to businesses along the N6 and to SHAPE will remain possible for most of the works." The vehicle inspection centre will also remain accessible.

And finally...the project will also allow for changes to the road markings between the Les Portes de Maisières shopping centre and the Nimy interchange. Heading towards Mons, traffic will be reduced to a single lane to free up space for parking and pedestrians. The resurfacing of the final section, between Rue du Grand Pays and Rue Brisée, will be scheduled at a later date.

More Information HERE

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: Parks and Green Places

Here are some ideas to explore and see the beauty surrounding you

1. Centro Sportivo Pino Daniele - A sports complex featuring a skate park, basketball court, tennis courts, Olympic size swimming pool, arena football, indoor climbing facilities and boxing ring. Ideal for sports enthusiasts of all ages. CENTRO SPORTIVO PINO DANIELE

2.Want to see some dinosaurs? Visit this incredible nature reserve CRATER DEGLIASTRONI

3. Offering panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, this park includes walking trails, playgrounds and scenic overlooks. It is a great spot for relaxation and enjoying sunsets over the sea PARCO VIRGILIANO

4.Botanical Gardens of Naples, this beautiful botanical gardens is a peaceful oasis with a vast collection of plant species. Perfect for nature walks. https://www.ortobotaniconapoli.it/it

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

NAPLES: Take a day trip to Ischcia

                                    

Travel Tips:

1 Book your Ferry 

Download Ferry hopper app -  Select times suitable to you and select Ischia return - An email is sent and tickets can then be downloaded where a QR code is created. There is no requirement to go to the office to get the tickets.  The QR code will be checked upon arrival at the ferry prior to admission to ensure you are on the correct boat.

2 Head to Pozzuoli 

It is recommended to go early as parking becomes quite limited after 9.30 particularly at weekends. All parking must be paid for at the parking metres and it is not guaranteed that all meters work so please make sure that you allow yourself extra time.

3 Food and Drink

Food and drink are available on the ferry at reasonable prices however you can take your own snacks and drinks.

4 Upon arrival at Ischia

If you head to the left there is a 10 / 15 minute walk into a lovely set of side streets and the beach, alternatively you can get the bus into town that run every 10/15 minutes.

It's a beautiful town , definitely worth an explore - Have a great day! 

Ischia

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BELGIUM: On-Board Ticket Sales to be scrapped from Wednesday 1st July 2026

Travelling by Train? No more on‑board ticket sales from Wednesday 1st July 2026.

In a clear measure to tackle fare evasion, starting 1 July 2026, SNCB-NMBS will phase out on-board ticket sales via the train manager. This decision aims to reinforce a key rule: every passenger must have a valid ticket before boarding the train (and be able to show it during ticket inspection).

On‑board ticket sales frequently led to disagreements, and at times even aggression, during inspections. Eliminating this source of conflict helps SNCB-NMBS make the rules clearer and better protect its employees.

This shift lets train managers refocus on what matters most: ensure safety, guide passengers and provide the right assistance throughout their trip.

Find out more here.


Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: European Sleeper night train adds Antwerp, Breda and Eindhoven to new Milan service in December

 

Great news for the avid traveller! In mid-December 2026, the European Sleeper will add three additional stops to its service between the Netherlands and Italy which is due to launch on 9th September 2026.

Read More HERE

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BELGIUM: Brussels authorities can now fine foreign-registered cars

Please be aware that whilst awaiting Belgian plates, Brussels regional parking collection agency now has authority to fine cars with foreign plates, in a drive to ensure equal treatment to all motorists.

Read More HERE

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: Travel by Train - Italia Rail

 

Travel Italy by Train

Book your train tickets in minutes.

No booking Fees 24/7

English speaking support.

[Italia Rail](https://www.italiarail.com)

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

BRUNEI: Malaysia - Miri Hotels - Garrison Discounted Rates 2026

Marriot Resort and Spa

Please click the image to enlarge.

BRUNEI: Malaysia - Miri Land Border Crossing Checklist with *Updated VMS LINK*

Here is the checklist you need to be aware of when going to Miri:

1. Brunei Vehicle Pass - Exit and Entry System (EES) - Register and pay $3 per vehicle (one way) $6 (return trip). This is for 7 people or less in one vehicle. Click HERE to register.

Vehicles of 7-25 people will be charged $6 one way.
Vehicles of more than 25 people will be charged $10 one way.
Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, government and diplomatic vehicles are exempt.

MONS: Mons-Nimy-Maisieres Roadworks Update

Mons-Nimy-Maisieres Roadworks update...

The N6 roadworks project between Mons, Nimy, and Maisières is entering a new phase, which will primarily affect the Violette intersection (photo below) and the section between this intersection and the E42/E19-A7 interchange. These works will continue until the end of June.

"To minimize the impact on traffic, the operations requiring closures at the Violette intersection will be concentrated over two weekends and carried out mainly at night. Between these two weekends, the intersection will be fully accessible (all traffic will be able to move) but with a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h (due to traffic on the sub-base)," explains SOFICO.

Pentecost Weekend:

• From Saturday, May 23 at 9:30 p.m. until Sunday, May 24 at 8:30 a.m. traffic will be prohibited on the N6, on one half of the Violette intersection, on the Casteau side.
• From Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 p.m. until Sunday, June 7 at 3:00 p.m. the Violette intersection will be completely closed, except for the bypass connecting the N6 from Casteau to the N56 towards Jurbise.
• Diversion will be in place via the E42-E19/A7 and interchanges #23 “Nimy” and #24 “Mons”.

After Pentecost Weekend:

• From Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29, in the direction towards Mons: the N6 will be closed from the junction with exit 23bis "Ath" on the E42-E19/A7 coming from Brussels (inclusive) to the Violette intersection (not included), in the direction of Mons only.
• From Monday, June 1 to Friday, June 5, in the direction towards Casteau: the N6 will be closed from the Violette intersection (not included) to the junction with exit 23 "Nimy" on the E42-E19/A7 coming from Brussels (inclusive), in the direction of Casteau only.

Updates on the final phases of the project will be added on this Blog once announced.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Brunei - Indoor Children's Playgrounds

Check out these playgrounds around Brunei. Some of these playgrounds have cafes where adults can sit and have a drink while the kids play. Some of these playgrounds also host birthday parties!

And remember to pack socks otherwise you'll end up having to buy them!

MONKEYBARS CO

Address: No. 3&4, Lot 9189 Jalan Jaya Negara, Kuala Belait KA1931, Brunei

Hours: Mon – Sun 9am – 9pm
             Fri – Closed between 12nn - 2pm

Phone: +673 745 2888

For more information or enquiries, please visit MONKEYBARS CO

BRUSSELS: The Canal Water Bus is open for business

The Brussel's Canal service launched this month for the Spring-Summer Season.

With five stops along the way between Sainctelette and Vilvoorde the journey takes around one hour. Each stop is connected by public transport so is popular with commuters, tourists and day trippers as well as cyclists who can take their bikes with them and cycle back.

Weekends will offer themed trips and cruises too.

Advanced bookings necessary.

WHEN: Weekdays from 1st May until 31st October, Weekends from 1st July until 15th August. 

WHERE: Quai des Peniches (Brussels) and Steenkaai (Vilvoorde)

MORE INFORMATION: here

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: Cafes and Restaurants in Seria & Kuala Belait

Here's a list of some of the cafes and restaurants in Seria & Kuala Belait.

SERIA CAFES

Cafe Hopping

Address: No. 72A, Jalan Bunga Kenaga, Seria Brunei
Phone: Whatsapp +673 868 8592
Business Hours: Sunday - Thursday -  9am – 6pm
                             Friday 9am-12nn; 2pm - 7pm
IG: cafehopping_bn

Coffee Industry

Address: Unit G4. G/F, Lot 10 Jalan Sultan Omar Ali, Seria Brunei
Phone: +673 828 8590 / +673 322 8590
Business Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9am – 6pm
                           Friday 9am - 12nn; 2pm – 6pm
IG: coffeeindustry.bn

Thinking Cup Cafe

Address: Unit G2, 10 Jalan Sultan Omar Ali, Seria Brunei
Phone: Whatsapp +673 899 8191 
Business Hours:  Friday - Closed

                              Saturday - Thursday 7am - 6pm

                              Sunday - 8am - 430pm

IG: thinkingcup.bn

NAPLES: Things to do in Sorrento

 

For more information

Information provided by NAPLES HIVE

Gibraltar: European Entry & Exit System

The new European Entry and Exit system is being implemented today at the Gibraltar / Spain border.  Holders of non-EU passports who do not have a Gibraltar Residency card are subject to this system, which involves registration of fingerprints and face and biometric checks at Schengen area entry and exit points. Some disruption and delays are anticipated while the system is introduced.