Gistel, led by Mayor Gauthier Defreyne, reduced store vacancies from 7.4% to 4.5% (below Flanders’ 10.8%) by updating records, removing business taxes, hosting events, and promoting local shopping. The town checked empty stores to ensure accuracy, eliminated mistakes on their list, and encouraged businesses to support each other through events and initiatives, resulting in one of the lowest vacancy rates in West Flanders. Gistel’s efforts included distributing free oliebollen, organizing Santa Claus visits, and providing gift vouchers to employees to spend in local stores.
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EU Leaders to push for more defence spending
Leaders from European countries are meeting in Brussels to discuss increasing defense spending and supporting Ukraine after Donald Trump suspends military assistance, leading to uncertainty about U.S. security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will join the EU leaders to address the issue. EU members are expected to welcome proposals for increased defense spending and support for Ukraine, with some disagreements among nations on the specifics of the plan. Full Article
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