– Prediction by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR): According to the London think tank, continued population growth in the UK will lead to a rapid expansion of the economy due to the relatively low level of taxation. Local Chambers of Commerce recently predicted that the UK economy will grow by 2.7 percent next year, the highest rate since the first quarter of 2008.

France, currently the number two in Europe will be one of the worst performing western countries next year due to the high tax burden and all the problems in the euro zone. The CEBR expects the UK to overtake France in 2018.

– Too many Flemish cafes give beers and alcoholic drinks to teenagers aged 14, 15 & 16. Paul Van den Meerssche, head inspector of FOD Volksgezondheid (Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment) says he had enough after the death of Winok Wybo (15). The boy staggered last week in the water and drowned after a party with too much alcohol.
The auditors of the FPS Public Health ( Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment ) checked the past year 2,000 pubs and shops selling alcohol to teenagers under sixteen.