TheMerode

That Europe and the transatlantic relationship will be heavily affected by how the US elections will play out on 5 November is undeniable - the question is how.    Friends of Europe invites you to an intimate, in-depth discussion with Karien van Gennip, former deputy prime minister of the Netherlands, Klen Jäärats, director of the Estonian Centre for International Development and Ahmed Abdirahman, founder and CEO of The Global Village Foundation to unpack the pivotal event.   What do the US election results mean for the EU? How can the bloc provide policies befitting a changing political landscape and address Europe’s challenges while highlighting the importance of inclusivity?   These are just some of the pressing questions our exclusive session will attempt to answer. Join the discussion!

An unforgettable evening at TheMerode for the very first edition of the Belgium Impact Startup Awards!   It was truly an honor to host this event dedicated to celebrating Belgian impact startups, visionary companies that are shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future.   Over 53 applications, 42 finalists, and 20 awards presented, recognizing projects that stood out for their innovation and impact. Here are the brilliant winners:   🥇 Gold: Bounce Sports Happy Hours Market Shayp TheGreenShot Ugani Prosthetics Unago Recrutement   🥈 Silver: Better BRAUZZ. Kazidomi Relieve Furniture | 2nd life furniture solution River Cleanup WeSmart   🥉 Bronze: Clean Water Global Demain Sélection Dripl Fitme.jobs (aka Twegos) Hoplr - Community engagement platform Wanit Special Prize: Consumer Impact Startup of the Year (2024) : Bounce Sports Business Impact Startup of the Year (2024) : Ugani Prosthetics   A huge thanks to Nicolas Debray for initiating and organizing this remarkable event, as well as to the partners and sponsors, including Google Cloud Security, JCDecaux Belgium & Luxembourg, Silversquare, La Libre, and of course, the entire TheMerode community for their unwavering support of Belgium’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.   The energy, enthusiasm, and ideas shared during this evening show that the future of Belgian impact startups is bright! We can’t wait to see how these companies continue to shape the future.    Looking forward to more entrepreneurial adventures at TheMerode!   #BelgiumImpactStartupAwards #BISA #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Sustainability #TheMerode

TheMerode took members on an exclusive journey to the 60th Venice Biennale, reaffirming our Belgian roots while embracing an international outlook. As proud sponsors of the Belgian Pavilion, members experienced Petticoat Government, a thought-provoking installation by a multidisciplinary collective. Featuring folkloric giants, the project explores themes of power, identity, and artistic norms, with performances spanning from their hometowns to Venice and back by 2025. This immersive experience highlights TheMerode’s commitment to offering unique cultural moments that transcend borders and challenge perspectives—an enriching journey, much like the giants themselves. #petticoat #petticoatgovernment #venicebiennale #biennale #themerode #privatemembersclub

The Belgium Impact Startup Awards are Coming to TheMerode!    We are thrilled to host the inaugural Belgium Impact Startup Awards on October 9, 2024, at TheMerode, an event set to celebrate the innovation and societal impact of Belgian startups.   Launched by Nicolas Debray, an entrepreneur and active business angel, this initiative aims to unite the startup ecosystem by showcasing companies that provide sustainable and socially responsible solutions. With 53 applications received, the jury composed of industry leaders is ready to identify the top initiatives across six categories: Circular & Mobility, Energy, Environment, Food & Beverage, People & HR and Social & Not-for-Profit.   As a partner of this event, TheMerode not only supports entrepreneurship but also offers exclusive prizes for the winners. We firmly believe that the success of startups positively impacts our society, and we are proud to contribute to their visibility and growth.   Join us in celebrating these pioneers of innovation and discover how they are shaping a better future for our community. Together, let’s strengthen the connection between startups and large companies and encourage the emergence of innovative solutions to tackle today’s challenges!   #BelgiumImpactStartupAwards #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #TheMerode #Sustainability #SocialImpact

A fantastic event organized at TheMerode, bringing together inspiring female entrepreneurs Clio and Emilie to empower women through networking, synergies, and their innovative project, "Let's Share Our Rollercoaster". Emilie Duchêne Clio Goldbrenner #femaleentrepreneurs #privatemembersclub #brussels #themerode

MONDAY OCT 14TH, 12:15PM / La Table des Voyageurs with Wilson Fache An Inspiring Journey Through Conflict Zones with Wilson Fache. Honored to have the brilliant freelance reporter, Wilson Fache at the club for La Table des Voyageurs. His courage and talent have earned him accolades like the Albert Londres Prize. Over an intimate lunch, we will explore the world of journalism in conflict zones—from Iraq and Afghanistan to the recent Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars. At just 22, Wilson embarked on his first assignment, and his journey continues to inspire. Looking forward to hear his stories and insights into what drives a reporter to uncover the truth amidst chaos. Members, book your spot now via the link in the first comment or via our app! Don't miss out on this inspiring lunch at your club. #Journalism #ConflictReporting #WilsonFache #Storytelling #TheMerode #privatemembersclub #AlbertLondresPrize

TUESDAY OCT 15TH, 6:30PM / No reading required: The Book Club experience Join us for a one-of-a-kind book club experience where you don’t need to read the book to join the conversation! Hosted by the incredible Kriticos M. at TheMerode, we’ll dive into the theme of 'Friendship in Adulthood'. Expect thought-provoking discussions, meaningful connections, and a welcoming space for all—whether you're a seasoned reader or just curious. No pressure, just insight! Members, don’t miss this chance to explore adult friendships with a diverse community. Reserve your spot now via our website or on our app! Link in the first comment. #TheBookClub #TheMerode #KriticosMwansa #privatemembersclub #BrusselsEvents

WEDNESDAY OCT 9TH, 6.30PM / Global Impact of US votes Join us at TheMerode for an eye-opening discussion on how the upcoming US elections could reshape global geopolitics and the economy. Featuring Prof. Dr. Sven Biscop, a leading expert in European foreign policy, and Frank Vranken, CIO at Edmond de Rothschild, this event offers a deep dive into transatlantic relations, economic shifts, and the future of democracy. Members, don’t miss the chance to engage with top experts and gain valuable insights into the global impact of US political changes. Book your spot now via the link in the first comment. Not a member yet? Join our club :) #Geopolitics #USElections #GlobalEconomy #TransatlanticRelations #TheMerode

How did the universe create conditions so perfectly suited for life? Join us for an unforgettable evening with cosmologist Thomas Hertog! Get ready to dive into the revolutionary theories he developed alongside Stephen Hawking, unraveling the mysteries of the universe's origins. For 20 years, Hawking and Hertog worked together, seeking to answer one of the biggest questions in science: How did the universe create conditions so perfectly suited for life? Their groundbreaking work led to a bold new vision—one where the laws of physics themselves evolve alongside the universe they govern. Don't miss Thomas Hertog recounting their journey to redefine our understanding of the cosmos, followed by a signing of his book "On The Origin of Time". Book sales by UOPC bookshop will be available. Let’s explore the wonders of the universe together! ✨ Members, book your spot now via the link in the first comment ! Not a member yet ? There is still time to join !

What an honour it was to host this very special event at TheMerode.