Good for the dreamers’ morale – and good for reconciliation between the decent but dull Euro-Brussels, on the one hand, and the unvarnished but real Belgo- Brussels next door.. Distinguishing features: ineffable optimism in absurd circumstances, and he always succeeds in the end. Maybe Herge’s Tintin and Snowy should become the EU’s very own mascots. Belgium’s best-known popular character (apart from the urinating fountain-figure Manneken Pis, who can even be eaten in dark chocolate) is the boy with the famous quiff and the little white dog.

He promises: “Success from the first visit.”.Some Euro-successes have already begun. Restaurants have started marking their prices in euros, demonstrating Euro-patriotism and a belief in the new era. Even now, British politicians remain wary of the single currency. It is worth noting, however, that that the “pragmatists” (sceptics) have had to give much more ground than the enthusiasts in recent years.Perhaps, therefore, Brussels deserves a new hero. In Brussels, it has a long way to go.Brussels is more than just a city of grey suits, that is for sure. A note from a Bruxellois, Mr Diawa, dropped through the letterbox last week, promising “important revelations about your life”. Mr Diawa described himself as “chief of the grand sacred forest of Africa”.

He offers “effective protection in work and love, for slimming or getting fatter, for business”. Above all, “If bad luck pursues you, I will help you with my great power – even for desperate cases.” If the EU gets into serious difficulties , Mr Diawa is clearly their man – especially since it won’t be too expensive. “That many?” replied her Belgian interlocutor, with no apparent irony Integration may be a European dream. Euro-people indulge in Belgian chocolate, Belgian monks’ beer, and Belgian surrealism (the much-heralded new Magritte exhibition, not the political process or the local highway code) Beyond that, the crossovers are few A European official was asked how many Belgians she knew “Not very many Five or six,” came the somewhat sheepish reply. There is Brussels (Europe) – at the heart of which stands the huge Berlaymont building, the former commission headquarters which is now covered in white sheeting like a creation by wrap-artist Christo, because of the dangers of asbestos.