Brussels Press Review — Sunday 15 March 2026

🏛️ Politics & Government

DéFI Challenges Police Zone Merger at Brussels Parliament

DéFI has filed a conflict-of-interest motion in the Brussels Parliament against the federal government’s plan to merge the capital’s six police zones into one. Deputy Cécile Jodogne says the party is not obstructing for its own sake but wants time to analyse the financial and organisational impact — and demands genuine consultation between the federal, regional, and municipal levels that “has not yet taken place.” The reform has drawn critical opinions from Brulocalis and the Council of State. (RTBF)

Maron Slams 25 % Cuts to Environment & Cleanliness Budget

Former minister Alain Maron (Ecolo) has denounced budget cuts of roughly 25 % at Brussels Environment, asking how the government can credibly claim there will be no layoffs. Budget minister Dirk De Smedt counters that every euro must simply be “spent better.” (BX1 · BX1)

Brussels Parliament to Fast-Track 2026 Budget

The Brussels Parliament will shift into higher gear next week with a series of sessions dedicated to passing the 2026 regional budget, its first full budget under the Dilliès government. (BRUZZ)

🚗 Transport & Mobility

Cycling in Brussels Has Grown Eightfold in 20 Years

The share of trips made by bike in the capital has jumped from 1.2 % to 9.4 % over two decades, according to SPF Mobility data. Electric bikes now account for nearly half of all cyclists (48 % in 2024, up from 41 % in 2023). Population growth, traffic congestion, and expanded cycling infrastructure are driving the boom. The Bike Brussels salon this week crowned the cargo bike as its star exhibit. (BX1 · BX1)

Metro 3: Four More Years of Tunnel Works Under Palais du Midi

The STIB confirmed that the civil-engineering works needed to complete the missing 120-metre link of Metro line 3 beneath the Palais du Midi will take four years and could begin in 2027 — provided the heritage listing request is rejected and the building permit approved. Some €150 million has already been spent. The new government has committed to finishing all civil works so the line can run in pre-metro mode. (BX1)

National Strike Grounds 42,500 Passengers at Brussels Airport

The 12 March national demonstration led to the cancellation of all 228 departure flights and over half of arrivals at Brussels Airport, affecting some 42,500 passengers. It was the eighth strike-related disruption since early 2025, with a cumulative 2,400 cancelled flights and 275,000+ affected travellers. (BX1)

🔐 Security

Police Investigate Explosion in Schaerbeek

Police opened an investigation after an explosion on Avenue Albert Giraud in Schaerbeek on Friday evening around 10 pm. No injuries were reported. The incident is believed to involve a pyrotechnic device. (BRUZZ)

Teen from Evere Arrested After Violent Attack at Vilvoorde Station

A teenager from Evere has been arrested following a violent assault on a man at Vilvoorde station. Three suspects were apprehended in total. (BRUZZ · RTBF)

🏘️ Urban Life & Society

Ixelles Unveils “Ixelles, la nuit” Nightlife Plan

The commune of Ixelles has presented a comprehensive nightlife policy. Key measures: terraces must close at midnight on weekdays (1 am on weekends), night shops by 1 am (2 am on weekends), evening cleaning crews extended to 10 pm, and a pilot project to combat sexist violence. With 110,000 people — including 20,000 non-resident students — and 10 % of all Brussels restaurants on just 6 % of the regional territory, Ixelles wants to balance its festive identity with residents’ quality of life. (BX1)

Saint-Gilles Sanctions Iconic Cafés Over Late Terraces

Brasserie Verschueren, L’Amère à boire, and Le Louvre must close between 10 pm and 8 am for a month after terrace violations. The café owners call the sanctions disproportionate; mayor Jean Spinette (PS) says the commune regularly receives noise complaints and is also working on a night charter. (BX1)

Congolese Women and Children Face Eviction from Montgomery Squat

Around 45 undocumented people — mainly women from the DRC and about 15 children — have been squatting an empty office building near Montgomery for two weeks. The property developer owner initially considered a temporary-use agreement but now threatens eviction after neighbour complaints. Mayor Benoît Cerexhe (Les Engagés) of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre calls on the federal government to take responsibility for people who have been in Belgium for up to 18 years without legal status. (BRUZZ)

Summer Bars Returning to Six Brussels Parks

The Brussels government has fast-tracked the tender for six guinguettes (summer bars) across regional parks: Henri (Georges Henri Park), Maurice (Cinquantenaire), Emile (Duden Park), Fabiola (King Baudouin Park), André (Laeken Park), and Vincent (Good Shepherd Park, Evere). Opening is hoped for late April. State Secretary Ans Persoons says the bars boost park life and safety. (BRUZZ)

Restaurant Chez Jacques Closed for a Month After Wall Collapse

The popular restaurant Chez Jacques in central Brussels was evacuated mid-service on Friday after a partition wall collapsed due to works on an adjacent building. No injuries reported, but the restaurant must remain closed for one month. Residents above were also evacuated. (BRUZZ)

Muntpunt Opens Earlier With Unmanned Access

Brussels’ Dutch-language library and cultural centre Muntpunt now opens at 9 am instead of 11 am using an automated access system (Open+) for members. The move compensates for staff shortages amid ongoing budget pressures. Saturday hours, however, will shrink from April. (BRUZZ)

🎭 Culture & Events

Zaventem Ateliers Take Over Villa Empain

The 30-member Zaventem Ateliers collective has transformed every room of the art-deco Villa Empain with radical, experimental furniture — from reclaimed-wood chairs to a 14-hand ping-pong table in the lobby. (BX1)

Flagey Relieved as Flemish Subsidies Are Renewed

The Ixelles cultural venue Flagey has confirmed that Flemish Culture Minister Caroline Gennez (Vooruit) will extend its €910,000 annual subsidy, averting a financial crisis that threatened to halt operations by April. The dispute over Vlaams Belang board seats remains unresolved. (BRUZZ)

First AI Café Lands in Uccle — Targeting Seniors

Mission Café IA held its first event outside France in Brussels, bringing accessible AI workshops to “Goldies” (65+) at a cosy Uccle tearoom. Founded by Gilles Babinet, the initiative aims to demystify artificial intelligence through conversation rather than lectures. Expansion to Dutch-speaking audiences and Flanders is planned. (BRUZZ)

BEDEX: Belgium’s First Defence Salon Opens at Brussels Expo

The three-day BEDEX defence salon brought together 200+ exhibitors from 27 countries — including some 50 Belgian firms — across 20,000 m² at Brussels Expo. PM Bart De Wever and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte attended. Amnesty International criticised the presence of firms linked to war crimes. (BX1)

🕊️ Remembrance

Ten Years After 22 March: Metro Driver and Medic Speak

With the tenth anniversary of the 2016 Brussels attacks approaching, Serge Lisen — one of the first paramedics at Maelbeek station — and Christian Delhasse, the metro driver that morning, shared their testimonies. Lisen recalls being unable to enter his phone’s PIN code from shock; Delhasse says he still lives as a near-recluse, haunted by images of a wounded woman searching for her child in the darkened carriage. (BX1)

⚽ Sport

Taravel Confirmed as Anderlecht Coach Until Season’s End

Jérémy Taravel will remain at the helm of RSC Anderlecht for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Union Saint-Gilloise strengthened their lead with a hard-fought win against Dender. (BX1 · BRUZZ)

Brussels Derby Set for Croky Cup Final — 14 May at 3 pm

Anderlecht and Union will face off in an all-Brussels Croky Cup final on 14 May. The 10th edition of the BXL Tour cycling event is scheduled for 14 June. (BX1 · BX1)