Brussels Press Review — Monday 16 March 2026
🗞️ Brussels Press Review — Monday 16 March 2026
🏛️ Politics & Governance
Ecolo Elects New Co-Chairs with Brussels Ties
Marie-Colline Leroy and Ixelles councillor Gilles Vanden Burre have been elected as the new co-chairs of Ecolo, marking a generational shift for the green party after its electoral setbacks. (BRUZZ)
PVDA-PTB Now Largest Party in Brussels, Poll Shows
A new poll puts the Workers’ Party (PVDA-PTB) as by far the largest party in the Brussels-Capital Region, continuing the leftist surge seen in recent elections. (BRUZZ)
Brussels Parliament Tackles LEZ Fines, Packaging Rules & Police Merger
A busy week in the Brussels Parliament: the LEZ debate continues with high fines unlikely to disappear before 1 April; MPs voted in favour of extended producer responsibility for packaging; and a Défi motion on a conflict of interest regarding the police zone merger is being considered. (BRUZZ · BRUZZ · BRUZZ)
Brussels on Course to Become ‘European Capital of Democracy’
The capital is positioning itself as a frontrunner for the title of European Capital of Democracy, building on its role as the EU’s institutional heart. (Brussels Times)
PS Gets Extra Alderman in City of Brussels, 17 Months After Elections
The PS has been granted an additional alderman seat in the City of Brussels, reshuffling the local majority over a year after the October 2024 elections. (BRUZZ)
💰 Economy & Work
Brussels Wages Jump 30% in Five Years — Median Tops €4,000
For the first time, the median gross monthly salary in Brussels has exceeded the €4,000 mark. The capital is pulling further ahead of Flanders and Wallonia, with wages now over €600/month higher than in Flanders. (Brussels Times · BRUZZ)
€1,000 Tax Gap Between Belgian Communes
An RTBF investigation reveals a €1,000 difference in local taxes depending on which commune you live in — the first time new post-election majorities have had the chance to adjust rates. (RTBF)
Bedex Defence Expo Draws 17,300+ Visitors to Brussels
Belgium’s first dedicated defence trade fair at Brussels Expo drew over 17,300 visitors across the weekend, despite protests from the Stop Militarisering platform. (BX1 · BRUZZ)
🌿 Environment & Sustainability
Brussels Among Top Cities Worldwide for Lowering Pollution
Brussels has been ranked among the best cities globally to have made “remarkable reductions” in air pollution between 2010 and 2024. (Brussels Times)
More Brussels Crèches Switch to Reusable Nappies
An increasing number of Brussels childcare centres are making the switch to reusable nappies, in line with the region’s waste reduction goals. (BRUZZ)
🚗 Transport & Mobility
Bike Brussels Salon Wraps Up After Three Record Days
The Bike Brussels cycling expo closed its doors after welcoming a record-breaking crowd over three days, reflecting the city’s growing cycling culture. (BX1)
BXL Tour: Registrations Open Saturday for 10th Edition
The BXL Tour — Brussels’ popular mass-participation cycling event — opens registrations this Saturday for its milestone 10th edition. (BRUZZ)
🔒 Safety & Justice
Man Arrested for Murder of Young Woman in Schaerbeek
A man has been placed under arrest warrant, suspected of murdering his ex-partner in Schaerbeek. The case has drawn widespread attention. (BX1 · BRUZZ)
Dieudonné Clandestine Show Venue Evacuated in Forest
A venue hosting an illegal performance by controversial French comedian Dieudonné in Forest was evacuated by authorities on Sunday. (BX1)
~1,000 March Against Police Violence in Brussels
Nearly a thousand people marched through Brussels on Sunday for the International Day Against Police Violence, calling for accountability and reform. (BX1 · RTBF · Brussels Times)
Police Investigate Explosion in Schaerbeek
Police are investigating an explosion that occurred in Schaerbeek. Details remain limited. (BRUZZ)
Brussels Prosecutors Seek Up to 7 Years for Chinese Smuggling & Prostitution Network
The Brussels public prosecutor has demanded sentences of up to seven years in prison for members of a Chinese human trafficking and prostitution ring. (BRUZZ)
🎭 Culture & Events
Guinguettes Returning to Brussels Parks by End of April
The beloved pop-up terraces — guinguettes — will make their seasonal return to Brussels’ parks by the end of April, bringing live music and food to green spaces across the city. (Brussels Times)
Oscars 2026: “Une bataille après l’autre” Sweeps with Six Awards
Paul Thomas Anderson’s film dominated the 98th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday night, winning six Oscars including Best Picture. Michael B. Jordan was crowned Best Actor. (RTBF)
Klarafestival Opens Friday with Pianist Yuja Wang
The 2026 Klarafestival kicks off this Friday 20 March with a concert by virtuoso pianist Yuja Wang — one of Brussels’ flagship classical music events. (RTBF)
Dance Returns to La Monnaie with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Dance is making a grand comeback on the stage of La Monnaie with a new production set to Vivaldi’s beloved Four Seasons. (RTBF)
Panoramic Elevator Opens in Brussels
A new panoramic elevator has opened in Brussels, offering visitors an “immersive experience” with voices, music and urban sounds reflecting the city’s cultural diversity. (Brussels Times)
Tintin’s Moon Rocket Gets the Lego Treatment
After 70+ years on Hergé’s comic pages, Tintin’s iconic moon rocket has been rebuilt piece by piece as a new Lego set. (Brussels Times)
Cherry Blossom Festival Starts at Belgium’s Largest Japanese Garden
Over 200 cherry trees in full pink bloom at the largest Japanese garden in Europe — and it’s right here in Belgium. (Brussels Times)
🏥 Health
Long Covid Patients Stage Lie-Down Protest at Gare Centrale
Around fifty Long Covid sufferers lay down in front of Brussels Central Station on Sunday, demanding recognition and government action on Long Covid Awareness Day. (BX1 · BRUZZ)
⚽ Sports
Anderlecht Loses at Mechelen — Champions Playoffs Not Yet Secured
A painful evening for RSCA: Anderlecht fell 1-0 at KV Mechelen, who clinched their own Champions Playoff spot. Anderlecht’s qualification remains uncertain heading into the final round. (BX1 · RTBF)
Yanla Ndjip-Nyemeck Ties Belgian 60m Hurdles Record in the US
Brussels-born sprinter Yanla Ndjip-Nyemeck matched the Belgian record in the 60-metre hurdles during a competition in the United States. (BRUZZ)
Sources: BX1 · BRUZZ · RTBF · Brussels Times