Brussels Daily Press Review — March 23, 2026

🏛️ Politics & Security

Military patrols begin on Brussels streets today

Soldiers are being deployed on the streets of Brussels starting this Monday, March 23, as part of an enhanced security operation in the capital. The deployment follows heightened security concerns and comes ten years after the March 22, 2016 terrorist attacks. (BX1 · Brussels Times)

King Philippe and PM De Wever mark 10th anniversary of Brussels attacks

King Philippe and Prime Minister Bart De Wever attended commemorative ceremonies to honor the victims of the 2016 Brussels terrorist attacks. At Maelbeek, the King declared: “The terrorists have failed.” The solemn ceremonies brought the capital together to remember the 32 people killed in the attacks. (Brussels Times · Brussels Times)

Belgian unity in the age of Flemish nationalism

A deep-dive analysis asks why Belgian unity still matters as Flemish nationalism reaches new heights — a timely read on the eve of the ten-year commemorations. (Brussels Times)

Is Belgium over-reliant on the US for military capabilities?

As Brussels welcomes soldiers onto its streets, a pressing question emerges: how much of Belgian defence actually depends on American support? (Brussels Times)

🚗 Transport & Environment

AI scans guide Brussels road resurfacing programme

Brussels is launching an AI-powered system to scan and prioritise roads in need of resurfacing, moving away from reactive maintenance toward data-driven infrastructure planning. The system will use vehicle-mounted cameras and machine learning to detect road damage across the 19 communes. (Brussels Times)

Changes coming to Brussels bin collections

A reform of Brussels waste collection is on the cards, with changes to bin schedules and sorting systems expected to improve recycling rates and reduce congestion on city streets. (Brussels Times)

💼 Economy

Belgian minister demands bank action plans on phishing before summer

Belgium’s finance minister is pressing banks to submit concrete plans to combat phishing attacks before the summer, warning that current measures are insufficient as cyber fraud surges across the country. (Brussels Times)

Belgian driver caught driving against traffic in the Netherlands

A Belgian motorist was arrested after driving the wrong way on a Dutch highway, sparking renewed calls for cross-border traffic safety coordination. (Brussels Times)

⚖️ Justice

Ten years on: Defence lawyer recalls the ‘trial of the century’

A decade after the landmark terrorism trial that followed the 2016 attacks, a defence lawyer reflects on the complexity, the drama, and the lasting impact of what was described as the trial of the century. (Brussels Times)

What lessons from the March 22 trial?

Ten years after the events and following the conclusion of the lengthy legal process, analysts ask what lessons Belgium and Europe can draw from the trial surrounding the March 22 attacks. (BX1)

🎭 Culture & Society

MeToo Jazz: Open letter denounces ‘omertà’ in Belgian jazz scene

An open letter signed by musicians denounces a culture of silence around sexist and sexual violence in the Belgian jazz world, with survivors calling for systemic change. (RTBF)

Laser sabre fencing: A sport in its own right

Light sabre fencing is carving out its own identity as a competitive sport in Brussels, attracting practitioners who find in it both physical challenge and a connection to pop culture — without Star Wars dominating the experience. (BX1)

Major exhibition celebrates Antwerp Six’s 40th anniversary

A landmark exhibition in Belgium marks forty years since the Antwerp Six shook the fashion world, celebrating the rebellious designers who put Belgian fashion on the global map. (Brussels Times)

⚽ Sport

Anderlecht secure play-off place despite late scare

RSC Anderlecht guaranteed their spot in the Belgian Pro League play-offs after a tense finale to the regular season, keeping their title ambitions alive. (BX1)

BRC rugby crush La Hulpe in dominant display

The Brussels Rugby Club delivered a commanding victory against La Hulpe, underscoring their strong form heading into the end-of-season run-in. (BX1)

🌍 International

Israel strikes Tehran; AIE warns of severe energy crisis

Israel carried out strikes on Tehran, prompting the International Energy Agency to warn of the most serious global energy crisis in decades. Belgian diplomats are closely monitoring the situation’s impact on European energy markets. (RTBF)

France holds second round of municipal elections

France completed the second round of its municipal elections, with results expected to reshape local governance in major cities including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. (Brussels Times)

Slovenia restricts fuel sales amid cross-border price arbitrage

Slovenia introduced fuel purchase limits after drivers from neighbouring countries flooded across the border to take advantage of lower prices, straining local supplies. (Brussels Times)

Dutch police seize three tonnes of cocaine

Dutch authorities confiscated three tonnes of cocaine in a major anti-drug operation, part of ongoing cross-border efforts to disrupt trafficking networks that often pass through Belgian ports. (Brussels Times)