🏛️ Politics

MR Brussels leadership race: Coomans de Brachène challenges Weytsman

Geoffroy Coomans de Brachène has announced he will run against David Weytsman for the presidency of MR Brussels. The election comes after David Leisterh stepped down from the role. Weytsman has already officially filed his candidacy. (BX1 · RTBF)

Actiris director resigns, fuelling public service concerns

The director-general of Brussels’ public employment agency Actiris has resigned, sparking fears about the impact of austerity on public services. The resignation comes at a time when the suppression of Activa subsidies is already squeezing the labour market. (Brussels Times)

Unemployment reform: Phase 3 kicks in on 1 April

A third phase of Belgium’s unemployment benefit time-limit reform takes effect on 1 April, excluding more job seekers from benefits. Critics warn the Arizona government’s cuts will hit vulnerable workers hard. (RTBF)

🚗 Transport & Mobility

Tram works launch between Brussels Airport and Zaventem

Works have officially begun on the new tram line connecting Brussels Airport to Zaventem. The project aims to improve public transport links to Belgium’s busiest airport. (BX1)

Brussels Airport seeks easing of biometric data rules

Brussels Airport has requested a relaxation of biometric data registration requirements for passenger processing, citing operational complexity. (BX1)

Brussels metro partially disrupted over Easter weekend

Metro services in Brussels will face disruptions over the coming Easter weekend. Commuters are advised to plan alternative routes. (Brussels Times)

No more ticket sales aboard Belgian trains from 1 July

The SNCB is ending onboard ticket sales from 1 July, part of a broader push to combat fare evasion and improve safety for train staff. Passengers must now buy tickets before boarding. (RTBF)

Stricter rules coming for e-scooters and e-bikes

The federal government is preparing tighter regulations for e-scooters and e-bikes, addressing safety concerns as their popularity grows across Belgium. (Brussels Times)

Energy prices set to jump from tomorrow

Major energy price rises come into effect from 1 April. Consumers are advised to check whether switching to a fixed-term contract could save money. (Brussels Times)

Double index jump to pump €1.2 billion into state coffers

A double indexation of wages and social benefits is expected to generate €1.2 billion in additional revenue for the Belgian state, as the government moves to cap indexing on higher incomes. (RTBF)

Activa subsidies scrapped: what it means for employment

The elimination of Activa employment subsidies is raising concerns about its impact on job creation, particularly for vulnerable groups in the Brussels labour market. (BX1)

Colruyt sells emergency food kits

Colruyt has started selling emergency food preparation kits, a sign of growing consumer concern about potential disruptions or price spikes. (Brussels Times)

⚖️ Justice & Crime

Semun Karaman sentenced to 21 years for assassination

Semun Karaman has been convicted and sentenced to 21 years in prison for the assassination of Jan-Willem Peeters. (BX1)

Record high: inmates sleeping on floors in Belgian prisons

Belgian prisons have reached a new record high of inmates sleeping on the floor, underscoring chronic overcrowding. (Brussels Times)

🎨 Culture & Events

2026 BD Comic Strip Festival cancelled

The 2026 edition of the BD Comic Strip Festival — a major event in Brussels’ cultural calendar — has been cancelled. (BX1)

Massive Attack to play Forest National on 8 June

Massive Attack will perform at Forest National in Brussels on 8 June 2026 for a one-off Belgian show. (RTBF)

🇪🇺 EU Affairs

UK edges closer to EU electricity market in post-Brexit reset

The UK is moving closer to rejoining the EU’s electricity market, marking another step in the post-Brexit reset between London and Brussels. (Brussels Times)

EU rolls out biometric border system

The EU’s new biometric border system is now operational, designed to detect identity fraud and security risks at EU entry points. (Brussels Times)

EU approves €1.5 billion defence programme for EU, Norway and Ukraine

The European Commission has greenlit a €1.5 billion joint defence programme involving the EU, Norway and Ukraine. (Brussels Times)

Belgium to take part in demining Strait of Hormuz

Belgium will contribute to demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising tensions in the Middle East. (Brussels Times)

EU police raids expose Balkans firearms-for-drugs network

EU police raids have uncovered a major criminal network swapping firearms from the Balkans for drugs. (Brussels Times)

Compiled from BX1, RTBF, Brussels Times. Brussels, 31 March 2026.