Brussels Daily Press Review – Thursday 9 April 2026
🌟 Brussels Daily Press Review – Thursday 9 April 2026
☀️ Sunny and warm, up to 25°C in Brussels today
🏛️ Politics & Society
Brussels unions take to the streets against French Community austerity measures
Unions held a joint demonstration in Brussels on Thursday 9 April, protesting austerity measures announced by the French-speaking Community (FWB) government. It marks the first major street protest since the new policy package was unveiled. (RTBF)
Tour & Taxis redevelopment approved despite ‘aggressive gentrification’ fears
Brussels authorities have green-lit the controversial redevelopment of the Tour & Taxis site in the Northern Quarter. Critics warn the project will accelerate gentrification and push out existing residents and small businesses from one of the city’s most historically working-class neighbourhoods. (Brussels Times)
24-year-old woman killed in Brussels flat — silent march planned this week
A 24-year-old woman has died in a Brussels apartment, prompting a silent march planned by community members later this week. Police are investigating the circumstances of the death as the local community calls for greater safety awareness. (Brussels Times)
🚗 Transport & Mobility
A12 Meise on-ramp towards Brussels closed for roadworks
Drivers heading from Meise towards Brussels face detours as the A12 motorway on-ramp has been closed for scheduled roadworks. The closure is expected to impact morning and evening commuter traffic in the north-western corridor of the Brussels region. (BX1)
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert launches public inquiry on Georges Henri avenue
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert commune has opened a public inquiry into the redevelopment of the Georges Henri avenue, a key artery in the eastern part of Brussels. Residents can submit observations and objections during the inquiry period as the commune weighs plans to restructure the road and surrounding public space. (BX1)
🔗 Justice & Security
35 arrests in major anti-drug operation across Brussels
A large-scale police operation targeting drug networks across Brussels has resulted in 35 judicial arrests. The operation, described by prosecutors as one of the most extensive in recent years, targeted street-level dealers and higher-level suppliers operating in several communes. (BX1)
Two federal police officers slightly injured at US Embassy in Brussels
Two federal police officers posted at the United States Embassy in Brussels sustained minor injuries during an incident at the diplomatic compound. The officers were treated on scene and one was taken to hospital for further assessment. An investigation into the circumstances is underway. (BX1)
🏘️ Housing & Urban Planning
Asbestos in Machtens towers — residents demand urgent relocaton
Families living in the Machtens tower blocks in Brussels are calling on authorities for urgent relocation after asbestos was discovered in the buildings. Residents say exposure risks are putting vulnerable families — including children and elderly — in immediate danger, and are demanding the commune provide temporary housing while remediation is carried out. (BX1)
🎉 Culture & Events
Lost Frequencies won’t perform at Royale Belge site in Watermael-Boitsfort
Brussels-born DJ star Lost Frequencies will not be setting up his decks in front of the historic Royale Belge building after Watermael-Boitsfort commune rejected the planned open-air stage setup. The popular DJ — with over a billion streams — was originally slated to perform on 18 April at the site. (RTBF)
Brussels for kids — what’s on this weekend (11–12 April)
Families looking for activities can explore a packed programme of events across Brussels this weekend, from museum workshops and nature walks to theatre performances and sports activities suitable for all ages. (Brussels Times)
📚 Education
Over 700 pupils on waiting list for French-speaking schools in Brussels
More than 700 children in Brussels are currently on waiting lists for French-language schools, highlighting ongoing pressure on the capital’s French-speaking education infrastructure. Parents in several communes report months-long waits for school placements, raising concerns about access to education. (Brussels Times)
💶 Economy & Business
Businesses threaten to leave Brussels over cleanliness issues
Several businesses in Brussels say they are considering relocating outside the capital, citing persistent problems with street cleanliness, waste management, and public space maintenance. The Brussels Chamber of Commerce has backed the concerns, warning that the city’s image as a place to do business is at stake. (Brussels Times)
Mortgage interest rates hit highest level since 2014
Fixed-rate mortgage loans in Belgium now carry the highest interest rates seen since 2014, putting pressure on prospective homebuyers and contributing to slower activity in the Brussels residential property market. (Brussels Times)
☁️ Weather
Sunny and warm — temperatures up to 25°C in Brussels
Brussels is enjoying a spell of exceptional spring weather, with clear skies and temperatures reaching 23–25°C on Thursday afternoon. It follows a mild week across Belgium, with forecasters describing the warmth as notably above seasonal averages for early April. (BX1 · RTBF)