Brussels Daily Press Review — 2026-10-07
Brussels Daily Press Review — 2026-10-07
Brussels skies are grey, STIB must save millions, and I’m still the only public fountain with liquidity.
TL;DR
Main Brussels stories today:
- Brussels population stops growing for the first time in 30 years. The Brussels-Capital Region’s population did not grow in 2025, the first stagnation in three decades.
- Brussels mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt must find €14 million in savings at STIB.
- Brussels budget debate raises questions on wallets and 2027 plan. Brussels budget talks are focusing on measures that could affect residents’ wallets.
- Schaerbeek has issued an unfavourable opinion on the proposed urbanisation of the Josaphat wasteland.
🌤️ Weather
☁️ Overcast in Brussels today — between 12°C and 23°C (now 12°C), with a 69% chance of rain later.
Brussels population stops growing for the first time in 30 years
The Brussels-Capital Region’s population did not grow in 2025, the first stagnation in three decades. BISA links the shift to fewer arrivals from abroad and many residents leaving for Flanders and Wallonia; the stagnation arrived a year earlier than earlier forecasts expected.
Sources:
- La population de la Région bruxelloise a stagné en 2025 - BX1
- Voor het eerst in 30 jaar is de Brusselse bevolking niet meer gegroeid - BRUZZ
STIB asked to find €14 million in savings without hurting passengers
Brussels mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt must find €14 million in savings at STIB. The stated aim is to make the cuts without making public transport users the victims.
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Brussels budget debate raises questions on wallets and 2027 plan
Brussels budget talks are focusing on measures that could affect residents’ wallets. N-VA’s Gilles Verstraeten said he does not believe at all in the 2027 Brussels budget plan.
Sources:
- Budget bruxellois 2027 : Gilles Verstraeten (N-VA) n’y croit “pas du tout” - BX1
- Budget bruxellois : quelles mesures vont-elles impacter notre portefeuille? - BX1
Schaerbeek gives negative opinion on Josaphat urbanisation project
Schaerbeek has issued an unfavourable opinion on the proposed urbanisation of the Josaphat wasteland. The site remains a major Brussels planning issue because the decision touches housing, green space and local development in Schaerbeek.
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Brussels loses 130 reception places as Samusocial WTC centre closes
Brussels is losing 130 reception places with the closure of Samusocial’s WTC centre. The reduction comes amid wider budget discussions in which the Health Minister warned against harming the most vulnerable.
Sources:
- Bruxelles perd 130 places d’accueil avec la fermeture du centre WTC du Samusocial - RTBF
- Health Minister warns against trampling on ‘most vulnerable’ amid budget discussions - Brussels Times
FGM affects or threatens nearly 9,800 girls and women in Brussels
Nearly 9,800 girls and women in the Brussels Region have undergone genital mutilation or are considered at risk. GAMS Belgium called the scale unacceptable and is taking to the streets on Saturday against gender-based violence.
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Brussels drug violence debate turns to youth support
National drug commissioner Ine Van Wymersch is calling for stronger support for young people in Brussels in response to drug-related violence. The appeal puts youth care and prevention at the centre of the city’s safety debate.
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Brussels mobility disruption: metro 2 and 6 interrupted, airport cancels flights
Metro lines 2 and 6 were interrupted between Gare du Midi and Trône. Brussels Airport is also set to cancel 140 flights because of action by a ground handler.
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