Brussels Daily Press Review — 29 March 2026

🏛️ Politics & Society

Brussels mayors agree on noise reduction plan

The 19 commune mayors of Brussels have reached a joint agreement to tackle noise pollution across the capital. The initiative, reported by Brussels Times, aims to coordinate measures from reduced traffic noise to limitations on late-night events — a longstanding quality-of-life complaint in one of Europe’s densest cities. Details of the implementation timeline are expected in the coming weeks. (Brussels Times)

North Quarter brothels and night shops to close from 1 April

Brussels’ Quartier Nord — the area around the former international railway station — is set for a significant shift as of 1 April: all prostitution venues and late-night shops must close at night. BX1 reports that the measure aims to improve public safety and the neighbourhood’s residential character. Organisers of the affected venues say they were given insufficient time to adapt. (BX1)

Thomas Gillet elected president of Centre d’Action Laïque

Thomas Gillet has been elected president of the Centre d’Action Laïque, Belgium’s main secularism advocacy organisation. The Brussels-based movement promotes the separation of church and state and provides secular moral education in public schools. Gillet takes over at a time of ongoing debates about religious expression in public institutions. (BX1)

UGent withdraws from European project over Israeli collaboration

Ghent University has pulled out of a European research project due to its collaboration with Israeli institutions — a decision that has sparked debate in federal political circles. Brussels Times notes the move places additional pressure on Belgium’s already complex position regarding academic partnerships linked to the conflict in the Middle East. (Brussels Times)

First AI-run business launches in Belgium

Belgium has seen the launch of its first fully AI-operated business, according to Brussels Times. The development marks a new frontier for the country’s tech and entrepreneurship landscape, and is likely to attract attention from regulators in Brussels who are already grappling with EU AI governance frameworks. (Brussels Times)

🚗 Transport & Environment

Motorway towards Brussels closed for the weekend

A major inbound motorway into Brussels was closed for the weekend, disrupting travel for thousands of commuters. Brussels Times reported the closure as part of ongoing maintenance works — a recurring source of frustration for those travelling from Flanders and Wallonia into the capital. Traffic is expected to return to normal by Monday morning. (Brussels Times)

Day of the Motorcyclist opens spring season

Belgian roads traditionally mark the start of spring with the annual Day of the Motorcyclist — an event that sees large numbers of riders take to the streets, and which puts pressure on Brussels’ ring road and access routes. Brussels Times flagged the event as the unofficial kickoff of the two-wheeled season in a country where motorcycling is both leisure culture and practical transport. (Brussels Times)

Anti-fur protest at Louis Vuitton and Dior

The Belgian Anti-Fur Movement staged a fresh action outside luxury fashion houses Louis Vuitton and Dior on a Brussels shopping street. BX1 reported that activists were targeting the brands’ use of animal fur, positioning Brussels as a site of ongoing ethical fashion debate alongside Paris and Amsterdam. (BX1)

🎭 Culture & Society

24 Heures Vélos du Bois de la Cambre celebrates 40th edition

One of Brussels’ most beloved weekend traditions returned to the Bois de la Cambre: the 40th edition of the 24 Heures Vélos, a non-stop cycling event that attracts riders of all ages. BX1 captured the festive atmosphere as families and clubs gathered for the anniversary edition of the event, which began in 1986. (BX1)

Brussels Book Fair tackles literacy and dyslexia

The Brussels Book Fair (Foire du Livre) is working on accessibility solutions for people with dyslexia and illiteracy, BX1 reported. The fair, a major date in the Francophone cultural calendar, is partnering with specialist organisations to ensure its programme and spaces are usable by all — including visitors who struggle with conventional text formats. (BX1)

Cyber Security Challenge brings 135 finalists to Brussels

The Cyber Security Challenge Belgium concluded its 2026 edition with 135 finalists competing in the final round held in Brussels. BX1’s reportage covered the competition — aimed at spotting and nurturing young cybersecurity talent — as companies and governments increasingly compete for digital defence expertise across Europe. (BX1)

Inside Brussels’ new Banksy museum

Brussels Times revisited the capital’s recently opened museum dedicated to Banksy, the anonymous street artist. The feature highlighted the show’s central message — that the artist’s most powerful statement is one of love — and explored how the exhibition fits into Brussels’ growing appetite for contemporary art experiences. (Brussels Times)

Brian Cox ahead of Brussels show: “I’m a physicist who’s still excited by snowflakes”

Rockstar-turned-physicist Brian Cox gave an interview to Brussels Times ahead of his Brussels show, reflecting on his transition from pop music to particle physics. “I’m a physicist who’s still excited by snowflakes,” he said, adding that he sees his live shows as a way to make science accessible without dumbing it down. The professor and BBC presenter plays a Brussels venue this week. (Brussels Times)

⚽ Sport

Red Devils beat USA 2–5 in Atlanta

Belgium’s national football team, the Red Devils, kicked off their 2026 World Cup preparation with a 2–5 friendly win against the United States in Atlanta.rtbf covered the match extensively — Belgium came from behind before turning the game around, with Zeno Debast and Amadou Onana scoring their first international goals. Coach Domenico Tedesco praised the team for their tactical adjustment after a difficult first half. (RTBF)

Remco Evenepoel satisfied after Tour of Catalonia work

Belgian cycling star Remco Evenepoel expressed satisfaction after his performance in the sixth stage of the Tour of Catalonia, where he worked in support of Jonas Vingegaard. Evenepoel, who rides for Soudal–Quick-Step, said he was “happy with his sensations” as he builds towards his early-season targets. (RTBF)

🎪 Events

BIFFF tickets: 25 pairs to win for “Incomplete Chairs”

The Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) is running a competition offering 25 pairs of tickets to the film Incomplete Chairs — one of the genre festival’s anticipated screenings. BX1 flagged the competition as part of the lead-up to the festival’s 44th edition, which opens on 3 April at Brussels Expo on the Heysel. (BX1)