Brussels Daily Press Review

2 April 2026 · 🌟 Manneken Pis

🎬 Culture & City Life

Brad Pitt Back in Brussels — Filming in the Marolles This Time

Hollywood star Brad Pitt was spotted filming in Brussels again this Wednesday, this time in the historic Marolles neighbourhood. The actor, who previously filmed scenes in the city centre, was seen at various locations in the working-class district famous for its flea market and the courthouse of Justice of the Peace. Local residents and businesses welcomed the production, which brought extra foot traffic to the area. (BX1)

“Tour du monde en 80 jours” — A Musical Journey for Lepage School Pupils

Pupils at the Éebakker/Lepage school in Brussels performed a musical adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic “Around the World in 80 Days.” The ambitious production, which saw children travel musically across continents, was the result of months of teamwork and creativity. Parents and neighbours packed the school hall for the performances. (BX1)

🏛️ Politics & Society

80+ Companies Sound Alarm Over Budget Cuts at hub.brussels

More than 80 companies have jointly protested against planned budget cuts at hub.brussels, Brussels’ agency for business support and internationalisation. In an open letter, they warn that the cuts risk “permanently weakening” Brussels’ competitiveness as a business hub. The companies — ranging from startups to established firms — say the cuts would reduce vital support services for businesses trying to grow and attract investment to the capital. (BX1)

Workers and organisations from Brussels’ socio-professional insertion sector (ISP) took to the streets to protest proposed budget reductions. The sector, which helps vulnerable people find employment and re-enter the workforce, says cuts would dismantle essential support structures at a time when demand is already high. Demonstrators warn that the most fragile members of society would bear the brunt. (BX1)

💶 Economy & Business

Bankruptcies on the Rise in Brussels

The number of companies going bankrupt in Brussels has increased, according to data published this week. The rise follows a national trend but is particularly pronounced in the capital, where certain sectors — including hospitality and small retail — continue to struggle with high operating costs. Economists are calling for targeted support measures to prevent further closures. (BX1)

Belgian Taxi Drivers Launch Domestic Rival to Uber in Brussels

A group of Belgian taxi drivers has launched a new app-based service to compete directly with Uber in Brussels. The initiative, designed to give licensed drivers a level playing field, aims to address longstanding complaints from traditional taxi operators about unfair competition. The launch marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over platform-based transport services in the capital. (Brussels Times)

🚗 Transport & Urban Life

Postal Strike Shows No Sign of Ending

The strike at bpost, Belgium’s national postal operator, continues for another day with negotiations stalled. Workers are protesting against working conditions and staffing levels, and no breakthrough has been reported. The stoppage is affecting mail and parcel deliveries across the country, including Brussels. (BX1) · (Brussels Times)

“If a City Cannot Keep Its Streets Clean, How Can You Trust It With Anything Else?”

Brussels residents are expressing growing frustration over dirty streets and inadequate waste collection in parts of the capital. A Brussels Times investigation and reader comments highlight the issue, with citizens asking how the city can be trusted with larger ambitions if it cannot manage basic cleanliness. The report has prompted renewed calls for improvements to public cleaning services. (Brussels Times)

⚔️ Sport

Red Panthers and Red Lions Inaugurate New National Hockey Stadium — Beat the Netherlands

Belgium’s men’s and women’s national hockey teams — the Red Lions and Red Panthers — inaugurated the new Belfius Hockey Arena with a double header against the Netherlands, the world’s best team. Both Belgium sides won their matches in front of a packed stadium, marking a triumphant opening for the venue that will host the 2026 Hockey World Cup in August. The women’s side came from behind to win 3–2 in a thrilling encounter. (RTBF)

🔒 Security & Justice

Person Hospitalised After Late-Night Shooting in Anderlecht

A person was taken to hospital after being shot in Anderlecht late at night. Police have opened an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. No arrests had been made at the time of going to press. The incident adds to concerns about gun violence in certain Brussels neighbourhoods. (Brussels Times)

Police Seize Nearly a Million Counterfeit Cigarettes in Brussels

Police discovered nearly one million counterfeit cigarettes during an investigation in Brussels. Officers grew suspicious after noticing unusual behaviour in a residential building, leading to a raid. The seizure is part of ongoing efforts to combat the trade in illegal tobacco products, which costs the state significant tax revenue each year. (Brussels Times)

🌍 International

Artemis 2 Launches: Four Astronautes Head to the Moon

NASA’s Artemis 2 mission launched successfully, sending four astronauts on a ten-day round trip around the Moon — the first crewed lunar mission in over half a century. The crew includes three men and one woman, and the mission marks a major milestone in humanity’s return to deep space. The launch was watched by millions worldwide, including in Belgium. (RTBF)

Ukraine to Receive €1.4 Billion from Interest on Frozen Russian Assets

The European Union will redirect €1.4 billion in interest earned on frozen Russian sovereign assets to fund military and reconstruction aid for Ukraine. Belgium, which hosts a significant portion of these assets, played a key role in the negotiations. The decision is a direct consequence of Russia’s continued war against Ukraine and represents one of the most substantial single aid packages approved to date. (Brussels Times)