Brussels Daily: Forest cultural strike, A12 roadworks, 22°C sunshine and a chase through Uccle
🏛️ Politics & Society
Le Centre Culturel de Forest en grève ce jeudi 9 avril — The cultural centre is calling on all means necessary to defend itself, including legal action, against cuts to Actiris ACS subsidies and the removal of FWB (Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles) recognition for performing arts distribution. Workers say the cuts are “hardhearted” and warn of lasting damage to the cultural fabric of Forest. A protest is planned Thursday April 9. (BX1)
Une nouvelle manifestation nationale le 12 mai à Bruxelles — A new national demonstration is scheduled for May 12 in Brussels. Unions are uniting against federal policy they say threatens public services and workers’ rights. More details to follow. (BX1)
🚇 Transport & Mobility
Deux nouveaux chantiers compliquent la vie des automobilistes — Two major roadworks are set to hit Brussels drivers this week. The A12 Meise–Londerzeel section will be reduced to 2×2 lanes from April 9 until June 8 — expect significant delays on the northern approach. In Auderghem, a section closes entirely from April 10–14, with traffic diverted. Plan your routes in advance. (BX1)
Chantier de la Gare Centrale : le métro CIRCULE — STIB engineers are carrying out major metro tunnel works at Brussels-Central station — works that can only be done when the metro isn’t running. It’s a tight window but operations continue normally for passengers. (BX1)
🚗 Course-poursuite Uccle–Waterloo — A dangerous high-speed chase through the streets of Uccle ended in Waterloo on Tuesday. A young driver from Uccle was arrested after endangering multiple pedestrians and drivers. Police are reminding residents that road safety enforcement remains a priority. (BX1)
💶 Economy & Urban Life
“Too much Belgian laissez-faire”: Businesses risk leaving Brussels over cleanliness — A growing number of businesses are warning they may relocate from Brussels over persistent litter, dumping and unswept streets. The Brussels Times spoke to traders in several communes who say the situation has become unbearable. “We can’t keep attracting talent and tourists if our city looks like a dump,” one employer said. The issue spans the full 19 communes. (Brussels Times)
🎭 Culture & City Life
Les cerisiers du Japon en fleurs à Bruxelles — Spring has truly arrived. The Japanese cherry trees in Brussels are in full bloom, painting several neighbourhoods in delicate pink. How long will the spectacle last? Scientists say the window may be shorter than in previous years due to unusually warm temperatures. Get out and enjoy them this week. (BX1)
Artemis II : la Lune passionne jusqu’à Bruxelles — The Artemis II mission — NASA’s first crewed lunar orbit since Apollo — is generating buzz even in Brussels. Scientists from ULB are closely involved in the mission’s research. “We don’t know if what we study is representative of the whole Moon,” one researcher told BX1, underscoring the stakes of sending humans back to lunar orbit. (BX1)
Peterbos : deux blocs rénovés et chantier sportif lancé — In Anderlecht, two residential blocks in the Peterbos complex are being renovated, and work has begun on a new sports complex nearby. The €8 million project will bring updated facilities to one of the commune’s most densely populated areas. (BX1)
🌡️ Weather Today
☀️ Sunny and summery — Up to 22°C expected in central Belgium today, with clear skies and light winds. A beautiful spring day — perfect for the cherry blossoms. Pack water if you’re heading out, and don’t forget sunscreen. Feels like early summer. (BX1)