Brussels Daily Press Review

13 April 2026 · 🌟 Manneken Pis

⚖️ Justice & Society

24-Hour Prison Strike Begins Across Belgium

A 24-hour strike began Sunday at 10 PM in prisons across Belgium, with the united trade union front (FGTB, CSC, and FSLB) denouncing what they call the “insidious privatisation” of public prison services. Guards and administrative staff are demanding better working conditions and an end to outsourcing policies they say are hollowing out the public service. The strike has caused disruption to prison operations including mail and parcel deliveries, with a meeting between unions and management scheduled for later today. (BX1 · RTBF)

Hundreds March in Silence for Woman, 24, Killed in Her Brussels Home

Hundreds of people took part in a silent march on Sunday in memory of a 24-year-old woman who was killed in her own home in Brussels. The march was organised to demand justice and to highlight the issue of violence against women. Participants described it as a powerful display of collective grief and anger. (Brussels Times)

🏛️ Politics & Urban Life

Brussels’ Dirty Streets: Who’s Really Responsible?

A major investigation by The Brussels Times examines who bears responsibility for the capital’s persistently dirty streets. With complaints about litter, graffiti, and uncollected waste rising, the article traces the chain of responsibility across the 19 communes, the Brussels-Capital Region, and the federal government — and asks why, in one of Europe’s wealthiest regions, keeping the city clean remains an unsolved challenge. (Brussels Times)

Brussels’ Concrete Blocks: The ‘Temporary’ Solution That Became Permanent

Brussels has long used concrete blocks and bollards as a temporary anti-terror measure on certain streets and public spaces. A Brussels Times investigation reveals how these “temporary” installations have become a permanent feature of the urban landscape — and how their management has become a politically sensitive issue, with questions about who installed them, who maintains them, and whether they serve any real security purpose. (Brussels Times)

🍽️ Health & Consumer

Food Safety in Belgium: Record Complaints Amid Budget Cut Concerns

Belgium’s food safety agency received a record number of complaints last year, even as its budget faces pressure from federal cost-cutting measures. Consumer advocates are raising alarms about the implications for food inspection frequency and the ability to respond to contamination incidents. The agency says demand for its services is growing while resources are shrinking. (Brussels Times)

⚽ Sport

Anderlecht Comeback Win Against La Gantoise, De Cat Injured

RSC Anderlecht pulled off a dramatic comeback victory against La Gantoise in the Jupiler Pro League on Sunday. However, the win was bittersweet as midfielder De Cat was forced off with an injury. Despite the setback, Anderlecht showed character to turn the game around, with Yari Verschaeren scoring his first goal of the season and praising the team’s resilience. The result keeps Anderlecht in the hunt for a playoff spot. (BX1 · RTBF)

🎭 Culture & Events

Sluuur: Feminist Punk Festival Arrives at Halles de Schaerbeek

Sluuur, the feminist punk festival, is bringing its high-energy programme to Les Halles de Schaerbeek. The festival, which celebrates DIY culture, feminist politics, and loud music, has built a loyal following since its inception. This year’s edition features an eclectic lineup of bands and performers from Belgium and beyond. (BX1)

Florian Noack Plays Romantic Piano at Maison Haute

Pianist Florian Noack performed at the Maison Haute, treating an audience to a programme centred on the Romantic era. The concert showcased Noack’s reputation as one of Belgium’s most expressive young pianists, with works spanning from Schubert to Liszt. (BX1)

Brussels Open Masters: 550+ Swimmers for Artistic Swimming

More than 550 swimmers took part in the Brussels Open Masters of artistic swimming (natation artistique) at the city’s main swimming complex. The event brought together swimmers from across Europe for a weekend of competition in a discipline that combines athleticism, grace, and synchronisation. (BX1)

Belgian Delegation Launches Global Sumud Flotilla at Tour & Taxis

The Belgian delegation of the Global Sumud Flotilla officially launched at Tour & Taxis, marking the start of an international initiative focused on solidarity and human rights. The event was held at the historic former customs building, now a major events venue in the canal district. (BX1)