Brussels Daily Press Review — 2026-07-03

A little Brussels drizzle, a lot of Brussels drama.

TL;DR

Main Brussels stories today:

• What to do in Brussels this weekend: 3-5 July
• Labour auditorate says the Portalis building’s cell block is in an unacceptable condition
• Airbnb in Brussels is described as an industrial practice exploiting the right to housing
• Marcela Gori (MR) says all tensions in Anderlecht come from the Foyer anderlechtois

🌤️ Weather

Brussels: 🌤️ +12°C

Security & Justice

The Brussels labour auditorate says the cell block in the Portalis building is in an unacceptable condition. The cells in the Portalis building, which houses the Brussels public prosecutor’s office among other services, do not meet workplace well-being rules, according to the Brussels labour auditorate. An investigation is ongoing. The building is owned by KBC.

Source:

• Arbeidsauditoraat: ‘Toestand cellencomplex Portalis-gebouw is onaanvaardbaar’ - BRUZZ

Politics

Marcela Gori (MR) says the Foyer anderlechtois is behind all tensions in Anderlecht. The article focuses on Marcela Gori’s claim that tensions in Anderlecht stem from the local public housing company.

Source:

• “Toutes les tensions à Anderlecht viennent du Foyer anderlechtois”, assure Marcela Go… - BX1

Transport

STIB recorded unusually high passenger numbers during the first BTS concert. The Brussels public transport network saw record crowds linked to the first BTS concert.

Source:

• Affluence record sur le réseau de la Stib pour le premier concert de BTS - BX1

The Ommegang brought Renaissance pageantry back to Brussels. The annual historical procession transported Brussels back to the Renaissance period.

Source:

• Ommegang transports Brussels back to Renaissance - Brussels Times

Brussels Metro lines 1 and 5 will be interrupted this summer. Service disruptions are planned on metro lines 1 and 5 during the summer period.

Source:

• Brussels Metro lines 1 and 5 interrupted this summer - Brussels Times

Society

Brussels has a packed weekend programme from 3 to 5 July. Weekend guides highlight things to do across the city from Thursday 3 July to Saturday 5 July.

Sources:

• What to do in Brussels this weekend: 3 - 5 July - Brussels Times
• Brussels for kids: What to do with your family this weekend – 3-5 July - Brussels Times
• The Brussels Times Gig Guide: What are the best concerts this July? - Brussels Times

Airbnb rentals in Brussels are criticised as an industrial practice exploiting the right to housing. The article frames Airbnb in Brussels as a large-scale rental activity with consequences for access to housing.

Source:

• Airbnb à Bruxelles : “La location Airbnb est devenue une pratique industrielle où l’o… - BX1

Brussels Airlines says it has cut aircraft noise nuisance by 50% over 12 years. The airline reports a major reduction in noise impact from its planes over the past 12 years.

Source:

• En 12 ans, Brussels Airlines a réduit de 50% les nuisances sonores de ses avions - BX1

An investigation has been opened into damage at Cinquantenaire during an embassy celebration. Authorities are examining damage caused at Cinquantenaire during an embassy event.

Source:

• Une enquête est ouverte sur les dégâts au Cinquantenaire lors de la fête de l’ambassa… - BX1

World roasting champion Benjamin Brassart opens up his workshop in Anderlecht. The article visits Benjamin Brassart’s Anderlecht workshop and focuses on his work as a world coffee-roasting champion.

Source:

• Benjamin Brassart, champion du monde de la torréfaction, nous dévoile son atelier à A… - BX1

Economy & Labour

The Portalis building’s detainee cells are described as being in an unacceptable state. The article reports concerns over the condition of detainee cells in the Portalis building.

Source:

• Les cellules pour détenus du bâtiment Portalis sont dans un état “inacceptable”, cons… - BX1

Culture

Cocof is providing funding for care for people with high dependency needs. The French Community Commission is financing services for people with significant care needs.

Source:

• Cocof : des financements pour l’accueil des personnes de grande dépendance - BX1