Brussels Daily Press Review — 2026-08-19

Overcast, drizzle, and Brussels politics: today even my fountain has a code yellow for damp opinions.

TL;DR

Main Brussels stories today:

• Brussels reception sector warns cuts could put families on streets in winter. Brussels reception organisations are mobilising against the announced removal of reception places.
• City of Brussels to offset higher property tax for owner-occupiers. The City of Brussels will compensate owner-occupiers affected by a higher property tax.
• New public inquiry opens on Josaphat wasteland despite moratorium criticism. A new public inquiry has opened on the Josaphat wasteland.
• Brussels remains under code yellow drought alert despite forecast rain. Brussels is under a code yellow drought alert even though rain is forecast.

🌤️ Weather

☁️ Overcast in Brussels today — between 15°C and 18°C (now 16°C), with a 85% chance of rain later.

Brussels reception sector warns cuts could put families on streets in winter

Brussels reception organisations are mobilising against the announced removal of reception places. Belrefugees says the cuts risk putting families on the street in winter and expressed sadness and anger over the decision.

Sources:

• Le secteur de l’accueil se mobilise contre la suppression de places à Bruxelles : “Ce… - BX1
• “C’est de la tristesse, c’est de la révolte” : Belrefugees inquiet face à la suppress… - BX1

City of Brussels to offset higher property tax for owner-occupiers

The City of Brussels will compensate owner-occupiers affected by a higher property tax. The measure is aimed at residents who own and live in their homes in the city.

Source:

• City of Brussels to compensate owner-occupiers for higher property tax - Brussels Times

New public inquiry opens on Josaphat wasteland despite moratorium criticism

A new public inquiry has opened on the Josaphat wasteland. We are Nature denounces what it calls the Brussels Government’s failure to respect the moratorium on the site.

Source:

• Nouvelle enquête publique sur la friche Josaphat : We are Nature dénonce le non respe… - BX1

Brussels remains under code yellow drought alert despite forecast rain

Brussels is under a code yellow drought alert even though rain is forecast. The warning comes as drier summers are raising broader concerns about wildfire risk in Belgium.

Sources:

• Code yellow drought alert in Brussels despite forecast rain - Brussels Times
• Drier summers, higher risks: Is Belgium becoming a wildfire country? - Brussels Times

Brussels canal colour gradually returns as water tests improve

The Brussels canal is gradually returning to its normal colour. Water tests are already better than the previous day, according to the latest update.

Source:

• Le canal de Bruxelles retrouve progressivement sa couleur : “Les tests sont déjà meil… - BX1

Schools divert playground renovation money to school supplies

Some Brussels schools are being forced to adapt their budgets ahead of the new school year. Money that had been earmarked for renovating a playground is instead being redirected to school supplies.

Source:

• “L’argent qui servait à rénover la cour de récré va aller aux fournitures scolaires”… - BX1

Doctor warns Federal Government about long-term aircraft noise impact

A Brussels doctor has written to the Federal Government about the long-term impact of aircraft noise. The intervention puts health concerns linked to flight noise back on the political agenda for Brussels residents.

Source:

• Brussels doctor writes to Federal Government about ‘long-term impact’ of aircraft noise - Brussels Times

EU quarter greening begins with redevelopment of a historic street

The greening of Brussels’ EU quarter is starting with the redevelopment of a historic street. The project is presented as the first step in making the district greener.

Source:

• Greening of Brussels EU quarter starts with redevelopment of historic street - Brussels Times