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Brussels Daily Press Review — 2026-09-22

Brussels Daily Press Review — 2026-09-22

Clear skies, 12°C: perfect weather for Brussels politics to walk on eggs without slipping in my fountain.

TL;DR

Main Brussels stories today:

  • The City of Brussels still has no solution for the future of its casino, with the mayoral college not ruling out any option for possible operational consequences by the end of the year.
  • The Brussels Parliament is starting its new session with budget and security as central issues.
  • The Gray district next to Flagey has been designated as Brussels’ 19th hotspot for drug-related violence.
  • The City of Brussels municipal council voted Monday evening to extend the ban on drinking alcohol in public spaces across large parts of the city centre for four years.

🌤️ Weather

☀️ Clear in Brussels today — between 11°C and 21°C (now 12°C).

Brussels casino remains unresolved as city college weighs options

The City of Brussels still has no solution for the future of its casino, with the mayoral college not ruling out any option for possible operational consequences by the end of the year. Alderman Nawal Ben Hamou repeated that position at Monday evening’s municipal council, while the suspended casino contract leaves the college in a difficult position.

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Brussels Parliament returns with budget and security on the agenda

The Brussels Parliament is starting its new session with budget and security as central issues. Bertin Mampaka has been re-elected as president of the Brussels Parliament.

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Gray district near Flagey becomes Brussels’ 19th drug violence hotspot

The Gray district next to Flagey has been designated as Brussels’ 19th hotspot for drug-related violence. The label adds the neighbourhood to the city’s list of priority areas for safety concerns linked to the drug trade.

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Brussels city-centre public drinking ban extended for four years

The City of Brussels municipal council voted Monday evening to extend the ban on drinking alcohol in public spaces across large parts of the city centre for four years. The measure had previously been renewed one year at a time and does not apply to hospitality businesses or terraces.

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Federal response sought over illegal migration in the North Quarter

Illegal migration in the North Quarter is again under political pressure, with calls for the federal state to give a clear response. The issue concerns the area around Brussels’ northern district and is being framed as requiring action from the federal level.

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Permit filed to renovate Grand Place block between square and Rue du Midi

Dutch property investor Prowinko has filed a permit application to thoroughly renovate a building block between the Grand Place and Rue du Midi. Most of the block would remain offices, with space also planned for hospitality, and the permit application runs until 15 October.

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Le Chat museum in Ixelles now planned to open in 2028

Philippe Geluck’s Le Chat museum is now planned to open in Ixelles in 2028. The project is being presented as a revived push after twelve years without completion, with the aim of getting it over the line in twelve weeks.

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Two Brussels art schools file complaint against teacher

Two Brussels art schools have filed a complaint against a teacher accused of violating students. The case is being treated as very serious by the institutions involved.

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