Brussels Press Review — 10 March 2026

🔒 Security

Liège synagogue attack — security reinforced around Jewish sites in Brussels

An explosion hit the Liège synagogue early Monday morning. No injuries were reported, but material damage was significant. Federal prosecutors opened a terror investigation. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) called the attack “an abject antisemitic act” and announced reinforced police presence around Jewish institutions in Brussels. Mayor Philippe Close (PS) confirmed increased surveillance since the start of the Iran conflict. The US Ambassador also visited the site in a show of solidarity. The general threat level remains at 3/4 (“grave”). (BX1 · RTBF · BRUZZ)

Philippe Close to file complaint over nazi salutes at far-right rally

The Brussels mayor announced the city will press charges after video surfaced of individuals performing nazi salutes and displaying far-right symbols at a gathering on Place Poelaert on Saturday. Around 30 “anti-antifa” protesters had rallied, met by some 200 antifascist counter-demonstrators. Police used batons and teargas to separate the groups. (RTBF)

Antisemitism “widespread” in Brussels — climate of the 1930s returning

BRUZZ reports on growing concerns about antisemitism in the capital, with observers drawing comparisons to the atmosphere of the 1930s, particularly in the context of the Middle East conflict. (BRUZZ)

🚗 Transport & Mobility

Three-day rail strike underway — major disruptions across Belgium

Railway workers began a three-day walkout on Sunday evening, running until Wednesday. On Monday, 7 out of 10 IC trains are operating, but only 1 in 2 local/S trains, with very few peak-hour P trains. SNCB urges travellers to check the online journey planner. The strike will pause on Thursday to allow protesters to reach Brussels for the national demonstration. (BX1)

National demonstration on 12 March — major disruptions expected in Brussels

Unions are organising another massive protest march against the Arizona government’s pension, unemployment and wage reforms. The route runs from Gare du Nord along the small ring to Gare du Midi. Inner-ring tunnels plus Reyers and Cinquantenaire tunnels will close from 10:00. STIB, De Lijn and TEC all expect reduced services. Police strongly advise against driving into the city. (BX1 · BRUZZ)

STIB deploys 50 new electric buses on four additional lines

Lines 47, 56, 58 and 83 now run with standard electric buses, while articulated e-buses serve lines 46, 53, 87 and 89. The fleet now totals some 140 electric buses, having avoided over 9,000 tonnes of CO₂ since electrification began in 2018. (BX1)

Horta premetro station evacuated after smoke incident

The station was evacuated Monday afternoon after smoke was detected. Trams 4 and 10 were interrupted between Gare du Midi and Berkendael. Firefighters found the source in a technical duct — belongings of a homeless person had caught fire. No injuries. Service resumed around 15:40. (BX1)

Pedestrian hit by tram 7 in Schaerbeek

A pedestrian was struck by tram 7 in Schaerbeek on Sunday, partially interrupting service. (BX1 · BRUZZ)

🏛️ Politics & Budget

New budget minister Dirk De Smedt: “Every euro must be spent better”

The Brussels budget minister (Anders) outlined the new government’s plan to reach budgetary balance by 2029, cutting €1 billion through administrative simplification — merging structures while keeping brand names familiar to citizens. He pledged 20% new revenues without new taxes, through anti-fraud measures and broadening the tax base. A dynamic monitoring system will allow real-time budget adjustments. (BX1)

Brussels Parliament to accelerate work on 2026 budget

The regional parliament is stepping up the pace next week to finalise the 2026 budget, after the Dilliès government gave the green light last week. (BRUZZ)

Communes selling off property to plug budget gaps

At least five Brussels municipalities — Sint-Joost, Schaerbeek, Anderlecht, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and Ixelles — are selling real estate to finance renovations of schools, sports centres and basic services. VUB professor Herman Matthijs warns that one-off sales don’t provide structural income. “If even a wealthier commune like Woluwe-Saint-Lambert has to sell property, there’s clearly a problem.” (BRUZZ)

Pension reform: mypension.be estimates to disappear temporarily

Following the Arizona government’s pension reform, personalised estimates on mypension.be will be taken offline to be recalculated. A “work days counter” for bonus/malus is expected by summer; estimated pension dates return in autumn; full amount estimates won’t be back until late 2027. (RTBF)

🏗️ Urban Development

Gesù Church in Sint-Joost still looking for a buyer — foodmarket plan revived

Nearly four years after the bankruptcy of the development company Rue Royale, the former Jesuit church on Koningsstraat remains unsold. Parent company Rosebud Heritage has relaunched a detailed “Botanic Food Market” plan to attract buyers with a vision for an artisanal food hall. The asking price was just under €2 million. (BRUZZ)

🎭 Culture & Society

Musical tribute to José van Dam fills cathedral

A packed Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule hosted a musical farewell to legendary Belgian bass-baritone José van Dam. (BX1)

“On vous croit” sweeps René du cinéma awards with eight prizes

The film dominated Belgium’s French-language film awards ceremony. (BX1 · BRUZZ)

Brussels residents score highest on happiness in Belgium

According to the UGent-NN happiness survey, Brussels scores 6.62/10, slightly above Flanders (6.61) and significantly above Wallonia (6.36). However, the national average continues a slow decline. Unemployed and work-disabled Belgians score lowest, driven by lack of autonomy and purpose rather than finances alone. (BRUZZ)

130 independent producers meet Horeca professionals in Laeken

The cooperative Terroirist brought together 130 artisan food and drink producers to showcase their products — from 100% Belgian organic tabasco to plant-based milks — to restaurants, caterers and shops. (BX1)

195 Belgians return on first repatriation flight from Middle East

An emotional scene at Brussels Airport as the first repatriation flight brought home 195 Belgian citizens from the conflict zone. King Philippe visited the SPF Foreign Affairs crisis centre. (BX1)

⚽ Sport

Union Saint-Gilloise extends lead to 4 points after beating Genk

USG defeated Genk to open up a comfortable gap at the top of the Pro League table. Meanwhile, Club Brugge and Anderlecht drew. (BX1 · BX1)

RWDM sanctioned by licence commission — financial future in doubt

The licence commission has sanctioned RWDM over its precarious financial situation, casting a shadow over the club’s future in Belgian football. (BX1)