Brussels Press Review — 11 May 2026
Prisons & Justice
National Prison Strike Gains Unprecedented Management Support
A nationwide prison strike began this Monday at 6:00 AM, with staff across all Belgian prisons walking out to protest overcrowding, excessive workloads, and rising violence. In a remarkable twist, prison management has openly backed the strikers. Mathilde Steenbergen, Director-General of the Prison Administration, will attend a rally outside Lantin prison in solidarity, stating that “the situation has become untenable.” Belgium’s prisons currently hold 13,733 inmates against a theoretical capacity of 11,064, with 754 mattresses on the floor. The number of serious incidents has doubled in a year, and staff absences due to assault-related workplace injuries have risen by over 30% in two years.
Northern Quarter Curfew Divides Opinion
A new curfew measure in Brussels’ Northern Quarter has split local opinion, with brothels reporting significant revenue losses while some residents welcome the quieter nights. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between the area’s nightlife economy and residents’ quality of life in this historically red-light district of the capital.
Source: Brussels Times
Mobility & Urban Life
700 Cyclists Rally for Kid-Friendly Infrastructure
Around 700 cyclists took to Brussels streets on Sunday for the BIG (Inter)national Kidical Mass, demanding safer cycling infrastructure for children. Organisers say children represent only 1.3% of Brussels cyclists, as current infrastructure is simply not safe enough for them to ride alone. Their three priority demands: physically separated and interconnected bike lanes, secure school zones, and real enforcement of the 30 km/h speed limit. The colourful parade rolled five kilometres from Place du Trône to the Royal Park.
Source: BX1
5G Now Covers Over 90% of Belgian Households — But Quality Gaps Remain
More than 90% of Belgian households now have access to 5G coverage, according to new data released today. However, the quality of service still varies significantly depending on location, with some areas — particularly in more densely built urban zones — experiencing weaker signals than expected. The rollout continues as operators work to fill the remaining coverage gaps.
Source: Brussels Times
Economy & Politics
Federal Budget May Need €7 Billion More in Savings by 2029
The Belgian federal government could need to find up to €7 billion in additional savings by 2029, Budget Minister Vincent Van Peteghem (CD&V) said on Sunday. The previous estimate of €4.9 billion was based on figures compiled before the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which are expected to drive up inflation and push the required figure higher. Van Peteghem hopes to complete the budget exercise by 21 July, warning that “the measures will be felt by everyone.”
Source: BX1 — Brussels Times
Dutch-Speaking Brussels MPs’ Spending Prompts Savings Plan
A report exposing lavish spending by Dutch-speaking members of the Brussels Parliament has prompted an official savings plan. The revelations come at a sensitive time for the Brussels government, which has been facing tightening budgets and public scrutiny over public spending. The parliament is now under pressure to implement concrete cost-cutting measures.
Source: Brussels Times
Culture & Events
Iris Festival Draws 13,000 for Electro Night Despite Budget Cuts
Some 13,000 people packed the Place des Palais on Saturday evening for the Iris Tipik Electro Night, the headline event of this year’s Iris Festival — the Brussels Region’s 37th anniversary celebration. Belgian DJ Henri PFR described performing in front of the Royal Palace as “a childhood dream come true,” while Italian trio Meduza closed the night. The 2026 edition was condensed to a single day due to budget restrictions imposed after the new government was only formed on 14 February. Sunday’s programme featured an open day at the Brussels Parliament, where visitors explored the institution through concerts, quizzes, and guided tours.
Source: BX1 — BX1 Parliament
Two Belgian Films Vie for the Palme d’Or at Cannes
Two Belgian productions are in competition for the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, which opens this week. The strong showing underscores the vitality of Belgium’s film industry on the international stage, following a series of critically acclaimed releases in recent years.
Source: Brussels Times
Spring of Cemeteries Brings Art and History to Neder-Over-Heembeek
The “Printemps des cimetières” (Spring of Cemeteries) made its debut at the Neder-Over-Heembeek cemetery this weekend, offering guided tours, family-friendly activities, and artistic interventions amid the funerary heritage. Guides explained the symbolism of monuments and local history, while Brussels artists punctuated the walks with performances. The event transforms cemeteries into spaces for cultural discovery.
Source: BX1
Security
Two Violent Incidents Shake Brussels Over the Weekend
Brussels police responded to two separate violent incidents over the weekend. In the city centre, a person was injured in a violent robbery on Rue des Fabriques in the early hours of Sunday, after being struck with a sharp object. The victim was hospitalised but is not in a life-threatening condition. Separately, in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, another person was wounded in a suspected stabbing on Boulevard Edmond Machtens shortly before midnight on Saturday. No arrests have been made in either case, and investigations are ongoing.
Source: BX1 Centre — BX1 Molenbeek — Brussels Times
Health & International
Belgian Cruise Passengers Repatriated After Hantavirus Outbreak
Two Belgian passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius, where a hantavirus outbreak was detected, have been repatriated and admitted to Antwerp University Hospital. The virus, carried by rodents, was identified aboard the vessel and prompted an emergency evacuation of passengers. The two Belgians arrived safely in Eindhoven on Sunday evening and were transferred to Antwerp for medical follow-up.
Source: RTBF
Nobel Peace Laureate Narges Mohammadi Released on Bail in Iran
Narges Mohammadi, the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate imprisoned in Iran since December, has been released on bail and is receiving medical treatment in Tehran. Her health had seriously deteriorated in recent weeks, prompting international calls for her release. The Iranian human rights activist has been repeatedly imprisoned for her work defending women’s rights.
Source: RTBF
Food & City Life
Where to Eat Georgian Food in Brussels
In a city that already boasts a dizzying array of world cuisines, Georgian food is carving out its own niche. The capital now hosts several spots where food lovers can discover khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (dumplings), and other specialties from the Caucasus. A guide to the best Georgian tables in town.
Source: Brussels Times