The Brussels Newsbrief
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
TL;DR
Main Brussels stories today:
- The indictment chamber will rule on Wednesday on whether public prosecution ends after the death of Étienne Davignon.
- A VUB study has produced a breakthrough in pancreatic cancer research.
- The Dutch-speaking Prinses Paolaschool renovation in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert has been cancelled, with the opposition accusing the commune of deliberately blocking the file.
- A planned inquiry into Anderlechtse Haard is being framed as a chance to tackle clientelism in social housing.
Brussels: 🌤️ +15°C
Security & Justice
Eight judicial arrests were made after incidents during Monday’s demonstration.
Two explosions at front doors disturbed Anderlecht overnight. Brussels firefighters reported an explosion in a residential block on Karveelstraat from Monday night to Tuesday, with no injuries.
Police pursued suspected car thieves from Molenbeek to Puurs, where the vehicle crashed. Both occupants of the suspected stolen car were arrested.
Protests over cuts in Francophone education have continued to cause unrest in central Brussels. Police have repeatedly used water cannon and tear gas, and street furniture has been damaged.
Police seized Molotov cocktails during Monday’s protest, and eight people were arrested.
Politics
Francophone Education Minister Valérie Glatigny has ruled out cancelling exams despite anger in the education sector.
Francophone Education Minister Valérie Glatigny said no school had asked for exams to be postponed.
Francophone Education Minister Valérie Glatigny says she wants to rebuild ties with teachers and students.
Transport
Uber is launching a new Brussels transport offer for people with reduced mobility.
A car fell from a bridge into the Botanical Garden tunnel, injuring the driver, who managed to escape the wreck. Camera images showed the car on its side blocking the tunnel.
A new private transport service for wheelchair users is being launched in Brussels.
Brussels users can now book wheelchair-accessible Uber vehicles.
STIB has dismissed three drivers since 2023 after positive alcohol tests. Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt gave the figure in the Brussels Parliament on Tuesday.
A car plunged from a bridge into a Brussels tunnel, causing long delays.
New night trains to Brussels Airport are expected to run from next year.
Environment
Brussels Environment says the transition toward a greener and fairer city is one of its key goals.
Brussels Environment’s annual report says the number of cyclists has tripled in 15 years.
Brussels is accelerating its push for a greener and fairer city, according to the annual report.
Climate group Extinction Rebellion blocked the Brussels offices of an oil and gas lobby group.
Society
Following the death of Étienne Davignon, the indictment chamber will decide on Wednesday whether public prosecution should be extinguished.
A VUB study has produced a breakthrough in pancreatic cancer research.
The planned full renovation of the Dutch-speaking Prinses Paolaschool in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert has been cancelled. The opposition says the municipal team around mayor Olivier Maingain deliberately mishandled a file that had been discussed since 1996.
An inquiry committee into Anderlechtse Haard will go ahead. The case is being presented as an opportunity to reset social housing practices and curb clientelism.
A social rental agency in Saint-Josse allegedly favoured relatives and friends. The AISSJ agency managed more than 200 homes in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode until the end of 2025.
A Brussels property overview identifies the most and least expensive areas to buy an apartment.
Culture
Troika Dance is returning for a seventh edition in the heart of Brussels.
The Mozaïk festival is taking shape at Os à Moelle.
Four Cinquantenaire institutions are joining forces. The three museums and one arts institution based there plan to strengthen their structural cooperation and improve the visitor experience.