The Brussels Newsbrief
Friday, 12 June 2026

TL;DR
Main Brussels stories today:
- Shared mobility remains a daily-life issue as Brussels plans to ban shared e-scooters from 2027.
- The Brussels Region is injecting 180 million euros into Vivaqua and becoming a 49% shareholder.
- The Brussels government and social partners have agreed on 17 priorities for the legislature.
- Van Bossuyt is launching a fast-track asylum procedure in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
Brussels: 🌧️ +14°C
Security & Justice
Jordan Bardella's visit to Brussels will be accompanied by a major police presence to manage the demonstration.
The Brussels government is examining a LEZ exemption for vulnerable households. The Brussels government is looking at whether social corrections can be added to the low-emission zone rules. Licence plate holders receiving increased healthcare reimbursement could receive a full exemption, possibly under conditions, although no decision has been made yet.
Politics
The Brussels Region is injecting 180 million euros into Vivaqua and becoming a 49% shareholder.
The Brussels government and social partners have agreed on 17 priorities for the legislature.
Van Bossuyt is launching a fast-track asylum procedure in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. A pilot project starts Friday at the Red Cross Ariane emergency reception centre in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert to speed up procedures for asylum seekers with a low chance of protection, according to federal Asylum and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt (N-VA).
Belgian Prime Minister's cat, “Octopussy”, will predict World Cup 2026 results.
Transport
Nearly 2.3 million passengers passed through Brussels Airport in May.
Society
Shared mobility remains a daily-life issue in Brussels. Brussels plans to ban shared e-scooters from 2027, while the CSC trade union fears the measure could cost 60 jobs at Dott.
Molenbeek is considering 40 layoffs to balance its 2026 budget.
Five firearms and 2,340 rounds of ammunition were seized during a search in Anderlecht.
The federation has condemned the situation involving AIS Saint-Josse and wants to avoid generalisations.
Housing-integration associations demonstrated in Brussels to demand more subsidies.
Brussels housing shortage: How Airbnb eats into the city's housing stock.
Culture
Cabaret Mademoiselle will close permanently on 20 July 2026.
Sport
Thibaut Courtois says he is more likely not to continue after the World Cup.