Thursday, 20 August 2026

Dozens of asylum seekers were arrested after being summoned to the Immigration Office. The arrests place Belgium’s asylum and migration administration at the centre of today’s Brussels civic agenda.

Brussels is extending its drug “hotspot” strategy, even as doubts remain over how effective the approach has been. The policy keeps targeted attention on areas linked to drug problems in the city.

A Brussels protest denounced a plan to scrap 1,000 shelter spaces as irresponsible. Representatives working on homelessness also want to meet minister Alain De Smedt, saying they agree with him.

French-speaking schools reopen next week, with tensions still present around the start of the year. Schools are preparing to welcome new pupils after a disrupted end of year and the continued rollout of the common core curriculum.

Several vehicles were set on fire in Saint-Gilles, including two cars burning in broad daylight. Police say the incident was deliberate and are treating the fires as arson.

A firefighter who died in a Brussels gas explosion will receive a state funeral. The ceremony gives official recognition to the death of an emergency worker killed while serving in the capital.

Redevelopment works have begun on Rue Guimard as part of the greening of Brussels’ European Quarter. The project focuses on adding vegetation to the historic street and reshaping the public space.

Brussels says it is prepared to deal with fire risk in the Sonian Forest. The issue comes amid concern over drier summers and the question of whether Belgium is becoming more exposed to wildfires.