The Brussels Newsbrief
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
TL;DR
Main Brussels stories today:
- Brussels’ civil service has already shrunk by 2.5% this year because of hiring restrictions.
- The Interior Minister wants to expand army patrols to Brussels’ drug hotspots.
- The public inquiry into parceling out the green Josaphat site in Schaerbeek has already drawn more than 6,000 reactions.
- Brussels’ public cleanliness reform is being defended as a way to reduce the number of rubbish bags left on streets.
☀️ Clear in Brussels today — between 16°C and 28°C (now 17°C).
Brussels civil service shrinks 2.5% this year under hiring limits
Brussels’ civil service has already shrunk by 2.5% this year because of hiring restrictions. The cut affects the regional administration at a time when public services and staffing levels are under pressure.
Army patrols sought for Brussels drug hotspots as Matonge trial opens
The Interior Minister wants to expand army patrols to Brussels’ drug hotspots. At the Justitia site, the “Matonge” trial is opening with 44 defendants prosecuted over drug sales.
Josaphat development plan draws more than 6,000 public objections
The public inquiry into parceling out the green Josaphat site in Schaerbeek has already drawn more than 6,000 reactions. Supporters of keeping Josaphat as a natural site are due to address the Schaerbeek municipal council on Wednesday.
Public cleanliness reform aims to reduce rubbish bags on Brussels streets
Brussels’ public cleanliness reform is being defended as a way to reduce the number of rubbish bags left on streets. The stated aim is not to increase illegal dumping, but to change how waste is put out in public space.
Brussels metro marks 50 years amid calls for far more stations
Brussels is marking 50 years of metro service, described as having revolutionised mobility in the city. The anniversary also comes with criticism that Brussels should now have twice as many metro stations as it does.
Chinese Pavilion restoration will begin with the former stables
The first works at the Chinese Pavilion will focus on the former stables. The site is part of Brussels’ heritage around the royal domain and has been awaiting restoration work.
Brussels Casino union asks for bid review to protect jobs
SYNOVA is asking for the Brussels Casino offers to be reassessed with employment guarantees in mind. The union’s intervention puts job protection at the centre of the casino’s future operator decision.
Two women dead after incident in Anderlecht
Two women have died after an incident in Anderlecht. The deaths add to a heavy public safety news day for Brussels.