The Brussels Newsbrief
Monday, 12 October 2026
TL;DR
Main Brussels stories today:
- Public services strike disrupts transport, rubbish collection and VRT. A public services strike began on Sunday at 22:00 and continues until this evening.
- Three hospital networks will soon be grouped together: the hospitals of the City of Brussels, Erasme and Iris Sud.
- Juvenile detention overcrowding prompts releases and expansion plans. Minors have been released from Brussels juvenile detention because of overcrowding.
- Sixty apartments were evacuated in Brussels after a fire.
☁️ Overcast in Brussels today — between 7°C and 18°C (now 8°C).
Public services strike disrupts transport, rubbish collection and VRT
A public services strike began on Sunday at 22:00 and continues until this evening. The ACOD union is protesting federal government cuts to public services. Disruption is expected in public transport, rubbish collection and at VRT.
Brussels City, Erasme and Iris Sud hospitals to be grouped together
Three hospital networks will soon be grouped together: the hospitals of the City of Brussels, Erasme and Iris Sud. The move affects major Brussels healthcare institutions across the city.
Juvenile detention overcrowding prompts releases and expansion plans
Minors have been released from Brussels juvenile detention because of overcrowding. The Wallonia-Brussels Federation has also agreed to expand juvenile facilities, responding to pressure on the system.
Sixty apartments evacuated after Brussels blaze
Sixty apartments were evacuated in Brussels after a fire. The incident forced residents out of their homes and disrupted a large residential building.
2026 Climate March takes place in Brussels
The 2026 Climate March is taking place in Brussels. The mobilisation brings climate demands into the capital’s streets, adding a major civic event to the city today.
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert school tackles bullying with Hope programme
A school in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is fighting bullying with the Hope programme. The initiative is built around accessible support for pupils, with the message that the office remains open.
Workers' Party distances itself from Friday's Brussels riots
The Workers' Party has rejected links to Friday's riots in Brussels. The story follows political fallout after unrest in the capital.