Weekend Brief
Brussels Weekend Brief
Saturday, 11 July 2026
The week's biggest Brussels stories, ranked by how many independent source items covered the same topic.
Heatwave alerts and protection measures
Brussels stayed on heightened heat alert, with reports of excess June deaths and communes setting up water distribution and prevention stands. Museums were also floated as possible free cooling spaces during heatwaves.
Sources
STIB strike disrupts public transport
A union action disrupted Brussels metro, tram and bus services on Monday, with several reports tracking affected lines and whether further disruption could follow. Public transport reliability dominated the start of the week.
Sources
Kanal Museum fire aftermath
A fire broke out on the future Kanal Museum construction site and was brought under control. Experts were set to assess structural impact, while later reporting said the cultural venue's opening would not be delayed.
Sources
National Day preparations
Brussels prepared for 21 July festivities including activities at the Cinquantenaire, rehearsals, concerts and fireworks. Military aircraft over the city were also linked to the preparations.
Haren recycling plant fire
A major fire at a recycling plant in Haren prompted residents to close windows, disrupted traffic and hospitalised one person. Later reports said Brussels residents could reopen doors and windows.
Sources
- Brussels Times Person hospitalised and traffic disrupted after fire at recycling plant in north Brussels
- RTBF Incendie dans une entreprise de recyclage à Haren : les Bruxellois autorisés à rouvrir portes et fenêtres - RTBF Actus
- Brussels Times Residents told to close windows as huge fire breaks out at recycling plant in north Brussels
Road safety incidents in Schaerbeek and Molenbeek
A pedestrian was left in life-threatening condition after being hit by a bus in Schaerbeek. Separate reports covered three people injured after being hit by a car in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.
Housing pressure and short-term rentals
Reports pointed to rising Brussels house prices while Airbnb supply fell by nearly a quarter over a year. Together they kept housing and property pressure high on the civic agenda.
Social Climate Plan agreed
Brussels reached agreement on a Social Climate Plan, with reporting highlighting a 220 million transition package for vulnerable households. The story sits at the intersection of climate policy and social protection.
Metro noise and vibration settlement
Problematic metro trains causing vibrations are set to be replaced by October. Woluwe-Saint-Lambert also secured a settlement over Brussels Metro noise nuisance.
Lambermont Boulevard works disruption
Major Vivaqua works under Boulevard Lambermont are expected to disrupt traffic for several months. Reports framed the Schaerbeek worksite as a major mobility issue to watch.