BGM DigestBGM Digest — Week 09 (23 February — 1 March 2026)
Housing Crisis: €56 Million Unlocked for Renolution
The week was marked by the release of €56 million to settle outstanding Renolution housing dossiers. The envelope, composed of €50 million from Urban.Brussels and €6 million from Leefmilieu Brussel, will address approximately 2,692 validated dossiers (approximately €41 million) and more than 600 ongoing dossiers. Payments must be completed by end of 2026. From 2027, zero-interest loans of €66 million per year will be available to continue the programme.
Minors Without Shelter: 1,678 Children Among Brussels' Homeless Population
A joint alert from KRC and DGDE reveals that 1,678 minors are counted among 9,777 homeless persons in Brussels, representing a +72 % increase since 2020. Samusocial reports approximately 127 housing refusals per week for families. The winter shelter offering 285 beds closes on March 31st, creating critical conditions ahead of spring.
Employment: 37,000 Brussels Residents Threatened by Fifth ONEM Wave
The fifth wave of ONEM (employment insurance) revocations generated approximately 36,000 letters to job seekers, with benefit terminations staggered between July 2026 and July 2027. Nationally, 168,063 exclusions are expected, of which 22.1 % in Brussels (approximately 37,000 people). The Court of Audit confirms that regional social assistance centres (CPAS) lack sufficient resources to absorb this influx.
Security: Crime Stable, Drug Offences Surge
The annual safe.brussels report presents the 2024 balance sheet: overall crime remains stable at approximately 157,000 incidents per year, but drug-related offences show a +33 % increase. Incidents involving firearms total 92 (including 8 deaths). Crime per capita continues its downward trend.
Construction: Building Permits Fall to Lowest Since 2012
The construction sector lost 1,402 companies in February 2026. The number of approved building permits reaches its lowest levels since 2012, reflecting a structural crisis in the sector. The new government's first Council of Ministers (19 February) confirmed that budget and economic recovery are priorities #1 and #2.
Police Merger: Vote Expected Before Summer 2026
The national police zone reform project advances in parliament's Interior Committee since 10 February. The reform reduces police zones from 176 to 60. A vote is expected before summer 2026.
See the police merger dossier →
Hospitality VAT: Rate Rises from 6 % to 12 % on March 1st
The VAT rate on accommodation rises from 6 % to 12 % effective March 1st, 2026. This federal increase represents approximately +€8.50 on a €150 night. The measure, transitional until June 30th, complicates implementation for hotels (dual rates, special breakfast rules). The hospitality sector already faces severe pressure: 2,184 bankruptcies were recorded in Brussels in 2025, and 5,631 jobs were lost nationally.
Illegal Dumping: 7,731 Fines in 2025
Illegal waste dumping and unauthorized bulk waste generated 7,731 fines in 2025 (+61 % versus 2024), totalling approximately €12 million. Roughly 36.7 % of fines concerned non-residents, reflecting « waste tourism » driven by Brussels' trash bag prices being 10 times lower than neighbouring regions. The Region plans to deploy underground containers and smart cameras.
Property Taxes: Increases in 9 Municipalities
Nine of nineteen municipalities raise property tax (précompte immobilier) in 2026: Auderghem, Brussels-City, Etterbeek, Evere, Ganshoren, Koekelberg, Saint-Josse, Uccle, and Watermael-Boitsfort. In Saint-Josse, the increase reaches approximately €210 per year on average.
Mobility: Three Pressing Issues
Three mobility matters command attention:
- Avenue Broustin (Jette) : the municipality demands the Region reopen the avenue, closed since 2021-2022 under Good Move. 70 % of residents oppose continued closure ; legal action is threatened.
- Viaduct des Trois Fontaines (Auderghem) : an urban permit is filed for redevelopment under the viaduct (60 parking spaces removed, improved drainage). Auderghem demands integration into the Hermann-Debroux PAD, which includes a €40 million park-and-ride and tram links never funded.
This content was automatically translated. The original version is in French. Read the French version.
Source: Brussels Governance Monitor — independent civic monitoring of Brussels governance.