BGM Digest — Week 12 (16-22 March 2026)

New Dossier: Brussels Overflights — A Growing Concern

The week opens with the creation of a new dossier addressing a core Brussels issue: air traffic congestion over the Region. With 204,147 flights annually, of which 96 % violate the Crucke Route, the problem extends beyond noise nuisance. The Belgian state has recorded 5 convictions, while the municipalities of Koekelberg and Molenbeek pursue legal action. The federal Environmental Ombudsman has suspended intervention, leaving 450,000 residents without effective recourse. This administrative escalation underscores the urgency of air traffic regulation.

Consult the Brussels Overflights dossier →

Urban Planning: Legal Challenges and Heritage Restoration

The government appeals the freeze on vacant sites, contesting the October 2025 ruling. In parallel, the We Are Nature association seeks penalties of €250,000 to €500,000. Three major locations are at risk: the Palais du Midi, Bempt, and Kwartelveld. On a constructive front, the CoBAT reform simplifies administrative architecture: merger of Urban and Perspective into « Brussels Urbanism », single permit for planning and environment, timelines cut in half (6 months maximum). The government expects to save €1.6 million by 2028. The water tower and electrical substation at Tour & Taxis are classified as industrial heritage.

Read the urban planning update →

Mobility: Stalemate on Accessible TaxiBus and Plummeting Cyclist Safety Sentiment

Non-renewal of the TaxiBus fleet for persons with disabilities is confirmed. Users will resort to private taxis, with fares doubling from €2 to €5–8 per trip. Meanwhile, cyclist confidence plummets: only 24 % feel safe, down from 39 % in 2023. Women comprise 40 % of cyclists, and e-bikes represent 50 % of the stock. Cycling use surged +15.3 % last year, yet fatalities doubled (20 deaths in 2025 vs 10/year in 2022–2024). Brussels Mobility deploys AI to scan road conditions: +€10 million road maintenance in 2026, night and weekend operations. The minister confirms the new « Good Move 2 » plan maintains the same objectives as its predecessor.

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Social Affairs and Security: Emergency Package and Quartier Nord Hotspot

Amid the housing crisis, the government launches a social-health package with 325 secure housing places and reactivation of the Cover team (2,000 persons across 50 sites). Healthcare access for threatened migrants (Red Cross + Doctors Without Borders). In Quartier Nord (Schaerbeek/Saint-Josse), enhanced hotspot North Station measures take effect: night-time shop closures (1am–6am), integrity investigations, rue d'Aerschot redesign (Stations Plan, €10 million). An accidental explosion on avenue Albert Giraud in Schaerbeek (13 March) caused no injuries; investigation ongoing.

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Budget: « Catastrophic Situation », Vote Imminent

Minister Dilliès tells Parliament the « [budgetary] situation is catastrophic » and « gift-giving politics is over ». A budget vote is scheduled for 26–27 March. The regional deficit hovers near €1.2 billion, bringing focus back to 2029 equilibrium goals. Vivaqua and SLRB enforcement orders complicate the equation. Brussels now counts among its major charges: pensions (€775 million), police (~€500 million), tax reform (€32 million/year), and unemployment (€558 million).

Track the budget →

Cross-Cutting Domains: Government Instability and Active Radar

CD&V supports the majority without a ministerial portfolio, holding the post of STIB Commissioner and 4 Actiris directorships. The Brussels MR presidency election approaches (21–24 April; Weytsman favored). The VGC majority agreement « Brussel, dat is zoveel meer » was approved on 6 March, covering six pillars (early childhood, education, culture, youth, sport, welfare) without itemized budget. Auderghem leads the way: the « Safe Places » project identifies 10 shops, 3 institutions, and Hankar station as refuges against street harassment (launch 8 March).

Explore government commitments →