BGM DigestBGM Digest — Week 27 (29 June — 5 July 2026)
Activa.brussels Discontinuation: End of an Employment Support Programme
The Brussels Parliament voted on 3 July to discontinue Activa.brussels, an employment support programme that had operated for over two decades. The annual budget involved — approximately 27 million EUR — had supported 9,447 individuals in 2025. Current beneficiaries retain their entitlements until 31 December 2026; a new, more targeted programme is announced for 2027, with a draft ordinance expected in September.
This discontinuation occurs amid institutional tensions surrounding the parliamentary inquiry into Foyer anderlechtois, which disrupted the commission's working capacity. Simultaneously, Brussels' labour market figures are deteriorating: 14.6 % unemployment in June, and an increase of 83.5 % in CPAS registrations year-on-year — now representing over one-third of the 93,445 registered job seekers.
Foyer anderlechtois Inquiry Commission: Tensions and Tight Timeline
The week witnessed the resignation of the rapporteur of the parliamentary inquiry into Foyer anderlechtois, who cited an "untenable" working pace. On 3 July, the hearing of the suspended president was cut short after less than two hours. The regional majority rejected a time extension (40 votes against 25), maintaining the deadline of 21 July.
In parallel, the BGHM (Brussels Social Housing Company) sent two formal warnings to Foyer anderlechtois (18 June and 1 July) and is examining the activation of Article 78 of the Brussels Housing Code, which would allow the designation of a special commissioner in case of persistent breaches.
Mobility: EV Charging and Tourism Update
A rotation tariff of 0.06 EUR per minute will apply from 1 October onwards to vehicles remaining plugged in for more than six hours at public charging stations (between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.). This measure aims to limit prolonged occupation of charging infrastructure.
Additionally, visit.brussels closed its last tourist information office on the Grand-Place on 30 June, following budget cuts imposed by the regional austerity agreement. This closure is part of the social plan approved on 26 June, which provides for 37 departures from 159 employees and a budget reduction from 22 to 12.5 million EUR by 2029.
Housing and Security: Regulatory Progress
Bruxelles Logement published its 3rd annual activity report on 29 June, documenting actions undertaken in 2025 to provide quality and accessible housing.
On the security front, Brussels Criminal Court sentenced the two perpetrators of the shooting at Clemenceau metro station on 5 February 2025 to 13 and 11 years in prison. A third man, who had concealed weapons, received 3 years with suspended sentence. The three convicts must pay approximately 77,800 EUR to the STIB.
Ethics: 20 Public Officials Sanctioned for Lack of Transparency
The Brussels Ethics Commission announced on 4 July that it has imposed sanctions on 20 local public officials for failure to disclose remuneration information transparently. Upon closure of the "transparency" unit's annual report, 305 officials (24 % of initial cases) were non-compliant; after targeted reminders, 27 remained out of conformity, resulting in the 20 sanctions issued, with fines ranging from 10 % to 40 % of a total monthly allowance.
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Heritage and Urban Development
Beliris obtained the 3 July building permit to renovate Cinquantenaire Park (Jubelpark), ahead of Belgium's 2030 bicentenary. Works will include restoration of tree heritage, natural stone pathways, rainwater management swales, and reduced night lighting after midnight on non-central alleyways.
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Municipalities: Anderlecht Consolidates Parking Supply
Following citizen consultation, Anderlecht's municipal college approved a parking regulation plan for the Goede Luchtwijk (Bon Air) neighbourhood in early July. The plan provides for approximately 340 regulated parking spaces and transformation of the area into a meeting zone (20 km/h), with implementation planned for 2027.
Administrative Reform: Regional Skills Pool
The Brussels Minister for Public Service announced on 3 July the launch of a "skills pool" aimed at redirecting staff from over-resourced administrations towards under-resourced services, within the context of the hiring freeze in place since December 2023. Two pathways are foreseen: a fast track (placement in 4 to 8 weeks) and a requalification pathway (6 to 18 months). Social consultation begins on 14 July 2026, with operationalisation targeted for 30 June 2027.
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.