BGM Digest — Week 28 (6-12 July 2026)

Foyer anderlechtois Inquiry Commission : closure and commissioner under review

The week was marked by the closure of hearings of the parliamentary inquiry commission on Foyer anderlechtois on 6 July 2026. In total, 143 hours of proceedings and 50 witnesses heard have shaped discussions on the management of this public housing company. The report will be submitted to Parliament for a vote on 17 July, before the commission's formal closure on 21 July.

In parallel, the State Secretary for Housing Karine Lalieux (PS) confirmed on 7 July that the government is considering appointing a commissioner to the Foyer anderlechtois itself, following two formal notices (18 June and 1 July). This legal instrument, provided for in Article 78 of the Brussels Housing Code, would allow the government to designate a special commissioner if shortcomings persist. This approach occurs amid significant tensions within the majority : the Ecolo faction head denounces « sabotage » of the commission, while the minister in charge of the German-speaking Community qualifies the proceedings as a « farce ».

Consult the SLRB dossier →

Heatwave and Social Climate Plan : energy and health priorities

Brussels paid a steep price during the June 2026 heatwave. According to Sciensano's analysis published on 8 July, 159 excess deaths were recorded in Brussels between 18 June and 1 July (+60.9 %), the worst episode since records began in 2000. This toll sits within a national excess mortality of 1,747 deaths (+47.8 %).

In response, the Brussels government has reached a preliminary agreement on a Social Climate Plan endowed with 226.5 million EUR for the period 2026-2032, of which 75 % is financed by the European Union through the Social Climate Fund. This plan, announced by State Secretary for Environment Ans Persoons, targets households in the lowest income brackets (poorest 30 %) and vulnerable micro-enterprises, with energy renovation grants, social housing support and zero-interest loans. Approximately 150 million EUR is specifically allocated to housing.

View the climate domain →

Mobility : LEZ, Car-Free Sunday, and scheduling debate

The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) timetable is crystallizing. The Brussels Region will impose fines of 350 EUR from 1 July 2026 on drivers of diesel Euro 5 and petrol Euro 2 vehicles, now excluded from the zone following a Constitutional Court ruling. Over 13,000 vehicles will be affected. A three-month grace period ended on 1 April, during which only warnings were issued. The cap of four fines per year remains in effect.

Regarding the second Car-Free Sunday, a scheduling conflict has emerged. The initially chosen date of 9 May 2027 coincides with Mother's Day, provoking mixed reactions. Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) confirmed on 7 July that two alternative dates are under consideration : 2 May or 6 June 2027. The budget for this day remains set at approximately 810,000 EUR.

Consult the mobility sheet →

Economy and urban planning : Kanal, Cinquantenaire, and urban stakes

A fire broke out on 6 July in a technical room at the Kanal construction site, causing limited damage in an area without artworks. Contained in just over an hour, this incident resulted in no casualties or confirmed art damage. Experts are currently assessing the impact on the building's structure, but no postponement of the 28 November 2026 opening has been announced.

At the Cinquantenaire (Jubelpark), damage was noted at the Royal Museums of Art and History following a reception organized by the US Embassy on 28 June. An investigation by the Federal Buildings Agency is seeking to determine whether the cause was fireworks or the weekend's storms.

For urban planning, the Union Saint-Gilloise stadium project at Bempt received conditional approval, with 15,881 seats foreseen. Another issue : civic mobilization around Palais du Midi (2,000 signatures, announced legal challenges) against the partial dismantling of the classified building for Metro 3.

View the urban planning domain →