BGM Radar

The RPD announces a cross-cutting Bilingualism Masterplan: mandatory language policy plans for hospitals, additional funding for administration training, guidance for municipalities/CPAS, mandatory language test for jobseekers. In parallel, the Van Achter totaalplan (Flemish Community) aims to strengthen Dutch usage in Brussels. Two plans, two governance levels, same terrain.

The non-profit sector mobilises: hundreds of demonstrators outside 16 rue de la Loi on 3 February 2026. Unions (CNE, CGSLB, FGTB) demand a sectoral social agreement, refuse the postponement to 2028, and call for immediate investment. The ACS scheme (~10,000 positions, ~6,700 active) has been frozen since 2007 and the 'ACS differential' structurally underfunds non-profit employers. New dossier created on the monitor with 7 verified sources.

The Environment Council calls for an integrated PFAS framework for the Brussels Region: management of existing contaminations (82 parcels, Sicli site), sustainable drinking water protection (TFA exceeds future EU norm in all 6 reservoirs), polluter-pays principle, equitable cost distribution. New dossier created on the monitor with 9 verified sources.

COCOM college extends provisional twelfths until 1 June 2026. 98% of budget already committed (family allowances guaranteed), but subsidised non-profits remain in uncertainty: no access to normal funding or bridging loans. Regional budget to Parliament 6 March, COCOM budget 20 April.

The Brussels Parliament bureau proposed transforming the permanent Equal Opportunities Commission into a simple advisory committee (losing legislative and budgetary powers). Strong reactions: PS ('stupefaction'), MR ('surprise'), Ecolo ('without us, it would have passed'). Point postponed. First internal tension within the new majority on an institutional matter.

The president of the Brussels Parliament (MR) is attempting to transfer the driver he hired through his Cocof presidency cabinet (position lost) to the Parliament. The Parliament bureau had voted an austerity note prohibiting the use of a driver (Dec. 2025). Decision forced through the bureau (25/02), Les Engagés walked out. Support claimed from PS, Anders, Ecolo, PTB, Team Ahidar.

US Supreme Court decision on Trump tariffs. Potential impact on Brussels: tourism (visit.brussels), economic attractiveness (European hub), horeca sector (already weakened by Belgian federal VAT increase). US-China trade war may affect business flows to Brussels. US federal signal, indirect impact.

STIB-MIVB buses will not return to Schumanplein after redevelopment works. 5 lines permanently rerouted via Maalbeek. The planned retractable bollard system was abandoned (too complex). Beliris had already started installing composite reinforcement.

5th ONEM wave (14/02): ~36,000 letters sent, end of rights between 07/2026 and 07/2027. National total: 168,063 exclusions, 22.1% in Brussels (~37,000). Court of Audit confirms CPAS cannot absorb the influx.

Accommodation VAT 6% → 12% from 1 March 2026 (federal decision). Impact: +EUR 8.50 on a EUR 150 night. Transitional measure until 30 June. Two breakfast rates (6% or 12% depending on inclusion in room rate).

Jette issues formal notice to the Region to reopen Avenue Broustin, closed since 2021-2022 (Good Move cell). 70% of residents opposed, trial phase exceeded. Threat of legal action.

Planning permit filed by Brussels Mobility for redevelopment under the Trois Fontaines viaduct (Auderghem): 60 parking spaces removed, Rouge-Cloître drainage. Auderghem opposes and demands integration into the Hermann-Debroux PAD (P+R EUR 40M, tram never funded).

Joint KRC/DGDE alert (19/02): 1,678 minors among the 9,777 homeless counted in Brussels (+72% since 2020). Samusocial: 127 shelter refusals/week for families. Winter shelter (285 places) closes 31 March.

9 of 19 municipalities raise property tax in 2026: Auderghem, City of Brussels, Etterbeek, Evere, Ganshoren, Koekelberg, Saint-Josse, Uccle, Watermael-Boitsfort. Increase up to ~€210/year in Saint-Josse.

Budget framework: €3B authorised debt (€2B SEC + €1B strategic participations SLRB/Vivaqua). De Gucht defends SEC compliance, Voka denounces accounting artifice.