Brussels Governance MonitorEnvironment: LEZ 2026 active, −55% NOx, Renolution replaced
The LEZ 2026 banned diesel Euro 5 vehicles from 1 January, with measurable results: −55% NOx, −33% fine particles, −60% black carbon. ~400,000 vehicles affected. Renolution replaced by zero-interest loans (EUR 200M).
Unblocked mechanisms — awaiting implementation
These mechanisms were frozen during the caretaker government period (June 2024 – February 2026). The government sworn in on 14 February 2026 can now reactivate them.
Renolution premiums (new applications)
The Renolution premiums for energy renovation of buildings could no longer accept new applications. The new government has announced replacing Renolution with zero-interest loans (EUR 200M).
Blue Deal — water management
The Brussels component of the Blue Deal plan for sustainable water management and flood prevention was suspended: no new projects could be launched. The announced Vivaqua-Hydria merger could relaunch water policy.
Air quality action plan
The regional air quality action plan, including the extension of the low-emission zone and pollution reduction measures, could not be updated or strengthened. The LEZ is maintained by the new government.
Regional biodiversity plan
The Nature Plan of the Brussels Region, aimed at strengthening the green network and urban biodiversity, was suspended in its components requiring new political decisions. The new government can now relaunch it.
What continues
Existing environmental permits
Environmental permits already issued remain valid. Processing of renewal applications within the framework of day-to-day management continues.
Environmental monitoring
Brussels Environment continues its monitoring missions: air, water and soil quality, and the management of regional green spaces.
Impact indicators
~3.4 million tonnes/year
CO2 emissions of the Brussels Region
Brussels Environment
~15,000
Renolution applications pending (estimate)
Brussels Environment / Renolution
~75%
Share of buildings with EPC D or lower
Brussels Environment
−55 %
NOx reduction thanks to the LEZ
Bruxelles Environnement (2026)
~400 000
Vehicles affected by the LEZ 2026
RTBF / Febiac (2026)
Coalition Agreement: Announced Commitments
The agreement of 12 February 2026 profoundly transforms environmental mechanisms:
- Renolution replaced by zero-interest loans (EUR 200 million envelope until 2029) -- the ~15,000 pending applications will need to be processed under this new regime
- LEZ maintained: the schedule for future phases is unchanged
- Brownfield sites: Wiels, Avijl, Donderberg preserved; 18-month moratorium on Keyenbempt, Calevoet, Josaphat, Meylemeersch
- Vivaqua-Hydria merger: water management consolidated into a single operator, recapitalisation of EUR 180 million (Region at 49.99%)
- EUR 30 million for the water merger transition
Open question: the shift from grants (Renolution) to zero-interest loans fundamentally changes the incentive for energy renovation. Low-income households, who cannot borrow even at zero interest, risk being excluded from the scheme. The impact on the ~75% of poorly insulated buildings remains to be assessed.
LEZ 2026: results and new phase
Strengthening on 1 January 2026
Since 1 January 2026, the low-emission zone (LEZ) bans access for:
- Diesel Euro 5 (registered between 2011 and 2016)
- Petrol Euro 2 (registered between 1996 and 2001)
Around 400,000 vehicles are affected at national level (Febiac estimate). A 3-month grace period applies: the first check results in a warning, the EUR 350 fine only applying from April 2026.
Sources: Brussels Environment, "2026: Bruxelles continue de mieux respirer avec la LEZ"; RTBF, "de nombreux véhicules interdits dès le 1er janvier 2026".
Measured results
Since its introduction in 2018, the LEZ has produced significant results for air quality:
| Pollutant | Reduction |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen oxides (NOx) | −55% |
| Fine particles (PM) | −33% |
| Black carbon | −60% |
Support: Bruxell'Air
Brussels residents who give up their vehicle can benefit from the Bruxell'Air premium: a mobility budget covering public transport, shared cars, cycling or taxis.
PFAS: Forever Chemicals
Brussels Environment has identified 82 contaminated plots in the Brussels Region. The most serious case involves the Sicli site in Uccle (former fire extinguisher manufacturer), with groundwater levels reaching 1,058× the standard. TFA exceeds the EU standard of 500 ng/L (in force since January 2026) in all 6 Vivaqua reservoirs. An integrated framework is requested by the Environment Council.
Source: Brussels Environment / RTBF, 2025-2026.
Renolution heating premiums, the Blue Deal and the biodiversity plan were frozen. 75% of Brussels buildings rated PEB D or lower, 15,000 Renolution applications pending.
Read full contextBack to home — 3 March 2026
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