When does an expat become a Brusseleir? There are so many non-Belgians in the country's capital that being born elsewhere could almost be a defining characteristic of les Bruxellois.
But although Brussels is exceptionally open to any and all nationalities (there are currently 184 represented in the city by the mayor's count), a large portion of expat residents refrain from engaging in the decision-making process that shapes the city.
There are myriad excuses not to get involved in local politics; some feel that Belgium is only a brief chapter in the story of their career; others fear they would be subject to endless procedures and potential penalties for not eventually casting their ballot; others still are simply unaware that they are eligible or are unsure who they would actually vote for.
The truth is that almost all reasons not to participate in the local elections – which take place on 13 October – prove upon closer inspection to be flimsy or unfounded. Registration is refreshingly straightforward and a high proportion of the city's non-Belgians are entitled to vote, far more than the paltry 12% who currently have their names down to take part.
But aside from the practical concerns, there are more fundamental reasons for exercising one's democratic right. Not only is Brussels a landing place for expats; expats are what make the city great. Without our contribution, Brussels would be infinitely diminished, robbed of its cultural diversity and complexity.
It follows that the people whose simple presence make this place so fascinating should have a say in how it is run – indeed, how it might be changed for the better. We all have strong opinions about Brussels but what are you going to do about it?
To register to vote, click here.
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1. Expats: Stop whining about Belgium and start voting
Many of the people who don’t vote in local elections are political obsessives who fret about the EU’s democratic deficit. But the turn a blind eye to Brussels’ democratic deficit. Read more.
2. Anti-terrorist operation: Arrests across Belgium, security forces on high alert ahead of Olympics
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3. Friday will be busiest day at Brussels Airport since Covid-19
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4. ‘Worsening situation’: Belgians lose increasingly more time and money due to traffic jams
Motorists in Belgium have lost an average of six minutes and 32 seconds every day in traffic jams so far this year, amounting to around 40 hours a year. Read more.
5. ‘Not compensating everyone’: The cost of Belgium’s next climate disaster
"If the rules are not adjusted and we face another disaster, people who are already in a miserable situation may be told the full damages can't be covered." Read more.
6. A quarter of Belgians attended at least one sporting event in 2022
Around 19% of women and over 32% of men followed a sports competition in 2022, making Belgium one of the top seven European nations with the highest participation rates. Read more.
7. ‘Completely unacceptable’: Brussels YouTuber pours gunk over metro passenger again
The 22-year-old has posted another video of himself throwing a filthy mixture over a metro passenger, despite being arrested for a similar offence last year. Read more.
