Good afternoon.
We woke up to reports of more violence on the streets of Brussels again this morning. Admittedly not on the scale of previous days over the first half of this year, but it's the constant background noise, the drip drip of antisocial behaviour and more, that eats away at social harmony and feelings of safety in this city on a daily and weekly basis.
The fact that yet again one of these incidents took place in Midi station is not a surprise – but it is depressing. Despite months of tinkering around the edges of trying to address the security situation there, it still seems clear that it's not really working. This is a public area which, in many ways, is the gateway to Brussels.
The first impression given to visitors is not a good one – and first impressions last.
I also find inescapable the connection between a failure to deal with the level of crime and violence around these specific areas and the lack of a Brussels Government. We are coming up on 1 year since elections, and still no meaningful progress. How is this possible, you might ask? Well, it's possible because there are no real consequences for any of the politicians involved. The looming anniversary on the 9th of June is just that – an anniversary. Nothing will happen if there is no Brussels Government by then.
Surely this is an insult to voters and democracy. The world and Belgium and Brussels have changed quite substantially since people made their choices. Decisions we made a year ago might not be the same now. Is it not appropriate that we get to deliver our verdict on this batch of politicians, who have so singularly failed to come up with solutions to the most pressing problems in our city again? The results may be the same... but then again, they may not. Some may find themselves out of a job.
Those are the only consequences politicians really understand after all.
Belgium in Brief
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1. Violent Sunday night in Brussels: Man stabbed in Midi station, another shot in Molenbeek
The exact circumstances of the two incidents have not yet been disclosed. Read more.
2. Oil boilers, service vouchers, consumer credits: What changes in Belgium on 1 June?
From 1 June, new measures and decisions will be implemented in the country. Read more.
3. Ryanair cancels all flights at airport used by many Belgian travellers
The low-cost airline is set to pull out of Maastricht Airport in October, citing cost increases. Read more.
4. Cross-border shopping: What do Belgians buy, and why?
Over a third of Belgians shop abroad every 5 weeks, spending €764 million in 2023 alone. Read more.
5. Driver rescued from burning car near Porte de Namur
Seconds after the police rescued the driver, the car was completely engulfed in flames. Read more.
6. How do heat pumps work, and are they worth the investment?
From the cost and the different contracts to solar panels and more, matters related to energy concern everyone. But the complexity of the details can be daunting for consumers. Read more.
7. Food, film, art and theatre: What’s new in Brussels in June?
Here are our top picks of what to eat, watch and discover on Brussels' vibrant cultural scene this month. Read more.
