Good afternoon!
It's Friday the 13th today – traditionally, in many cultures, a day considered to be unlucky.
It may well indeed be unlucky for Brussels today, as we await the Standard and Poor's credit rating decision later. A downgrade will have a critical impact on Brussels' already dire finances, and will no doubt spark strong debate nationally and locally about how to keep the city running, how to attract investment and how to potentially cut services and projects to make ends meet.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever has already indicated he is not inclined to bail Brussels out again – and if he does so, it will be on his very strict terms. All of this will likely not help the formation of a Brussels Government either – a year after elections, the region still has no functioning governing authority.
We are potentially entering into a seriously critical vicious circle and perhaps a downward spiral in the short to medium term in Brussels, unless serious people can come up with serious solutions and work together to fulfil the potential of this diverse and vibrant city of ours, and carry out the mandate the people gave them just over a year ago. The S&P verdict is expected around 17:00.
In terms of the weather though, Friday the 13th is turning out to be a lucky day – with temperatures due to get over 30 degrees this afternoon. The good weather and high temperatures are due to stretch into the weekend, admittedly with some thunderstorms mixed in.
I say it's lucky, but that's not quite the case if you plan on packing up the car and driving to the Belgian coast. Fearing an influx of visitors, Knokke-Heist has activated its heat and mobility plan, which bans non-local cars from its city centre. Only local traffic will be allowed between 12:30 and 18:00.
With this in mind, we have produced some articles to help you find alternatives to the obvious hot weather options, and hopefully give you inspiration across the weekend, from outdoor swimming, to spas, to fine-dining in a cool air-conditioned restaurant.
Whatever floats your boat – or Lilo.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Belgian city among over 90 calling for more say in EU policy-making
"You can decide on policies that sound smart at the EU level, but if a policy does not work in regions, cities and towns, it will not work at all." Read more.
2. Bad luck for drivers hoping for sun in Knokke this Friday 13th
Knokke-Heist has activated its heat and mobility plan which bans non-local cars from its city centre. Read more.
3. Hundreds of protesters denounce Brussels police violence
The protest concerns the alleged police violence involved in a 2023 case where a woman died while in police custody. Read more.
4. Brussels restaurant named among 100 best in the world
The Brussels restaurant is the only Belgian restaurant in 2025 to be included in this extended ranking. Read more.
5. Where to swim in nature in Belgium
What better way to enjoy the warmer weather than by exploring one of the country's unique swimming spots listed below? Read more.
6. Oscar winners and a haunting opener on the bill at Brussels film festival
The Brussels International Film Festival (BRIFF) will take place from 20-28 June. Read more.
7. What to do in Brussels this weekend: 13 – 15 June
Feeling uninspired with your weekend plans? Find out what's happening in Brussels here! Read more.
