The City of Brussels municipality unveiled its 2025 budget on Monday, forecasting a surplus of over €55,000 without the introduction of new taxes.
This first full budget of the current legislature aims to balance fiscal discipline with targeted investments while maintaining public services, despite reducing the budget by €100 million from a total of €1.1 billion, according to David Weytsman, leader of the MR+ group.
"We will demonstrate that more can be achieved with less," Weytsman stated.
"This budget reflects our commitment to promote emancipation, safety, cleanliness, and enhancement without increasing taxes for Brussels residents," said City of Brussels mayor Philippe Close (PS).
City of Brussels mayor Philippe Close (PS). Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
No new taxes introduced
Ordinary expenses are set to exceed €1.1 billion, with over half allocated to staff costs, approximately €500 million, as the city remains the second-largest public employer in the region with more than 9,000 employees. Operating costs are kept to 11.6%, while transfer expenses reach €358 million, including €154.5 million for the police zone and €105.3 million for CPAS (social welfare centre).
Tax revenues, which are increasing, remain the primary source of funding, amounting to €455.9 million. No new taxes have been introduced; some have been adjusted, and six have been abolished, including those related to funerals and telecommunications.
An effort is requested from all city services. "No sector is spared," said Close.
Arts and staffing take hits
Cultural institutions are called upon to contribute to this collective effort. "We hope this is just for one year," Close explained, as major theatres will draw from their reserves. Emerging actors are protected, but non-mandatory subsidies will be reduced, particularly in culture and sports.
Restrictions also affect political offices, with reduced operating costs, and departures of municipal staff, which will no longer be systematically replaced. Every hiring will be scrutinised, according to councillor Faouzia Hariche, who aims to improve management and reduce absenteeism.
Another cost-saving measure is a 33% reduction in fees related to studies commissioned by the city. The city and CPAS will also pool resources such as logistics and IT.
On the investment side, €153 million has been budgeted, with €35 million subsidised. Education remains a priority, with €28 million allocated to French-language schools and €3.5 million to Dutch-language education. Key projects for 2025 include the opening of the Waterside site and work at the De Mot-Couvreur Institute.
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Public housing renovations receive €12 million in line with the "Forgotten Climate" plan. A new 56-place nursery will be launched in ZIR4, and the city will continue with renovations of its heritage sites and improving safety around schools (€2 million) with a strengthened plan for adding greenery (€8.15 million).
Parking meters will switch off at 19:00 in residential areas (previously 21:00) except in Pentagon, Louise, and Heysel. The number of visitor tickets will be doubled.
Part of the cleaning of the Bois de la Cambre will be outsourced during the summer. Florence Frelinx (MR+) views this as a test for potential private management of other parks to alleviate municipal teams.
In addition, the city invests in cybersecurity (€2.8 million), artificial intelligence (€1 million), data analysis tools (€500,000) and digital citizen services through MyBxl. Investments will be directed towards road maintenance, soft mobility, cleanliness and expanding public toilets.
