Belgium plans to enforce a sweeping smoking ban across indoor and outdoor public spaces, including cafes and airports, starting January 1, 2027. The initiative aims to curb smoking-related health issues amid rising electronic cigarette use.

Flor Bressers, a top alleged cocaine smuggler, begins trial in Brussels with over 30 others, accused of running a vast drug network linked to a major 2020 Rotterdam port seizure. Prosecutors highlight the network's purported €500 million earnings, with Bressers and a Brazilian accomplice as key figures.

Belgium's 'Match Match' campaign aims to increase awareness of stem cell donation among young people by likening it to dating app matches. Launching September 22, the initiative targets universities to expand the donor registry and correct misconceptions.

In March 2026, Bruges will enforce new restrictions on guided tours to tackle over-tourism, limiting groups to 20 tourists and banning pauses for photos in busy areas. This initiative mirrors actions taken in cities like Venice and Barcelona, aiming to balance resident comfort with visitor experience.

The Federation Wallonie-Bruxelles has approved a new decree altering secondary school enrollment rules, effective February, removing socio-economic criteria to curb inequalities. While the change aims to streamline processes and address concerns of fairness, it faces criticism from opposition parties worried about increased social disparities.

Two major drug trafficking trials began today at the Justitia courthouse in Haren, Brussels, underscoring Belgium's crackdown on organized narcotics crime. The 'Encro/SkyECC' trial, involving 115 defendants with 54 appealing, highlights the scale of the country's legal efforts.

Belgium's Queen Mathilde urges for a comprehensive food policy to tackle obesity and diet-related diseases. She emphasized that fragmented approaches have proven insufficient.

Flanders is now Europe's second-largest cycling region, with cycling rates reaching around 20%, just behind the Netherlands. Despite successes, disparities persist in less dense areas, prompting government investments and campaigns to boost biking.

Speeding violations surged in Belgium, hitting 82.6% of all traffic infractions in 2024, with over 7.63 million cases—a 12.4% rise from 2023. To tackle this, authorities plan to install 140 new radars in 2025.

Belgium's Finance Minister Jambon aims to reduce cross-border shopping by cutting duties on products like tea, coffee, and soft drinks. The move seeks to make Belgian shopping more appealing and bolster local economic competitiveness.

Wallonia is considering cuts to its family allowances system as part of its 2026 budget, proposing to freeze indexation and cap benefits for large families. These measures aim to address economic pressures, sparking debate on balancing fiscal constraints with social commitments.

Belgian Education Minister Valérie Glatigny is considering reforms to Wallonia-Brussels' support system for disadvantaged students, questioning its effectiveness. Despite substantial funding, recent evaluations reveal persistent performance gaps, prompting a review of the system's impact.

Brussels faces a rat infestation crisis with an estimated 2.5 million rodents proliferating across the city, prompting urgent deratization efforts. Authorities have initiated 839 operations since January, employing anticoagulants and smart traps to curb the surge, amid factors like mild winters and urban construction exacerbating the issue.

The mega-trial for the Sky ECC encrypted messaging service, linked to criminal networks, started today in Brussels with tight security. The trial, alongside another major drug case, highlights Belgium's focus on organized crime, continuing until November.

Brussels is transforming its canal district by improving public spaces like Place Sainctelette and adding a petting farm. The northern section of Place Sainctelette opens December 2025, while the full project concludes in mid-2027.

The Federation of Francophone Students plans a protest outside Walloon Region's Minister-President Elisabeth Degryse's office, targeting student funding policies. As Belgian universities begin a new academic year, concerns about student precarity and sexual violence remain central, prompting Degryse to propose new legislative measures for 2026.

Belgium's Institute for Gender Equality has launched a campaign targeting consent and respectful relationships among youth, following concerning harassment data. It aims to educate about Belgian law reforms and dispel myths, rolling out in cities like Brussels and Antwerp.

The Royal Meteorological Institute has issued a yellow alert for strong winds in Belgium, affecting regions like Flanders and Brussels, with gusts up to 90 km/h expected. The Interior Ministry has activated emergency number 1722 for storm-related incidents, urging caution over the coming hours.

Ahmed Laaouej, leader of Belgium's Francophone Socialist Party, aims to empower the caretaker government to manage the 2026 budget by rallying a coalition. He faces resistance from Flemish liberals, yet hopes to gain support from other parties, amid public protests reflecting discontent.