The political zeal to place Brussels on a pedestal alongside cities of international fame often comes across as cute but somewhat comical. The scale of the Belgian capital never quite lives up to the grandiloquent declarations of ministers who trumpet Brussels as standing alongside the big-shot metropoles whose landmarks are known the world over.
Notwithstanding the city's institutional importance as the designated heart of the EU, many have sought to boost Brussels' cultural capital: isn't it about time a Bond movie was filmed here? is one such example. Others might be the penchant for naming development projects after celebrity foreign neighbourhoods – a mission statement that invites failure before work even begins.
Whilst visitors might remark on the city's perpetual state of being under construction, Brusseliers accept this as the reality of a town where grand designs inevitably fall prey to disjointed bureaucracy and budget blocks. Many find a particular charm in the characteristic compromise that city planners must accept as they struggle to realise their visions. Indeed, some even revel in the flops that bungled developments give rise to.
But yesterday the administrative authorities that sway (if not completely control) the evolution of capital zig-zagging towards a greener environment geared towards livability, had their day as mayors from 160 cities around the world came to Brussels. The occasion was an Urban Summit that explores best practices to rethink cities from a social angle, maximising the human experience rather than prioritising purely business potential.
Encouragingly, the minister in charge of urbanism and heritage Pascal Smet voiced perfectly the essence of Brussels when he called the city "perfectly imperfect". His words were more honest than previous affirmations of greatness and neatly explain why many who have lived in global megapoles choose to make Brussels their home (one-third of the city's population is non-Belgian).
Nonetheless, Smet came under fire for allowing the Mayor of Tehran to attend the event – an obvious miscalculation that detracted from the fascinating ideas shared in the conference itself. That aside, accepting imperfection whilst striving to be better are at once humble and inspirational ideals to guide any city.
What do you most love about Brussels? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. French favouritism? Brussels administration held back by language imbalance
Despite the Belgian language law stating that Brussels municipalities divide managerial positions equally between Dutch and French speakers, the vast majority in leading roles are still French-speaking. Read more.
2. 'Perfectly imperfect': Brussels presents itself as model city for international community
Comparing it to the city of several decades ago, Brussels has undergone quite a transformation in recent years with greener spaces and fewer cars. While more improvements are always possible, it has become somewhat of a model city for change. Read more.
3. 'Totally dysfunctional': March in Brussels highlights food insecurity once again
From consumers to producers, people on both sides of the food chain are increasingly finding themselves in precarious situations. A collective of organisations is taking to the streets of Brussels on Wednesday to call for urgent change. Read more.
4. Brussels schools test four-day week to combat teacher shortage
The chronic teacher shortage in Dutch-speaking schools is nothing new, and while bottom-down solutions have been introduced by Education Minister Ben Weyts, some schools are taking matters into their own hands. Read more.
5. 'Bullied into voting': EPP chief accused of blackmailing MEPs over nature restoration law
As the European Parliament's Environmental Committee prepares to vote on a major biodiversity legislation on Thursday, committee chair and Renew MEP Pascal Canfin has accused the European People's Party (EPP) of blackmailing MEPs to reject the plan. Read more.
6. Almost 50% increase of 'flexi-jobs' over the past year in Belgium
The number of employees in flexible jobs – so-called flexi-jobs – in Belgium increased by 48% compared to last year's figures, according to a new study by HR services company Acerta. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: 23 Quai du Commerce, Brussels
There is a tiny plaque outside 23 Quai du Commerce in Brussels. It marks one of the most famous addresses in film history. Read more.
