For all that is great about Brussels, no one is under any illusions that it's a perfect city. On the contrary, the endless inefficiencies and problem areas are the subject of witticisms that poke fun at a convoluted administrative system unable to tend to the capital's needs in a timely manner.
The global take on Belgium's peculiar dispersal of responsibilities pays less attention to the historical context to fixate on scaffolding that must be renovated it's left up so long. And whilst the interminable work on Palais de Justice can serve as a comical lesson on landmark maintenance gone off-schedule, there are plenty of lower-level examples of disorganisation that get residents riled up.
But some of the city's ministers are reluctant to face up to the problem, impeding efforts to get to grips with local niggles. The frustrations of many living in Brussels are well-known and long-standing, fuelling the sense that official systems are inadequate and ministers are incompetent.
"There is something wrong with the organisation of Brussels. In too many areas, powers are shared between the Region and local authorities," Brussels MP Els Rochette told the region's parliament. But despite being a widely-held view, Rochette was accused of populism by the MPs in charge of streamlining the city's administration.
Simply establishing which authority can treat a problem sometimes takes us round in circles. But things won't be made easier this side of elections, exasperating though that may be. Then again, patience with the system is something Brussels residents are forced to accept. And it makes for a humour that any of the hundreds of nationalities living here can share.
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1. Belgium a failed state? Don’t make me laugh
Imagine hating your country so much you wish it was wiped off the map. In most States this would be an act of political suicide. But not in Belgium, where this stance has made the extreme-right Vlaams Belang party. Read more.
2. Brussels residents not satisfied with how city works, but nothing is changing yet
While many Brussels residents are not satisfied with the complicated organisation of their city – with competences distributed between the Regional Government and 19 municipalities – any changes to the Capital Region's workings have been pushed back until after the elections. Read more.
3. Belgium 'heading for unseen housing crisis', industry experts warn
Belgium's housing sector is on the brink of collapse, industry experts have warned. They call for a complete overhaul of how new housing projects are developed, arguing that regional governments keep returning to old and ineffective solutions. Read more.
4. 'Historic': Belgium first in the world to approve labour law for sex workers
After Belgium became the first country in Europe to decriminalise sex work in 2022, it is now the first in the world to approve a labour law for sex workers with an employment contract, announced the union for sex workers in Belgium. Read more.
5. Belgian regulators 'concerned' over joint bank project for ATM services
The Belgian Competition Authority (ABC) has voiced concerns over the potential implications for consumers of the Batopin cash distribution network, established by the nation’s four major banks. Read more.
6. 'UGent, you can't hide': Ghent students occupy campus
Around 100 students at the University of Ghent occupied campus on Monday morning, demanding that the institution cut ties with Israel and present a more transparent climate action policy. Read more.
7. Music lovers: Where to find open mics and jam sessions in Brussels
They say music is a universal language and in a cultural melting pot like Brussels, getting involved in the local music scene can be a great way to connect with new people. Read more.
