Impacted sectors
How the absence of government affects key sectors of the Brussels economy
Commerce: revitalisation subsidies frozen and neighbourhood economy weakened
~60,000 Brussels commercial establishments are affected by the freeze on revitalisation subsidies and the absence of an active regional commerce policy.
Construction: major urban projects at a standstill
Master Development Plans (PADs) are frozen, major regional public contracts are postponed, and strategic urban planning permits are awaiting decisions.
Culture: frozen subsidies and artistic seasons under pressure
~15,000 cultural jobs in Brussels are weakened by the freeze on regional subsidies and uncertainty over the funding of seasons and festivals.
Tech and digital: Smart City strategy frozen and startup ecosystem weakened
~40,000 digital jobs in Brussels are affected by the freeze on the Smart City strategy, startup incentives and digital inclusion programmes.
Education and training: frozen programmes, infrastructure on hold
~18,000 annual trainees and hundreds of schools are affected by the freeze on training programmes and the blocking of school infrastructure renovations.
Environment: Renolution premiums frozen and climate targets delayed
Brussels' climate targets are falling behind, Renolution premiums are frozen for new applications, and approximately 75% of Brussels buildings remain poorly insulated.
Health and social affairs COCOM: bi-communal investments frozen
COCOM/GGC investments in health and personal assistance are frozen, affecting nursing homes, mental health services and homelessness policy.
Horeca: seasonal workers without support and terraces without permits
~35,000 direct jobs in Brussels horeca are affected by the freeze on seasonal hiring support and the absence of a regional tourism policy.
Social housing: construction frozen and waiting list growing
Over 50,000 households are on the social housing waiting list in Brussels, and the freeze on new construction programmes worsens the shortage of affordable housing.
Nonprofit sector: 80,000 jobs suspended by frozen agreements
~80,000 jobs in the Brussels nonprofit sector depend on regional agreements and accreditations that have been frozen since June 2024.
Public transport: Metro 3 advances, but political decisions are frozen
430 million annual journeys depend on a network whose investment plan is frozen and whose strategic decisions are suspended.