OECD Territorial Reviews: Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium
The OECD Territorial Review of the Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium, provides an in-depth
assessment of the trends, challenges and opportunities for sustainable and inclusive
urban development in the region. It aims to help tackle the so-called ‘Brussels paradox’
between a highly performing region in terms of economic wealth creation and competitiveness
but relatively poor social conditions. The region is also grappling with a shortage
of affordable and quality housing, as well as several mobility challenges, including
a high reliance on individual cars and traffic congestion, resulting in high commuting
times and pollution levels, despite good accessibility to public transport. Although
a comprehensive urban and land-use planning system exists, there is a lack of co-ordination
with the surrounding regions and municipalities to drive more effective policies on
housing, mobility, and other infrastructure investments. This review also examines
the governance and institutional framework and suggests policy actions to strengthen
co-ordination and co-operation mechanisms, and promote incremental collaboration at
the metropolitan level. Finally, the review provides recommendations to enhance public
finances in the region, focusing on better compensating for its additional charges,
co-ordinating public investment among levels of government more efficiently, and establishing
a metropolitan fund.
Available from February 06, 2024
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