Brussels, Belgium – November 26, 2025 — Brussels is set to deepen civic participation in urban decision-making with the introduction of a pioneering digital feedback platform, inviting residents of Schaerbeek and Molenbeek to help shape the city’s future from December 2025. The initiative, developed in partnership with local universities and civic technology organisations, aims to gather diverse perspectives on public services, infrastructure, and neighbourhood priorities, marking a significant step towards more inclusive governance in the Belgian capital.

The platform, accessible via smartphones and public kiosks, will allow citizens to share their views on a range of policy topics, from mobility and green spaces to housing and digital inclusion. City officials emphasise that the system is designed to be intuitive and multilingual, ensuring accessibility for Brussels’ richly diverse population. The pilot will run for six months, with the potential for expansion citywide if successful.

Brussels Mayor Philippe Close described the project as “a new chapter in participatory democracy,” highlighting the city’s commitment to listening to its residents. “Our communities are the heart of Brussels. By opening new channels for dialogue, we ensure that every voice can contribute to the city’s evolution,” Close said at the announcement event in Schaerbeek’s Maison Communale.

Community leaders in Schaerbeek and Molenbeek have welcomed the initiative, noting the potential to bridge gaps between residents and policymakers. Fatima Zahra, director of a local youth centre in Molenbeek, expressed optimism about the platform’s ability to reach younger citizens. “Young people often feel disconnected from political processes. This tool meets them where they are—on their phones and in their neighbourhoods,” Zahra said.

The platform’s development was informed by recent citizen assemblies and juries held across Brussels, where residents deliberated on the ethical and practical implications of digital technologies in public life. These forums, organised by civic engagement hubs and academic researchers, revealed a strong appetite for more direct involvement in shaping policy decisions. Participants stressed the importance of transparency, privacy, and equitable access in any new digital initiative.

To address these concerns, the platform incorporates robust privacy safeguards and transparent data practices. Users can submit feedback anonymously, and all data is processed in compliance with European data protection standards. City officials have also established an independent oversight committee, including representatives from civil society, academia, and local government, to monitor the platform’s operation and ensure accountability.

Technical partners, including researchers from Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the FARI Institute, have played a key role in designing the system’s feedback mechanisms. The platform uses advanced data analysis to identify emerging trends and community priorities, providing city planners with actionable insights while maintaining individual privacy. “Our goal is to turn citizen input into concrete improvements—whether that’s safer streets, better public transport, or more green spaces,” said Dr. Ana Pop Stefanija, a postdoctoral researcher involved in the project.

The pilot in Schaerbeek and Molenbeek was chosen for its demographic diversity and history of civic engagement. Both districts have vibrant community networks and a track record of innovative local projects. City officials hope that lessons learned from the pilot will inform future rollouts in other municipalities across Brussels.

Residents will be invited to participate through a combination of digital outreach, community workshops, and in-person events at local libraries and cultural centres. The city is also collaborating with schools and youth organisations to ensure that young people’s perspectives are well represented. Multilingual support will be available in French, Dutch, Arabic, and Turkish, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the pilot districts.

Throughout the six-month trial, regular progress updates will be published online and shared at community meetings. At the end of the pilot, a public report will summarise the key findings and recommendations, which will be presented to the Brussels City Council for consideration in future urban policy planning.

Early response from residents has been enthusiastic. “It’s encouraging to see the city investing in tools that make it easier for us to share our ideas and concerns,” said Ahmed El Mansouri, a Schaerbeek resident and community organiser. “I look forward to seeing how our feedback will shape real changes in our neighbourhood.”

As Brussels continues to explore new models of participatory governance, the Schaerbeek and Molenbeek pilot stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to innovation and inclusion. If successful, the platform could serve as a model for other European cities seeking to strengthen the relationship between citizens and their governments, ensuring that urban policy reflects the needs and aspirations of all residents.

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