Brussels, the de facto capital of the European Union, is reinventing itself as a laboratory for urban innovation. At the helm of this transformation is Mayor Philippe Close, who sat down with Urban Summit Brussels to discuss the city's strategy for becoming smarter, greener, and more inclusive. In this exclusive interview, Mayor Close outlines key initiatives, challenges, and the importance of international collaboration—themes that will be explored in depth at the upcoming Urban Summit Brussels.
From Traffic Jams to Digital Twins: Brussels' Smart City Vision
Mayor Close begins by acknowledging the city's notorious traffic congestion. "Brussels has one of the highest car-ownership rates in Europe, but we are determined to change that," he says. The city is investing €50 million over five years in smart traffic management systems, including adaptive traffic lights and real-time parking sensors. By 2026, the goal is to reduce average commute times by 15% and cut CO2 emissions by 20% compared to 2019 levels.
A cornerstone of this effort is the "Digital Twin of Brussels"—a 3D virtual model of the city that integrates data from IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and citizen feedback. Developed in partnership with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and tech firm Siemens, the digital twin allows urban planners to simulate scenarios such as new bike lanes, pedestrian zones, or flood risks. "It's like a flight simulator for city planners," Close explains. "We can test ideas before spending a single euro on concrete."
The model is publicly accessible via a web portal, encouraging startups and researchers to build applications. For example, local startup UrbanData used the twin to optimize waste collection routes, saving the city €1.2 million annually. The mayor highlights this as an example of how open data fuels innovation—a topic that will be discussed in the Top 10 Sessions to Attend at the summit.
Mobility Revolution: From Car-Centric to People-Centric
When asked about the most transformative project, Close points to the Good Move plan, launched in 2022. This comprehensive mobility strategy reallocates street space from cars to pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. The results are striking: in the Pentagon (city center), car traffic dropped by 24% in the first year, while cycling increased by 38%. The plan also introduced a 30 km/h speed limit across most of the region—a move that initially faced backlash but now enjoys 65% public approval.
Key elements of Good Move include:
- Circulation cells: Neighborhoods are divided into sectors where through-traffic is rerouted to main arteries, reducing rat-running.
- Expanded bike network: 50 km of new protected bike lanes by 2025, with a target of 100 km by 2030.
- Modal shift incentives: Subsidies for cargo bikes (up to €500) and e-bikes (up to €200) for residents.
- Car-free zones: The pedestrian area around the Grand-Place was extended, and the central boulevards now host weekend markets and events.
Mayor Close acknowledges that not everyone is happy. "Some business owners complained about lost car parking, but foot traffic has increased by 15% in pedestrianized areas," he notes. The city is also investing €30 million in new park-and-ride facilities on the periphery, with direct tram connections to the center. These initiatives will be showcased in the Opening Keynote Recap at the summit.
Digital Inclusion: Bridging the Gap
Urban innovation isn't just about technology; it's about people. Mayor Close emphasizes the city's commitment to digital inclusion. "We cannot have a smart city that leaves behind its most vulnerable citizens," he says. Brussels has launched a Digital Inclusion Plan with three pillars: connectivity, skills, and access.
Connectivity: By 2025, every public building (schools, libraries, community centers) will have free public Wi-Fi, with a minimum speed of 100 Mbps. The city is also partnering with Proximus to install 5G antennas in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring that no area is left offline.
Skills: The city has trained 2,000 digital ambassadors—volunteers who teach basic digital skills in 15 languages. Courses cover everything from using a smartphone to accessing e-government services. In 2023, over 12,000 residents participated. The program costs €2.5 million annually, funded partly by the European Regional Development Fund.
Access: Brussels operates 50 "Digital Corners"—public kiosks where residents can pay taxes, apply for permits, or video-call social workers. These are located in train stations, shopping centers, and municipal offices. "For a homeless person to apply for housing, they need internet access. We provide that," Close states.
This inclusive approach is a key theme of the summit. Attendees can learn more in the Networking Tips article, which highlights how to connect with social innovators.
Green Innovation: Beyond Parks and Trees
Brussels is also a leader in urban greening. The city has planted 10,000 trees since 2019, with a target of 25,000 by 2030. But innovation goes beyond planting. The Brussels Green Roofs program offers subsidies of up to €50 per square meter for installing vegetated roofs, which reduce stormwater runoff and improve insulation. Over 300 buildings have participated, adding 15 hectares of green roofs.
Another flagship is the Circular Economy Action Plan. Brussels aims to halve waste by 2030 through repair cafes, material exchanges, and a ban on single-use plastics in public spaces. The city's Re-use Center in Anderlecht processes 5,000 tons of furniture and electronics annually, creating 200 jobs for low-skilled workers. "Circular economy is not just environmental; it's social," Close remarks.
The mayor also highlights the Climate Neutral 2050 roadmap, which includes retrofitting 80,000 homes with energy-efficient insulation and heat pumps. The city provides grants covering up to 40% of costs, with a special fund for low-income households. "We've already reduced emissions by 25% since 2005, but we need to accelerate," he says.
Funding and Partnerships: The Role of the EU
As the host of key EU institutions, Brussels leverages European funding heavily. The city has secured €120 million from the European Regional Development Fund for innovation projects between 2021-2027. Close also praises the Urban Innovative Actions program, which funded Brussels' participatory budgeting platform—citizens voted on how to spend €5 million, with winning projects including a community garden and a digital literacy hub.
Partnerships with the private sector are equally crucial. The city has a strategic alliance with Google, which provides cloud credits and AI tools for traffic management. A collaboration with IKEA led to the "Better Living" pilot—affordable modular housing units for young professionals, built from sustainable materials.
Mayor Close emphasizes that innovation requires risk-taking. "Not every project succeeds. Our smart parking app had low adoption initially, so we redesigned it with user feedback. Failure is part of the learning process," he says. This mindset is reflected in the summit's agenda, which includes sessions on "Failing Forward" in urban tech.
Looking Ahead: The Urban Summit Brussels
The Urban Summit Brussels, taking place from October 12-14, 2024, at Brussels Expo, will bring together 5,000 city leaders, tech entrepreneurs, and researchers. Mayor Close will deliver the opening address, focusing on "Innovation with Purpose." He hopes the summit will foster cross-city collaborations. "We can learn from Barcelona's superblocks, Singapore's smart sensors, and Medellín's cable cars. No city has all the answers," he says.
Key sessions include:
- Digital Twins for Climate Resilience – Case studies from Brussels and Helsinki.
- Participatory Budgeting 2.0 – How blockchain can ensure transparency.
- Urban Air Mobility – Drones for medical deliveries and logistics.
- Affordable Housing Tech – 3D-printed homes and modular construction.
Mayor Close also encourages attendees to explore Brussels beyond the conference halls. "Visit the Canal Zone, where startups are turning industrial buildings into innovation hubs. Try our local food at the Midi Market. See how innovation is woven into daily life," he invites. For first-time visitors, the Complete Guide to Urban Summit Brussels offers practical tips.
Conclusion: A City in Motion
As the interview concludes, Mayor Close reflects on the essence of urban innovation. "It's about improving quality of life for everyone—not just the tech-savvy or wealthy. Brussels is a diverse, complex city, and our innovations must reflect that complexity. We are building a city that is resilient, inclusive, and joyful."
The Urban Summit Brussels promises to be a platform where such visions become reality. Whether you are a policymaker, entrepreneur, or activist, the summit offers tools and connections to shape the cities of tomorrow. For more insights, read our Opening Keynote Recap and Networking Tips articles.
Related articles
- The Complete Guide to Urban Summit Brussels
- Opening Keynote Recap
- Top 10 Sessions to Attend
- Networking Tips