Institution
Nationale Bank
What Nationale Bank publishes and decides, explained from the underlying data.

Sport
Tom Boon (Red Lions) Nears Historic Top Scorer Record with 346 Goals
Belgian hockey icon Tom Boon, star player for the Red Lions, has scored 346 goals in 394 international matches and is on the verge of equalling or breaking the all-time international top scorer record. His upcoming game against Australia is pivotal.

Wallonia
US National Debt Exceeds 40 Trillion Dollars
The US national debt has surpassed a historic threshold, exceeding 40 trillion dollars. Washington's focus remains on managing interest rate hikes rather…

Sport
Musiala's Career Safe Despite Fainting Spells, Bayern
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeneß has confirmed that star midfielder Jamal Musiala's football career is not in jeopardy, despite two recent fainting incidents within four days. This news brings relief following concerns about his health and its impact on his professional future.

Sport
Top Sprinters Choose Renewi Tour over Vuelta
The Renewi Tour, commencing today, is drawing top sprinters due to its numerous opportunities for mass sprints. This strategic advantage over the Vuelta highlights the race's significance for riders like Merlier and Philipsen in their preparation for upcoming championships.

Economy
Fluxys Grootste Aandeelhouder Energy One na UK-Deal
Belgian gas network operator Fluxys expands its international footprint by selling its UK subsidiary GMSL to Energy One. This transaction makes Fluxys the largest shareholder in the publicly listed Australian software company, representing a strategic move in the evolving energy market.

Economy
'Les Dérangeurs' Dance Collective Enlivens Brussels Bourse Square
Brussels' Bourse Square came alive thanks to the 'Les Dérangeurs' dance collective, which, led by Anthony Jaba'a, delivered an energetic performance on the iconic square, transforming the public space. This event highlights the vitality of Brussels' urban culture and the potential of public squares as creative stages.

Brussels
Lotfi Mostefa Re-elected as Chairman of Anderlechtse Haard
Lotfi Mostefa has been officially re-elected as chairman of Anderlechtse Haard, the social housing company in Anderlecht. His re-election underscores policy continuity for affordable housing in Brussels and addressing housing shortages in the municipality.

Wallonia
Hoge Venen: Brandbestrijding België onder vuur na hulp
Recent wildfires in the High Fens have exposed Belgium's limited capacity to combat large-scale blazes, with international assistance proving critical. This raises questions about national preparedness and the need to reassess strategies for future incidents, especially given the increasing risks posed by climate change.

Sport
Cyclist Jonas Vingegaard Ends Season Due to Collarbone Fracture
Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard (29), a prominent figure in the peloton, has announced the premature end of his current cycling season. A collarbone fracture sustained during a recent stage makes further competition this year impossible. This decision has direct consequences for his team Visma-Lease a Bike and indirect implications for the Belgian cycling landscape.

Wallonia
Major Fire in the Hautes Fagnes: Scope, Cause, and Impact Assessment
Since last Friday, an extraordinary wildfire has been raging in the Hautes Fagnes, Liège province. This critical situation necessitates a thorough analysis of its cause, the emergency services deployed, and its impact on the local population, the vulnerable natural reserve, and Belgium's disaster management capabilities.

Wallonia
Spaans jet schiet drone neer boven Roemenië
A Spanish fighter jet shot down an unidentified drone over Romania, Bucharest confirmed. This incident follows a similar event over Latvia, highlighting escalating tensions and the critical need for robust air defense within NATO, with direct implications for Belgium.

Brussels
Molenbeek Shooting: No Injuries, Suspect Swiftly Apprehended
A shooting incident occurred on Delaunoy Street in Molenbeek with no reported injuries. The suspect was swiftly apprehended by the Brussels West police zone, limiting community distress and showcasing efficient local law enforcement. The Brussels public prosecutor's office is leading the investigation.

Economy
Berkshire Hathaway Ups Alphabet Stake by 83%
Investment holding Berkshire Hathaway significantly increased its stake in tech giant Alphabet by a substantial 83 percent in the second quarter…

Economy
Belgian Exports Up 1.9%, Trade Surplus H1 2026
Belgian exports saw a 1.9% increase in the first half of 2026, signaling a strong economic recovery and resulting in a significant trade surplus. This resurgence is driven by sectors such as petroleum and chemicals, supported by strategic infrastructure like the Port of Antwerp.

Wallonia
Belgian Exports Resume Growth in H1 2026, Boosting Trade Surplus
Belgian exports show robust growth of 1.9% in the first half of 2026, achieving an impressive trade surplus of 26.4 billion euros. This recovery, driven by key sectors, confirms the resilience and competitiveness of the Belgian economy in international markets, as highlighted by L'Echo.

Flanders
Antwerp Buzzes: Rubens Market and Summer Events This Weekend
Antwerp offers a rich array of activities this weekend, from the traditional Rubens Market evoking the 17th century to modern beach parties, solidifying its status as a dynamic cultural and recreational hub. There is something for everyone.

Economy
Alken-Maes: €160 Million Impairment Due to Persistent Volume Decline
Belgian brewery Alken-Maes, a subsidiary of Heineken, anticipates an impairment of nearly 160 million euros. This financial adjustment follows a loss in 2025 and projections of persistent negative volume trends until at least 2028, indicating structural challenges in the competitive Belgian beer market.

Flanders
Antwerp Tram Tracks: Lange Gasthuisstraat Renewed, Mobility Impact
The renovation of tram tracks and road surface in Lange Gasthuisstraat and Sint-Jorispoort in Antwerp, a De Lijn project, started on August 10 and will continue until the end of October. Tram lines 4 and 7 will remain operational, albeit with speed restrictions in the construction zone. These essential infrastructure works contribute to sustainable urban mobility and traffic reduction.

Wallonia
Ukraine Urges US for Patriot Missiles: Zelensky Warns of Shortage
President Zelensky has urgently appealed to Washington for Patriot interceptors, as Ukraine faces a looming shortage of these critical defense missiles to counter escalating Russian ballistic attacks. The vulnerability of cities and infrastructure is increasing without adequate protection.

Wallonia
Partial Index Jump: Pensioners Face Half a Billion Euro Annual Loss
The partial index jump, effective from September 2026, will cost Belgian pensioners over half a billion euros annually. Retired civil servants are particularly affected, significantly impacting the purchasing power of millions and putting social security under strain.

Wallonia
Brusselse Rand: Vlaamse Scholen Vragen Taalsteun
Flemish schools in the Brussels periphery are grappling with a growing influx of students who do not speak Dutch. This places significant pressure on the education system and urgently calls for additional resources and a coordinated policy. The issue touches upon the core of Belgium's language and integration debate.

Brussels
Brussels Train Punctuality Reaches Five-Year High in July 2026
Punctuality for domestic trains in Brussels reached an impressive 94.6 percent in July 2026, marking the best result since July 2021 and a significant improvement for thousands of daily commuters and travelers on the Belgian rail network.

Flanders
Trump: Netanyahu band "zeer goed" ondanks plan afwijzing
Donald Trump states his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is 'very good,' despite previous tensions over the rejection of a peace roadmap. This declaration, initially reported by VRT NWS, seeks to redefine diplomatic relations and has implications for broader geopolitical stability and European involvement in the Middle East.

Wallonia
Growth Wallonia: Jambon's strategy under scrutiny
Jan Jambon's growth strategy for Wallonia is critically examined, sparking debate over whether to prioritize large listed companies or small and…

Flanders
New Properties for Sale in Antwerp on Immoweb: 20 Listings Available
The Antwerp real estate market shows activity with 20 recently listed properties on Immoweb, ranging in price from 163,000 to 725,000 euros. This diverse offering includes various property types and presents opportunities for buyers in the Antwerp province.

Flanders
Belgorod Drone Attack: Six Dead, Belgium Monitors Impact
Following a Ukrainian drone attack on Belgorod, Russia reported a death toll of six. This incident, which further fuels tensions in the border region, is closely monitored by Belgium due to its broader implications for European security, economy, and humanitarian efforts. It illustrates the constant threat and the urgent need for de-escalation in the conflict.

Flanders
Antwerp: 90% Solar Eclipse on August 12
On Wednesday, August 12, Belgium will witness a rare solar eclipse, with 90% of the sun obscured. This unique astronomical phenomenon, last seen on this scale in 1999, promises a spectacular experience, particularly in the province of Antwerp, and requires proper eye protection.

Brussels
Schaerbeek Fire: Two Lightly Injured, Safety Reminder
A house fire on Auguste Lambiottestraat in Schaerbeek on Sunday morning left two residents lightly injured. This incident underscores the need for continuous attention to fire safety in densely populated urban areas and the role of government agencies and citizens in prevention.

Flanders
Extreme Heat: Belgium's economy to shrink 1% (Triodos)
The Dutch sustainable bank Triodos warns that extreme heat and persistent drought could cost Europe 180 billion euros, with Belgium's economy projected to…

Brussels
R0 Zaventem: lanes narrowed for bridge demolition
The Brussels Ring Road is experiencing significant traffic disruption near Zaventem this weekend, caused by narrowed lanes due to the demolition of old bridges. Motorists are advised to consider alternative routes or factor in extra travel time. The works, part of a larger infrastructure project, will continue until Sunday and are affecting traffic flow on the R0.
