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

Sport
Marlen Reusser Secures 5th European ITT Title…
Marlen Reusser has become European Time Trial Champion for the fifth time, a record achievement. Sandrine Tas and Lotte Claes finished seventh and ninth respectively, securing their spots in the top 10 of this prestigious event.

Brussels
Brussels Unemployment: 100,198 Job Seekers
Brussels-Capital Region recorded over 100,000 registered job seekers at the end of September for the first time since January 2016, a concerning development highlighting structural challenges in the capital's labor market and demanding urgent action.

Economy
Interest Rate Hike Fuels Belgian Budget Deficit
The National Bank and Treasury warn the Belgian kern that rising interest rates could increase the federal budget deficit by approximately 2 billion euros, intensifying pressure on public finances.

Brussels
N-VA Criticizes Brussels Budget Agreement
Following the presentation of the Brussels budget agreement for 2027, an intense debate ensued in the Brussels Parliament. The N-VA sharply criticized the Brussels government's plans, alleging a distortion of the region's financial reality. This highlights fundamental disagreements concerning the transparency and feasibility of the public finances within the Brussels-Capital Region.

Wallonia
Social Rents Increase: Brussels Announces Hike
Social housing rents in Brussels are set to rise, confirmed Minister Dirk De Smedt. This increase, part of the 2027 budget project, follows governmental agreements and will directly affect thousands of households in the capital. The debate on affordability and housing finance is intensifying.

Economy
Armani Explores Stake Sale Discussions
Italian fashion house Armani is reportedly preparing discussions for the sale of a stake, potentially to LVMH, L'Oréal, or EssilorLuxottica, as reported by L'Echo, citing the Financial Times. This news, published on September 27, 2026, suggests a potential next phase for the brand, as outlined in the testament of founder Giorgio Armani.

Brussels
Jeroen Maris's Brussels Public Transport Column
In his recent column for Bruzz, published on September 27, 2026, journalist Jeroen Maris provides a unique perspective on Brussels. He describes the city through the lens of tram, metro, and bus journeys, with a specific focus on a bus ride to UZ Jette, titled 'On the way to becoming a patient'. This personal account highlights urban dynamics and the human experience within public transportation.

Flanders
Hasselt Fair Sets New Attendance Record
Hasselt Fair reportedly drew approximately 6.7 percent more visitors than in 2025, based on estimates for the September 19-27, 2026 edition, according to VRT NWS. This marks the second consecutive attendance record since its relocation to the inner ring road.

Economy
Family Businesses: Backbone of Belgian Economy
Family businesses form the indispensable backbone of the Belgian economy. The government must continue to cherish and protect these enterprises to ensure sustainable growth, employment, and societal embedding for future generations, according to De Tijd.

Economy
New Software Issue for Boeing 737 MAX
De Tijd reports a new software problem affecting the Boeing 737 MAX. While the discovery raises concerns, no immediate consequences for flights from Belgium have been indicated. The precise nature of the defect and its impact on Belgian aviation remain unclear.

Brussels
Etna Ash Cloud Strands Brussels Airlines Flight
An unexpected ash cloud from Mount Etna has stranded 140 Brussels Airlines passengers in Sicily today. Their scheduled flight to Brussels Airport (Zaventem) was cancelled, highlighting the vulnerability of international travel to natural phenomena and the activation of emergency plans.

Flanders
After-School Care Costs: PVDA vs. Antwerp
The PVDA claims after-school care in Antwerp has become up to three times more expensive, costing families an extra 100 euros per month. The Antwerp city administration strongly nuances these claims, emphasizing that rates remain unchanged for most families, despite an increase in Flemish subsidies for the sector.

Wallonia
Brussels Reinstates Two Export Premiums
The Brussels government has reinstated two essential export premiums, previously suspended in 2024. This decision, aimed at boosting international trade, is crucial for the Brussels business community and the wider Belgian economy.

Economy
PPP Quadruples Revenue Post-Bpost Concession
Belgian press distributor PPP quadrupled its revenue in 2025, following the end of Bpost's concession. The company now also focuses on parcel delivery alongside press distribution to secure continued growth in a shrinking market, innovating with combined delivery models and adapting to sector changes.

Economy
Pyxis EV: €25 Million Boost for Belgian Cinema
Pyxis EV, Belgium's inaugural investment fund for the film industry, has secured 25 million euros from the European Investment Fund. This landmark initiative, spearheaded by financial and film professionals, introduces a novel funding model, significantly bolstering Belgium's standing in European film production.

Brussels
D'Ieteren: Unions Dissatisfied with…
Unions at D'Ieteren express dissatisfaction with management's answers during initial talks about the announced redundancies, raising concerns for affected employees and the company's social climate, amidst a transforming automotive market.

Sport
Belgian Cats: Wauters Sees Euro Chances
Following a recent setback, former basketball icon Ann Wauters encourages the Belgian Cats to convert disappointment into motivation for the upcoming European Championship in Antwerp. She emphasizes the unique opportunity to shine on home soil and boost the sport in Belgium.

Economy
Wallonia Fast Chargers: 160% Growth
Wallonia's fast charger network has seen significant expansion, growing by 160% in just two years. This dynamic accelerates the transition to electric vehicles in Belgium and strengthens the charging infrastructure, crucial for more sustainable mobility.

Wallonia
New Post Office Criteria: Closures Loom
A revised list of 33 post offices threatened with closure has been submitted to the government's core. Despite correcting the imbalance between regions, the budgetary return remains insufficient, leading to new debates about Bpost's public service provision.

Wallonia
US-Canada Trade War: Belgium's Impact
The escalating trade war between the United States and Canada, marked by new import tariffs and bans, could have significant repercussions for Belgium's open economy and global trade flows. Major Belgian players like Umicore and Solvay are closely monitoring the situation.

Flanders
Arson Suspect Arrested in Antwerp
A 29-year-old suspect has been arrested in Antwerp following a series of arson attacks, including a completely burned-out BMW. Rapid police action led to the apprehension, confirmed by the Antwerp Police Zone. The investigation into motives and any further involvement is ongoing.

Flanders
Trump Urges Boycott of Bombardier
Former President Donald Trump calls for a boycott of Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier. This move could potentially impact international trade relations and have indirect consequences for the Belgian aviation sector and supply chains due to increased tensions and uncertainty.

Wallonia
Far-Right Gains Strong Hold in Saxony-Anhalt
German elections show significant gains for the far-right in Saxony-Anhalt, with exit polls, including from L'Echo, indicating a doubling of votes to 23.2%, yet no absolute majority. This trend raises questions about future coalition formation and shifts in European politics, impacting broader discussions.

Flanders
96 New Homes Listed for Sale in Antwerp
Antwerp's real estate market is dynamic with 96 new properties recently listed on Immoweb. Prices range from €109,000 to €1,725,000, presenting fresh opportunities for buyers and investors in the Scheldt city and impacting the broader Belgian property landscape.

Flanders
AfD Victory in Saxony-Anhalt: Alarm Bell
The recent Alternative for Germany (AfD) victory in Saxony-Anhalt is widely seen as a potent alarm signal, carrying potential implications for Belgian politics amid a broader trend of far-right resurgence across Europe.

Sport
US Open: Sabalenka Reaches Round of 16
Aryna Sabalenka has smoothly qualified for the US Open tennis round of 16. The tournament in New York, featuring stars like Carlos Alcaraz, continues to captivate Belgian fans, who are also following their compatriots' performances.

Brussels
Kuregem: Anderlecht Restarts Weekly Sweeps
Anderlecht municipality is reintroducing weekly weekend street sweeping in Kuregem to combat litter. Alderman Achille Junior Vandyck (MR) pledges improvement, bolstered by new staff and equipment, aiming for a lasting enhancement of living quality in the densely populated district following previous cleanliness issues and criticisms.

Brussels
Kalasnikov in Brussels: 23-Year-Old Moroccan…
A suspect found with a loaded Kalasnikov in Brussels has been identified as a 23-year-old Moroccan. Authorities are investigating his motives and the weapon's origin, reigniting discussions on security and illegal arms possession in Belgium and underscoring the constant vigilance of security services. The case highlights complex challenges.

Brussels
Midwife Toad: Brussels Mystery Solved
Fifty years after its disappearance from a Brussels park, a new study has finally uncovered the cause of the midwife toad's absence. This research highlights the profound ecological impact of seemingly minor human interventions on vulnerable species in urban environments.

Brussels
Brussels Court of Appeal Case Backlog Rises
The judicial backlog at the Brussels Court of Appeal is steadily growing, severely impacting legal certainty and the efficiency of justice in the capital. Citizens and businesses face longer waits for rulings, raising concerns about access to justice and Brussels' international reputation as a legal hub. The Federal Government is actively seeking structural solutions to address this persistent issue.
Other dossiers
- Aalst
- Anderlecht
- Antwerpen
- Arbeidsmarkt
- Brugge
- Brussel
- Bruxelles-Ville
- Charleroi
- Economie
- Energie
- Europees Parlement
- Europese Commissie
- Federale Regering
- Genk
- Gent
- Gezondheid
- Gouvernement wallon
- Hasselt
- Ixelles
- Klimaat
- KMI / IRM
- Kortrijk
- La Louvière
- Leuven
- Liège
- Mechelen
- Mobiliteit
- Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
- Mons
- Namur
- Nationale Bank
- Onderwijs
- Oostende
- Schaerbeek
- Sint-Niklaas
- Tournai
- Uccle
- Vastgoed
- Verviers
- Vlaamse Regering
- Vlaanderen
- Wallonie
