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Statbel
What Statbel 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.

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.

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.

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.

Flanders
Ex-vrouw belaagd, man crasht met wagen in Antwerpen
A man who previously attacked his ex-wife with a knife in Mortsel crashed his car into a residential garage in Antwerp following a pursuit. The resident sustained minor injuries, and the incident highlights the ongoing issue of intimate partner violence in Belgium.

Flanders
Lizzie (37) Balances Antwerp Horeca, Motherhood, Defies
Lizzie Goedemé (37), owner of Antwerp's popular cafés Tram 3 and Pamela, successfully balances her entrepreneurship with raising her son Bill (2). Despite her single status, she emphasizes not feeling like a 'single mother' and actively fosters community through initiatives like toddler parties.

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.

Flanders
Rijvers Festival Lievegem: Minister Verlinden and Ann Wauters Spotted
The Rijvers Festival in Lievegem once again attracted well-known figures, including federal minister Annelies Verlinden and former top basketball player Ann Wauters. Their presence highlights the increasing appeal of regional summer festivals in Flanders as significant social and cultural meeting points that bring together diverse segments of the population and contribute to the local community spirit in East Flanders.

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.

Flanders
Defective points at Antwerp-South disrupt train traffic
A points failure at Antwerp-South station is causing significant disruption to train services this Wednesday morning between Antwerp-Central and Antwerp-South. Commuters should anticipate delays and diversions on crucial routes in the province of Antwerp.

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.

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.

Brussels
Two Injured in Serious Three-Vehicle Road Accident in Uccle
A serious three-vehicle road accident in Uccle's Sonian Forest on Sunday afternoon resulted in two injuries. Emergency services swiftly responded to stabilize the situation, and the victims were transported to the hospital for further medical treatment and evaluation.

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.

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.

Flanders
Antwerp Pride 2026: 170,000 visitors, new record
Antwerp Pride experienced a record-breaking edition in 2026 with an impressive 170,000 visitors who immersed the city of Antwerp in rainbow colors. The 19th edition of the event proceeded peacefully, underscoring the growing acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in Belgium.

Wallonia
Russia boosts missile production: West faces challenge
Russian missile production is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, posing a growing challenge for Western nations and Ukraine's defense. This forces Belgium and its allies to re-evaluate defense strategies and industrial capacity, crucial for collective security.

Flanders
Motorcyclist (62) dies after colliding with tree in Tongeren-Borgloon
A 62-year-old motorcyclist from Borgloon tragically died in a traffic accident in Tongeren-Borgloon. He lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a tree, with the exact cause still unknown. The incident highlights the vulnerability of motorcyclists and road safety in Limburg, prompting calls for greater caution and adherence to traffic rules.

Economy
Ineos boosts stake in European chemicals, invests €400M+
British chemical giant Ineos has significantly increased its stake in various European chemical companies, investing over 400 million euros. This strategic move underscores their growth strategy and confidence in the future of the European chemical industry, potentially impacting the Belgian sector.
