Region
Vlaanderen
Vlaanderen file: budget, labour market, energy and governance, read through Statbel, Eurostat and National Bank data.

Flanders
Flemish firefighters leave Greece, wildfire under control
The last Flemish firefighters have departed from Greece, where the wildfire remains largely under control due to their efforts and local services.

Economy
Krëfel CEO change: Vincent Nolf replaced by Alain Hellebaut
Electronics chain Krëfel replaces CEO Vincent Nolf after less than a year with Alain Hellebaut, marking a significant leadership change for the struggling…

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.

Flanders
Truck overturns Antwerp port: driver freed
A truck overturned at the North Sea Terminal in the Port of Antwerp, requiring the fire department to free the driver from the cabin after the accident.

Sport
Red Panthers: Verhees and Van Heel Bring Youthful Energy
The Red Panthers welcome young talents Emilie Verhees and Famke Van Heel, who are impressing at the Hockey World Cup with their energy and tenacity…

Sport
Verstappen in Zandvoort: F1 home race full of memories
Max Verstappen is looking forward to his F1 home race in Zandvoort, a place where he has already built many fond memories and hopes for a victory on home…

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.

Economy
E5 reopens stores in Wallonia after six-year absence
The Belgian fashion chain e5 is returning to Wallonia after a six-year absence, with the first store opening soon in Waterloo and five e5 reopenings planned…

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.

Wallonia
School Fees: Belgian school year costs rising for parents
Rising school fees in Belgium are causing concern as funding for free school supplies decreases. The Ligue des familles fears parents will bear the…

Flanders
Plug Power cancels €400M hydrogen plant in Antwerp
Plug Power cancels its planned 400 million euro green hydrogen factory in the Port of Antwerp, citing uncertain profitability as the key reason for the…

Brussels
Brussels: Fewer summer schools, essential for students
In Brussels, the number of summer schools is steadily decreasing, despite summer schools being recognized as crucial for addressing learning deficits in…

Sport
Hockey World Cup: Red Lions to face defending champion…
At the Hockey World Cup, the Belgian Red Lions are preparing for a crucial match against defending champions Germany, a fixture described as a…

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.

Flanders
Antwerp River Cruises: Tourist numbers double, sparking…
Antwerp is experiencing a doubling of river cruise tourists due to low Rhine water levels, prompting a debate on the impact of this increase on the city.

Brussels
Brussels Flower Carpet attracts 20,800 paid visitors
The Brussels Flower Carpet attracted over 20,800 paid visitors to the City Hall this year, proving the event to be a significant success for the city of…

Flanders
Redevelopment Ferdinand Verbieststraat Ekeren: new phase…
The redevelopment of Ferdinand Verbieststraat in Ekeren enters a new phase on August 20, 2026, focusing on creating a safer residential street for its…

Brussels
High Fens Fire: 2,700 ha destroyed, Brussels firefighters…
The fire in the High Fens has already destroyed 2,700 hectares of nature, prompting Brussels firefighters to deploy a tanker to assist local emergency…

Flanders
Peatland Fire Flanders: 2,700 hectares incinerated, 600…
A large peatland fire in Flanders continues to expand, with 2,700 hectares of peatland now incinerated and 600 people evacuated from their homes near the…

Flanders
Football Poll: Berchem Sport title favorite, Stekene…
A new football poll from HLN Antwerpen asks readers for their expectations for Third Division A. Berchem Sport is a potential title favorite, while the…

Flanders
Antwerp: 27 New Properties for Sale on Immoweb
In Antwerp, 27 new properties have recently been listed for sale on Immoweb, with prices ranging from 175,000 to 1,150,000 euros, keeping the Antwerp real…

Flanders
Dodentocht Bornem: ChatGPT spreekt in 4 talen
The Dodentocht in Bornem embraces innovation: 'micromen' Willy De Clercq and Gunter Michiels are using ChatGPT this year to disseminate crucial announcements and calls in four languages, significantly enhancing communication for international participants and making the event more accessible.

Economy
Liverpool FC: Jeff Bezos & Mittal Family Invest in Club…
Liverpool FC has confirmed the entry of new investors, including Jeff Bezos and the Mittal family, into the club's capital. The precise financial terms of…

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.

Brussels
Overijse Cycle Highway: Second Phase of F204 Commences Tuesday
De Werkvennootschap begins construction on Tuesday of an almost four-kilometer section of the F204 cycle highway in Overijse, a significant step in strengthening the connection between Wavre and Brussels and promoting sustainable mobility in the region.

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.
