Business

House and apartment prices rise sharply in Belgium

A reduction in registration fees for home purchases has pushed up house and apartment prices in Belgium, according to figures published by the statistics agency Statbel on Thursday. The price hikes are

3 days ago

Business·Opinion

Belgian flight simulator firm Euramec signs strategic deals for Indian and UK expansion

The Belgian flight simulator developer Euramec has signed a strategic partnership with India’s Genser Aerospace in order to enter the fast-growing Indian aviation market. The agreement was formalised at the Paris Air

3 days ago

Business

Arla and DMK take first step towards merger to form Europe’s largest dairy cooperative

The German DMK Group and Arla Foods, a dairy cooperative including several hundred Belgian farmers, have taken the first step towards forming Europe’s largest cooperative dairy company. On Wednesday, the companies announced

3 days ago

Business

Closure of Audi factory heavily impacted economic activity in Brussels

The closure of the Audi factory in Brussels weighed heavily on economic activity in the capital region, according to a report by the Brussels Institute for Statistics and Analysis (BISA). The shutdown

4 days ago

Business

ING expects global economic slowdown in second half of 2025

The global economy will continue to grow in the second half of 2025, but at a slower pace, according to ING Belgium’s latest outlook. The slowdown is mainly driven by the trade

6 days ago

Business

French investment group to take majority stake in Flemish defence firm ScioTeq

French investment firm Tikehau Capital is set to acquire a majority stake in the Flemish defence company ScioTeq, according to a press release issued on Monday. The financial details of the transaction

6 days ago

Business·Opinion

Flemish innovation mission strengthens ties with Japan

Flemish research centre imec and the universities of Ghent and Antwerp have signed new cooperation agreements with Japanese partners during a mission to Japan. Imec renewed its strategic partnership with semiconductor equipment

6 days ago

Business·Politics

Brussels and federal government faced with probable rating downgrade

For months, Brussels has been anxiously awaiting a rating from credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P), which is likely to announce a new downgrade for the region on Friday evening. A

1 week ago

Business·Politics

Police unions shelve plans for strike at Brussels Airport

Police unions have shelved their plans to strike over a passport check dispute after the federal police confirmed the existence of an internal notice that had caused them concern. Travellers should not

2 weeks ago

Business

Flemish authorities inspect controversial container bound for Israeli defence firm

A container in the Port of Antwerp, reportedly destined for Israeli defence company Ashot Ashkelon Industries, is currently being held and inspected by Flemish authorities. The move follows public outcry and political

2 weeks ago

Business·World

Belgium blocked 147 illegal streaming websites last year

Last year, Belgium blocked 147 websites illegally distributing copyrighted films, TV series and sports broadcasts, the FPS Economy revealed on Thursday. These platforms offered content without the creators’ permission, amounting to digital

2 weeks ago

Business·Innovations

European consumer groups file complaint against Shein for misleading practices

Belgium’s Testaankoop, along with 24 other consumer organisations across Europe, has filed an official complaint with the European Commission against Chinese fashion retailer Shein. The groups accuse the online giant of using

2 weeks ago

Business

Tariff negotiations with US “advancing in the right direction,” says EU commissioner

Negotiations between the European Union and the United States on trade tariffs are “moving in the right direction,” European Trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said on Wednesday, following a meeting with U.S. Trade

2 weeks ago

Business·World

Number of dollar millionaires in Belgium declines further

The number of dollar millionaires in Belgium fell to 134,600 in 2024, 2.5 per cent less compared to the year before. This marks the third consecutive annual decline, according to data released

2 weeks ago

Business·Society

US tariffs on steel and aluminum double to 50%

Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports came into effect on Wednesday. Trading partners around the world are voicing concern, and the EU still hopes to strike a deal

3 weeks ago

Business·World

Aedifica and Cofinimmo agree to merge, creating Europe’s largest healthcare real estate group

Belgian healthcare real estate firms Aedifica and Cofinimmo have agreed to merge, forming the largest healthcare property company in Europe. The combined portfolio will be worth €12.1 billion, making the group the fourth-largest globally.

3 weeks ago

Business

Haribo recalls sweets in Belgium due to possible presence of cannabis

Candy maker Haribo has recalled a batch of sweets in Belgium after traces of cannabis were found in some products sold in the Netherlands. There have been no reports of people falling

3 weeks ago

Business

Belgian soil research firm ABO-Group secures €10m contract for French naval base

Ghent-based environmental engineering firm ABO-Group has secured a €10 million contract with the French Navy for soil research linked to the reinforcement of the Toulon naval base, De Tijd reports. That base

3 weeks ago

Business·Society

Flemish frozen fries giant Clarebout eyes deal with US food titan

Clarebout Potatoes, one of Belgium’s largest frozen potato producers, is reportedly close to striking a major deal with US agri-food giant J.R. Simplot, De Standaard reports. Industry insiders suggest the agreement, potentially

3 weeks ago

Business

Court of International Trade Halts Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs in Stinging Legal Defeat

As President Donald Trump embarks on his second term, the velocity of policy shifts emerging from Washington has alarmed, confused, and polarized observers across the Atlantic. Many transatlantic analysts continue to frame

3 weeks ago

Business·World

Stocks push higher after a federal court halted Trump’s tariffs

Stock futures gained Thursday after a federal court ruled late Wednesday that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority to impose sweeping tariffs, throwing into chaos the administration’s core trade policy that has threatened to

3 weeks ago

Business·World

EU proposes scale-up fund to retain promising tech startups

The European Commission has unveiled plans to launch a large-scale investment fund aimed at preventing promising tech startups from relocating outside the EU. The Scaleup Europe Fund, expected to launch in 2026,

3 weeks ago

Business·World

CMB.Tech acquires Norwegian shipping company Golden Ocean

The Antwerp-based maritime group CMB.Tech, formerly known as Euronav, is acquiring the Norwegian dry bulk shipping company Golden Ocean Group. The merger will create one of the largest diversified listed maritime groups

3 weeks ago

Business

Campine chooses French expansion amid booming antimony profits

The Belgian metal recycling group Campine has announced plans to acquire three industrial sites in France, including two dedicated to battery recycling. This strategic move comes at the expense of expanding its

4 weeks ago

Business·Innovations

Geopolitical turmoil brings chaos to Antwerp and other European ports

Ports across Europe, including Antwerp, are experiencing acute congestion as a result of mounting geopolitical tensions, climate-related disruptions and shifting global trade dynamics. De Tijd reports that the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, a

4 weeks ago

Business·World

Belgian savings among the best protected in Europe

Belgium’s deposit guarantee fund is two to three times larger than comparable schemes in most other European countries, according to figures published on Tuesday by L’Echo, based on data from the European

4 weeks ago

Business

Euro could become alternative to dollar, says ECB president

European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde sees a unique opportunity for the euro to expand its global influence. Speaking at the Hertie School in Berlin on Monday, Lagarde argued that recent global

4 weeks ago

Business·Politics

Trump delays EU tariff hike following call with von der Leyen

US president Donald Trump has agreed to postpone a planned tariff increase on European Union goods until 9 July, following a call with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Trump had threatened

4 weeks ago

Business·World

Trump says he’s ‘not looking for a deal’ with the EU after threatening a 50% tariff

President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union, citing a lack of progress in current trade negotiations. “Their powerful Trade Barriers, Vat Taxes, ridiculous Corporate

4 weeks ago

Business·World

Belgium backs EU proposal for 2 euro import fee on small parcels

Belgium supports a proposal by European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to charge 2 euros for every small parcel entering the EU, Economy minister David Clarinval said at the EU Competitiveness Council in

1 month ago

Business

Belgians avoid products from the US, Russia and China, survey shows

Belgians are avoiding buying products from the United States, Russia and China, according to a survey by Kantar released on Monday. The results highlight the impact of the economic and political context

1 month ago

Business

New campaign raises awareness about noise pollution in the North Sea

The federal government has launched a campaign to make people aware of the growing underwater noise pollution in the North Sea. Certain human activities, such as shipping and wind farm construction, make

1 month ago

Business·Earth & Climate

Record profits for Brussels Airport Company

Brussels Airport Company, the operator of Zaventem airport, achieved record turnover and operating profit last year, but will pay no dividends for the sixth consecutive year. The company’s annual results, released on

1 month ago

Business

Europe is losing appeal to foreign investors, survey shows

Europe has become less appealing to foreign investors over the past year, according to a survey by the consultancy firm EY. Traditionally strong performers such as France and Germany experienced a sharp

1 month ago

Business

Engie to introduce ‘happy hour’ energy contracts

Energy giant Engie is developing new energy contracts featuring a ‘happy hour’ scheme, where electricity will be cheaper at specific times of the day. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the

1 month ago

Business

Flanders’ labour migration crackdown at odds with OECD recommendations

The Flemish government is introducing stricter labour migration policies aimed at reducing the number of non-EU workers, particularly those with low qualifications. However, a recent OECD report warns that such restrictions could

1 month ago

Business

Evonik pushes green energy in port of Antwerp despite “devastating” Chinese competition

The German speciality chemicals company Evonik outlined its green energy plans for its site in the port of Antwerp during a port visit by Flemish Energy minister Melissa Depraetere on Tuesday. CEO

1 month ago

Business·Earth & Climate

AB InBev to invest $300 million in the United States

Anheuser-Busch, the American subsidiary of the Belgian-Brazilian brewing giant, has announced plans to invest $300 million in the United States this year. The funding will go towards expanding the company’s training centres

1 month ago

Business·World

Drug arrests in Antwerp Port surge, with juvenile involvement doubling

Just four months into 2025, the number of drug-related arrests at the Port of Antwerp has already surpassed last year’s total. The Port Police have detained 131 people, mostly ‘extractors’ who remove

1 month ago

Business·Opinion

Delhaize doubles e-commerce capacity with new distribution centre near Brussels

Delhaize has opened a new e-commerce distribution centre in Forest, on the outskirts of Brussels, doubling its capacity to 50,000 online grocery orders per week. The €53 million investment, made in partnership

1 month ago

Business

De Wever confirms delayed wage indexing for teachers and broader public sector

Prime minister Bart De Wever has confirmed that wage indexation for public sector workers, including teachers, will be delayed by three months instead of the current two. The move is part of

1 month ago

Business·Politics

Solvay faces lower sales due to ‘macroeconomic uncertainty’

Chemicals group Solvay had a difficult first quarter with falling net sales and earnings, according to its quarterly results published on Thursday. The company revised its full-year expectations for 2025 to the

2 months ago

Business

Tariff panic pushed Belgian exports to US to record levels

In March, the US imported goods from Belgium worth almost 3.4 billion dollars. That is 46 percent more than a year earlier and more than double the February figure, De Tijd reported

2 months ago

Business·World

European Commission warns Belgium over lack of implementation of EU directives

The European Commission has sent Belgium formal warnings for failing to implement fully or correctly several key EU directives, in particular those relating to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The Commission communicated

2 months ago

Business·World

EU moves to cut off Russian gas by 2027

The European Commission has unveiled a plan to end all imports of Russian gas by the end of 2027, in a bid to boost energy security and reduce financial support for Russia

2 months ago

Business·World

Largest Zara shop in the world to open in Antwerp

Spanish fashion group Inditex, which owns the Zara chain, will open the world’s largest Zara shop in Antwerp. That shop will be set up in the new Meir Corner building, on a

2 months ago

Business

TikTok fined €530 million for sending EU user data to China

Ireland’s data protection watchdog has fined the Chinese video sharing app TikTok 530 million euros, it announced in a press release on Friday. TikTok was found guilty of illegally sending personal data

2 months ago

Business·World

Eurozone economy grew more than expected in first quarter

The eurozone economy grew more than expected in the first quarter of 2025. A first estimate by the European statistics agency Eurostat shows 0.4 per cent growth for countries using the euro

2 months ago

Business

Flemish companies bracing for economic downturn, survey shows

Flemish companies expect a bleak economic outlook for 2025, according to a new survey by employers’ organisation Voka. The survey, conducted among 750 firms, reveals that three-quarters of respondents fear they will

2 months ago

Business

Credit agency S&P issues negative outlook for Belgium due to rising budget deficit

US ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has downgraded Belgium’s credit outlook from stable to negative, citing concerns over the country’s rising budget deficit. This is a warning to the federal government

2 months ago

Business

Industry and schools unite to boost practical training

To address the growing demand for technically skilled workers, industry leaders and education networks are joining forces to “strengthen the bridge between companies and schools.” The joint plan, announced Friday, responds to

2 months ago

Business

Governments eye billion-euro stake in Brussels Airport

The federal and Flemish governments are exploring a joint purchase of the Canadian pension fund OTPP’s 30 per cent stake in Brussels Airport, potentially taking majority control. The price tag could be

2 months ago

Business

Belgian software company iTraceiT targets international luxury market

After developing a digital passport for diamonds, Belgian software company iTraceiT is now expanding its focus to the broader international luxury sector. The company announced on Wednesday that it has raised €1.5

2 months ago

Business

CMB.TECH to merge with Golden Ocean, expanding global fleet

Antwerp-based CMB.TECH, formerly known as Euronav, plans to merge with Norwegian dry bulk shipping company Golden Ocean Group. The merger would create one of the world’s largest diversified listed maritime groups, with

2 months ago

Business

Meat sector warns Flemish restrictions on labour migration could undermine food supply

The Belgian meat industry has criticised a proposal by Employment minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) to tighten labour migration rules, warning it could jeopardise food security.  The plan would make it harder to

2 months ago

Business

Proportion of private-sector employees with disabilities is falling, study shows

Only 0.23 per cent of employees in Belgium’s private sector had a disability in 2024, a decrease of around 8 per cent compared to 2023, according to figures from HR specialists Acerta

2 months ago

Business·Society

European Central Bank cuts eurozone interest rate for seventh time to 2.25%

The European Central Bank (ECB) has cut the eurozone interest rate for the seventh time since June 2024, reducing it by a further 0.25 percentage point to 2.25%. The ECB made the

2 months ago

Business

Dieselgate: Testaankoop and Volkswagen close case without appeal

After years of legal wrangling, consumer organisation Testaankoop and car manufacturer Volkswagen have agreed not to appeal a July 2023 ruling by the Dutch-speaking court of first instance in Brussels in the

2 months ago

Business

Meli aims to become Europe’s largest honey company by 2030

Belgian honey producer Meli has announced its ambition to become Europe’s largest honey company by 2030. The statement coincides with the company’s centenary celebrations this year. To achieve this goal, Meli plans

2 months ago

Business

Xi Jinping calls on EU to jointly resist ‘unilateral bullying’

Chinese president Xi Jinping has called on the EU to join China in opposing “unilateral bullying”, according to state news agency Xinhua. “China and Europe should shoulder their international responsibilities (…) and

2 months ago

Business·World

Belgian company delays IPO over global market turmoil

Belgian company I-care Group is delaying its plans to enter the stock market due to the economic instability caused by US trade tariffs.  The specialist in predictive maintenance for industrial machinery, based

2 months ago

Business

Spotify paid out 34m euros in Belgian music royalties last year

Spotify has paid out over 34 million euros in music royalties to Belgian rights holders in 2024, an increase of 11 per cent compared to 2023. It’s the first time the streaming

2 months ago

Business·Innovations

Belgian Court of Audit recommends suspension of SNCB train contract with Spanish firm

The auditor of the Belgian Council of State has recommended that the decision by the national railway company SNCB to award a major train contract to the Spanish manufacturer CAF be suspended,

2 months ago

Business

Solvay opens rare earths production line in France to boost European supply

Solvay has inaugurated a new production line for processing and refining rare earth elements in La Rochelle, France, the Belgian chemicals group announced in a press release on Tuesday. It is the

2 months ago

Business

Tariff battle pushes Brussels Bel20 index below 4,000 points

The Brussels stock exchange closed deep in the red again on Monday. The Bel20 index lost 3.99 per cent, dropping to 3,930.25 points, the first time since August 2024 that it closed

2 months ago

Business

US tariffs will increase import tax on Belgian beer fivefold

The United States is quintupling its import tax on European beer from 5 per cent to 25 per cent, according to foreign minister Maxime Prévot. The news, first reported by De Standaard,

3 months ago

Business

Future of North Sea energy island in limbo as government delays decision

The Belgian government has postponed its decision on the development of the Princess Elisabeth energy island in the North Sea, Energy minister Mathieu Bihet announced on Monday. The government wants to take

3 months ago

Business

Flemish exports amounted to 418bn euros last year

According to figures from Statistics Flanders, the export of goods from Flanders amounted to 418 billion euros in 2024. That is 3.7% less than in 2023, but still the third-highest export figure

3 months ago

Business

Frozen fries producer Lutosa invests €225 million in Waregem site

Frozen potato products manufacturer Lutosa is investing 225 million euros in its Waregem plant, the company announced on Saturday. The investment will increase the plant’s capacity and make it more sustainable. Lutosa

3 months ago

Business

Deutsche Bank to slash 2,000 jobs

The German bank’s move to downsize comes due to falling profits. Deutsche Bank also plans to close several of its branches. Germany’s largest bank, Deutsche Bank, plans to cut around 2,000 jobs in

3 months ago

Business

Germany: Auto giant Audi to slash 7,500 jobs from workforce

The cut represents 8% of the carmaker’s global workforce. It is the latest blow to the German automotive industry, which is already reeling from a stuttering shift to electric cars and stiff

3 months ago

Business

OECD warns of slowing global growth amid trade tensions

The leading economic organization cut its forecast for global growth due to trade tensions sparked by Donald Trump’s tariffs. It warned that conditions could worsen. Global growth is expected to slow due

3 months ago

Business

Germany: Inflation at 2.3% in February

Food prices have contributed to high inflation, reaching its highest rate since January 2024. German consumer prices rose by 2.3% in February compared to the same month last year, according to the Federal

3 months ago

Business

Boycott USA! Trump tariffs prompt backlash against US goods

The Trump administration’s uncompromising approach to tariffs appears to have sparked a trend in opposition — boycott campaigns against American products from consumers and companies. Scandinavian countries and Canada are at the forefront of

3 months ago

Business

Trump threatens 200% tariff on European alcohol as trade war escalates

President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to impose a massive tariff on European alcohol in response to the European Union’s retaliation against his steel and aluminum tariffs – a tit-for-tat escalation of

3 months ago

Business

Germany’s Rheinmetall eyes growth chance as Europe rearms

German arms producer Rheinmetall says a new “era of rearmament” in Europe promises it huge prospects of growth. The plans to boost defense spending come as US interest in the continent’s security

3 months ago

Business

Trump tariffs on steel, aluminum imports go into effect

All steel and aluminum imports into the US will now face a sweeping levy of 25%. Canada, Mexico, Brazil and South Korea would be among the countries most heavily affected by the

3 months ago

Business

EU announces ‘countermeasures’ to US steel, aluminum tariffs

The EU has announced tit-for-tat measures against some US goods in response to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The EU tariffs will hit a range of goods, including steel and aluminum.

3 months ago

Business

Stock market selloff: Is a US recession ahead?

When Donald Trump was reelected in November, many investors declared the so-called Trump Trade would spur US stocks to new highs. But markets are now spooked by fears the world’s largest economy

3 months ago

Business

Deutsche Post to slash 8,000 jobs

High costs have pushed Deutsche Post to cut thousands of jobs by the end of the year, the company said. Some 8,000 of the 187,000 people working for Germany’s mail service Deutsche Post as

4 months ago

Business

Adidas profits up after ‘Yeezy’ scandal, job cuts to come

Despite returning to profitability as it moves on from its collaboration with the rapper Ye, the German sportswear manufacturer has confirmed hundreds of job cuts at its Bavarian headquarters. German sportswear giant Adidas has

4 months ago

Business

China aims for 5% economic growth despite challenges

Xi Jinping’s government hopes to see a 5% economic growth rate in 2025, the same goal as 2024, despite slowing consumer demand at home and what looks like a new trade war

4 months ago

Business

Trump’s tariffs on Canаda, Mexico and China come into effect

Stocks and shares dropped as China and Canada plan to retaliate to the US tariffs. Other US trading partners are fearing similar measures. China announced it will impose additional tariffs of up to

4 months ago

Business

Germany: Strikes paralyze Düsseldorf and Cologne airports

Passengers at Düsseldorf and Cologne-Bonn airports faced massive flight cancellations and delays on Monday. A separate strike has been called at Munich Airport later in the week. The airports of Cologne-Bonn and

4 months ago

Business

Trump tariffs would up US prices for German cars

A German car association called tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump a “provocation” that would increase prices for US consumers. The group also said any further tariffs would “directly hit the American

4 months ago

Business

Germany: Porsche set to slash jobs by 2029

Luxury car maker Porsche has announced plans to cut almost 2,000 jobs over the next five years. German sportscar manufacturer Porsche on Thursday said it was planning to cut some 1,900 jobs at

4 months ago

Business

Commerzbank plans job cuts, new goals to fend off UniCredit

Germany’s Commerzbank is upping the ante in exploring defense strategies to maintain a stand-alone strategy in the face of a potential takeover by Italy’s UniCredit. Germany’s Commerzbank is reportedly preparing staff cuts in

4 months ago

Business

Transparency International: Corruption is a climate issue

Several countries, including Germany, have received their lowest score yet on the global watchdog’s “Corruption Perceptions Index.” Corruption is threatening global efforts to tackle climate change, the graft monitor Transparency International warned in a report

4 months ago

Business

Germany: Tesla sales plunge almost 60% in January

Observers have linked Tesla’s troubles with CEO Elon Musk’s support for the German far right and US President Donald Trump. Tesla sales plummeted in Germany in January, according to official data, after billionaire Elon Musk threw

4 months ago

Business

India central bank cuts interest rates amid easing inflation

Central banks around the world cut interest rates last year, with India maintaining higher rates due to lingering inflation. New Delhi now aims to boost urban consumption, which had been a motor

4 months ago

Business

India-Germany submarine deal: What does it mean for Russia?

Germany’s Thyssenkrupp will build six submarines for the Indian Navy along with its Indian partner. However, the deal is not necessarily a sign that New Delhi will end its defense sector dependence

5 months ago

Business

Germany: Number of unemployed highest in 10 years

The number of unemployed people in Germany has risen to its highest in a decade. The rise comes as the weakness of Europe’s largest economy took its toll on the labor market.

5 months ago

Business

Panama Canal: What’s at stake for China amid US threats?

US President Donald Trump has vowed to “take back” control of the Panama Canal. Could Washington’s tough talk create an opening for Beijing? Washington’s new top diplomat, Marco Rubio, will travel to Panama this

5 months ago

Business

Germany: 2025 economic growth forecast lowered

Berlin brought down its 2025 economic growth forecast from 1.1% to 0.3%. A government report cited the collapse of the government as the main reason. The German government announced on Wednesday an economic growth

5 months ago

Business

Austrian property tycoon Rene Benko arrested

The founder of fallen Austrian property group Signa, Rene Benko has been arrested on suspicion of fraud, prosecutors say. Austrian prosecutors on Thursday said Rene Benko, who founded the property group Sigma,

5 months ago

Business

Billionaires growing richer faster than ever, says Oxfam

Oxfam said trillionaires are expected to emerge within the next decade, as the richest 1% now own 45% of global wealth, while 44% of humanity lives on less than $6.85 per day.

5 months ago

Business

China to start probing US exports of ‘mature chips’

Beijing has accused US companies of having an “unfair competitive advantage.” Days ago, the US announced new rules for exporting computer chips aimed at stopping advanced tech from being sent to rivals.

5 months ago

Business

Davos: Wars top global concerns ahead of WEF

Ahead of next week’s annual World Economic Forum in Davos, a survey suggests that industry leaders see armed conflict as the biggest potential threat to global economies in 2025. Armed conflict and

5 months ago

Business

German economy shrank once again in 2024

The Federal Statistical Office has reported a 0.2% contraction in GDP, making it the second year in a row the economy has fallen. Germany has been struggling with a cost of living

5 months ago

Business

Pakistan: World Bank announces $20 billion funding plan

The World Bank will supply Pakistan with $20 billion of loans over the next decade which are expected to be invested in nutrition, education and renewable energies in the hope of stimulating

5 months ago

Business