Daniel Foster - Senior Editor, Economy

Belgians are facing a significant financial hurdle to homeownership, with the average cost to acquire property reaching €104,000, according to recent reports. This figure encompasses not only the purchase price but also associated costs like registration fees, notary fees, and other expenses.

The rising cost of homeownership is prompting discussion about the feasibility of achieving this goal for many Belgians. Gérard Bérubé, writing in Le Devoir, questioned the prioritization of homeownership, suggesting a reevaluation of societal values surrounding property acquisition. The debate centers on whether aspiring homeowners should prioritize purchasing as soon as possible, explore options like life insurance to accumulate funds, or acknowledge the inherent risks associated with such a substantial financial commitment.

The financial strain varies considerably depending on location. A report by moustique.be details the budgetary requirements for purchasing a home in Belgium’s most expensive municipalities. The cost of a residence, whether a primary home or a secondary property in coastal areas or the Ardennes, is a major consideration. Sudinfo offers guidance on navigating the process of acquiring a second residence, highlighting the complexities involved.

The situation is further complicated by broader economic factors. Recent news reports indicate that two individuals close to former Belgian Minister Didier Reynders have been indicted on charges related to money laundering, as reported by L’Echo, RTBF, Le Soir, and La Libre.be. While not directly linked to the housing market, this case underscores concerns about financial transparency and potential illicit flows of capital, which could indirectly impact property values and affordability.

Beyond domestic concerns, Belgium is also grappling with external events. A train derailment in Switzerland, with reported injuries, serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of European infrastructure and the potential for disruptions. Le Soir, Le Monde, and Orange all reported on the incident, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining safe and efficient transportation networks.

Concerns about potential natural disasters within Belgium itself were also raised, with La Libre.be reporting on warnings that a major flood could plunge the country into chaos. This underscores the need for preparedness and investment in infrastructure to mitigate the risks associated with climate change and extreme weather events.

Harold Bérubé, a researcher at the Université de Sherbrooke, has conducted extensive research on urban studies and political history, including a period of study at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium. His work, while focused on Canadian urban development, provides a broader context for understanding the challenges facing Belgian cities and regions.

The Netherlands is set to inaugurate a novel cabinet led by D66 leader Rob Jetten on February 23, 2026, following months of complex negotiations after the general election on October 29, 2025. The incoming coalition will be a minority government comprised of D66, the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA).

The formation process began with the appointment of Wouter Koolmees as scout on November 4, 2025, tasked with exploring potential coalition options following the election results. Initial discussions were hampered by significant disagreements, notably the VVD’s reluctance to partner with GroenLinks-PvdA, and D66’s opposition to a coalition including both JA21 and the VVD. These early hurdles led to a period of exploratory talks guided by informateurs Sybrand Buma and later Rianne Letschert.

A key sticking point throughout the negotiations was D66 leader Rob Jetten’s firm stance against collaborating with JA21 and the VVD. In early December 2025, Jetten publicly stated that a coalition including these parties was “not a workable path,” asserting that a right-center government lacked sufficient support in both houses of parliament. This position followed criticism regarding his previous ambiguity on potential coalition partners.

Despite these challenges, D66, VVD, and CDA ultimately reached an agreement and presented their coalition plan on January 30, 2026. Rob Jetten was subsequently designated as the formateur, initiating the process of selecting ministers and state secretaries, which began on February 3, 2026. The composition of the House of Representatives following the 2025 election includes 26 seats for D66, 22 for VVD, 18 for CDA, and 9 for JA21, among other parties.

The incoming Jetten cabinet succeeds the previous Schoof cabinet, which was formed after a protracted cabinet formation process following the 2023-2024 elections and included the Party for Freedom (PVV), VVD, New Social Contract (NSC), and Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB). Jetten is currently meeting with prospective cabinet members as the final preparations for the swearing-in ceremony proceed.