Belgium - Union study challenges austerity measures - August 31, 2026

A study of the research department of trade union confederation FGTB, in collaboration with the Free University of Brussels (Université Libre de Bruxelles), reconstructed all the budgetary measures adopted since the beginning of the legislative term. The analysis reveals a paradox: despite exceptionally large savings, the deficit is shrinking much less than announced. The Arizona Government adopted € 18 billion in net savings by 2029. By adding the € 7.9 billion in expected positive returns from labour market reforms, the Government hoped to significantly reduce the budget deficit. However, according to the March 2026 projections from the Monitoring Committee the deficit had decreased by only € 7 billion. It is projected to reach € 35.8 billion, or 4.9% of GDP, in 2029. In other words, the effort demanded of the population is considerable, but the budgetary outcome remains far from the stated objectives.

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