July 8, 2026
Health Crisis: June Heatwave Caused 1,747 Excess Deaths
Belgium’s public health institute Sciensano released alarming data on Wednesday revealing that the late-June heatwave resulted in a 47.8% excess mortality, with 1,747 additional deaths recorded over a two-week period between June 18 and July 1.
The phenomenon was particularly severe in the south of the country. Wallonia recorded an excess mortality of 76%, compared to 60.9% in Brussels and 31.4% in Flanders. While the elderly remained the most vulnerable, the heatwave also affected working-age populations, with deaths among those aged 15 to 64 rising by 61.3%. The most critical days were June 27 and 28, with 641 and 632 deaths recorded respectively — representing excess mortality spikes of 146.5% and 143.1%.
Sciensano attributed the exceptional nature of this heat episode to a combination of three factors: its duration, temperature intensity, and high ozone concentrations. “For each of these factors, this episode reached particularly high levels,” the institute noted.
As Belgium braces for a second heatwave, Brussels authorities have activated alert measures. Regional ministers Ahmed Laaouej (PS) and Dirk De Smedt (Anders) announced daily monitoring, coordination with frontline organizations, and outreach to municipalities and care institutions. “Episodes of extreme heat are now a genuine public health issue. Our responsibility is to anticipate, coordinate and protect,” they said. A yellow warning (level 2 on a scale of 4) remains in effect nationwide until Sunday.
NATO Summit: De Wever Pushes Ukraine Focus, Warns of Trump’s ‘Grumpy’ Mood
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) used the NATO summit in Ankara to push for continued focus on support for Ukraine, insisting that “war in Iran has no place at this summit”.
De Wever framed his message with a football metaphor, calling it a “clear red card for Putin” — a reference to the controversy surrounding U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s overturned suspension ahead of Belgium’s World Cup victory over the United States. When asked whether he had discussed the match with President Trump, De Wever said: “We weren’t at the same table, so we didn’t speak to each other much, but I can tell you that we didn’t discuss it”.
The Prime Minister expressed concern that the U.S. men’s team’s defeat could sour the summit atmosphere. “Trump has a reputation for reacting grumpily to things he doesn’t like, and I think this defeat has hit him hard,” De Wever told VRT News. He also noted that despite European allies increasing defense spending by an average of 20%, “none of this is making the US happy”.
On Belgium’s defense contributions, De Wever highlighted a 60% increase in spending compared to the previous year — the largest rise in the European Union, though he acknowledged “we were starting from a low base”. Belgium has now reached NATO’s 2% GDP benchmark.
Defense: Belgium to Prioritize Air Defense, Drones, and F-35s
Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot outlined Belgium’s defense priorities on the sidelines of the NATO summit, saying the country will focus on strengthening air defense systems, investing in drones, and continuing acquisitions of F-35 fighter jets.
“In the current tense geopolitical context, it is indispensable to strengthen both the unity and coherence of NATO, as well as its deterrence capacity,” Prevot told Anadolu Agency. He acknowledged that Belgium had long lagged behind other allies but said the country is now “back”.
Prevot pointed to the war in Ukraine as evidence that warfare has fundamentally changed. “We still tend to have a rather conventional approach to armaments in Western Europe, one that is no longer fully in line with the new way conflicts are fought,” he said, adding that “Ukraine now has many lessons to teach us” in areas such as drone warfare and the military use of artificial intelligence.
Defense Cooperation: Bulgaria Signs Mine Countermeasure Ships Deal
Also on the summit’s sidelines, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov of Bulgaria signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Belgium and the Netherlands for the acquisition of seven mine countermeasure ships. The document was signed by Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken and his Dutch counterpart.
“Security in the Black Sea has a major impact on Euro-Atlantic security, and Bulgaria is striving to be a reliable ally,” Stoyanov said. The mine countermeasure ships will contribute to NATO’s Mine Countermeasures Naval Group in the Black Sea and enhance protection of critical underwater infrastructure.
Economy: Bel 20 Falls 1.64% on Middle East Tensions
The Brussels stock exchange closed sharply lower on Wednesday, with the Bel 20 index dropping 1.64% to 5,630.30 points. Seventeen of its twenty components finished in the red.
The decline followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration that the ceasefire with Iran was “over,” reigniting concerns over Middle East oil disruptions. Leading the losses were D’Ieteren, which fell 3.99%, Aperam down 3.59%, and Umicore losing 2.95%. Safe-haven gold traded around €114,250 per kilogram, down €2,525.
European Commission Launches Infringement Procedure Over Walloon Payment Delays
The European Commission on Wednesday opened an infringement procedure against Belgium over payment delays by the Walloon Region to entrepreneurs and suppliers. The move follows a June 2025 EU Court of Justice ruling that the federal government, Walloon Region, and Brussels-Capital Region were not respecting the 30-day payment deadline required by EU directive.
While the federal and Brussels authorities have since addressed the issue, Wallonia has not. Belgium now has two months to respond or face a potential referral back to the Court of Justice, which could impose fines.
EU Court Hands Brussels Win Over Apple in Big Tech Ruling
In a significant legal victory for the European Commission, the EU General Court on Wednesday dismissed Apple’s challenge against its designation as a “gatekeeper” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Luxembourg-based court confirmed Apple’s designation for the App Store and iOS in full, while ruling its challenge over iMessage inadmissible.
Apple, which has filed five separate legal challenges against the Commission under the DMA, said it still believes the law “goes beyond what is lawful and proportionate” but declined to say whether it would appeal.
EU Stands with Denmark on Greenland Sovereignty
The European Commission reiterated its support for Denmark following President Trump’s renewed claims that Greenland “should be controlled by the U.S.”. “Territorial integrity, national sovereignty and inviolability of borders are fundamental principles of international law,” said Deputy Chief Spokesperson Olof Gill. “We will not stop defending them, and the EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland”.
Domestic Politics: Prison Overcrowding Bill Draws Judicial Warnings
Sentencing courts (Tribunaux de l’application des peines) on Wednesday urged lawmakers to withdraw an emergency bill on prison overcrowding pushed by Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (Cd&V). Two judges, Nathalie Hautenne and Véronique Laloux, described the text as “dangerous,” “counterproductive,” “concerning,” and “ineffective”.
The bill would automatically grant electronic monitoring for sentences under three years — and in some cases under ten years — a measure the judges argued would not reduce prison populations but would create risks for victim safety without aiding offender rehabilitation. “If tragedies occur tomorrow, we will hold the political decision-makers behind this text responsible,” the judges warned.
Brussels: Fire at Recycling Plant Disrupts Rail Traffic
A fire broke out Wednesday morning at a recycling company on Chaussée de Buda in Haren, north Brussels. One person was hospitalized after being overcome by smoke. The blaze in a 2,500-square-metre storage warehouse was brought under control by Wednesday afternoon, though firefighters remained on site tackling hotspots.
Rail traffic on line 25 between Schaerbeek and Vilvoorde continued to face disruptions, with SNCB advising passengers to use bus 58 as a replacement service.
Sports: Onana Ruled Out of World Cup with ACL Injury
Belgium’s World Cup campaign suffered a major blow as midfielder Amadou Onana was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Monday’s 4-1 victory over the United States.
“Unfortunately, the medical examinations have confirmed that Amadou has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. This is devastating news, both for him personally and for the team,” Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene said in a statement. The 24-year-old Aston Villa midfielder will remain with his teammates in North America until at least Friday’s quarter-final against Spain in Los Angeles.
The Red Devils, who rallied from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time before thrashing the U.S. 4-1, face Spain on Friday for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Weather: Clouds and Sunshine with Temperatures Up to 29°C
Wednesday’s weather brought morning clouds from the Netherlands cutting across the country from Antwerp through the center to Liège, followed by sunny spells in the afternoon. Maximum temperatures ranged from 23-24°C along the coast and in the High Ardennes, 27-28°C in Flanders and the center, and up to 29°C in Gaume.
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