Belgium sets record bankruptcies in first nine months of 2026, led by Flanders

Belgium recorded a record number of business bankruptcies in the first nine months of 2026, driven by a 5.7% year-on-year increase in Flanders to 5,066 cases, the first time that region has exceeded 5,000 in that period. Wallonia and Brussels saw declines of 2.18% and 4.31% respectively, indicating a regional divergence. The record suggests persistent stress in the Belgian corporate sector, particularly in Flanders, which may signal broader economic weakness.