All entries related to Belgium, newest first. tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:en:en/countries/belgium 2026-10-30T06:00:00Z Eurotrack tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:ae24ab74:en 2026-10-30T06:00:00Z

Morssinkhof-Rymoplast has opened its new recycling plant in Lommel, which processes plastic packaging from Belgium's PMD bag; the investment is €30m and capacity is up to 40,000 t a year. Headcount is to grow from 18 to 65 full-time staff, with no date given. The plant is the sixth and last new facility in the Fost Plus investment programme (VRT, 30 Oct 2026). — Source: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2026/10/30/nieuwe-recyclagefabriek-in-lommel/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:6d5b9a99:en 2026-10-22T06:00:00Z

Dumarey Group, a Belgian powertrain specialist with sites in Italy, has signed an agreement with Renault Group to acquire Alpine Racing SAS and with it the Viry-Châtillon site, and has presented it to employee representatives. About 100 technicians and engineers are to move with the site; consultation with employee representatives is under way and the report gives no price (Il Sole 24 Ore, 22 Oct 2026). — Source: https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/a-dumarey-attivita-motorsport-alpine-accordo-la-cessione-AJribcrB

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:f40803e1:en 2026-10-22T06:00:00Z

The Advocate General regards the levy as an urgent, temporary and proportionate emergency measure that the Council could adopt by qualified majority under Article 122 TFEU, and finds no breach of legal certainty, property rights or freedom to conduct a business. Member states could extend the levy to other firms with exceptional profits as long as the overall burden and aims stayed equivalent (EFE via swissinfo, 22 Oct 2026; second source: LegalToday, 23 Oct 2026). — Sources: https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/abogado-ue-avala-el-impuesto-temporal-a-energ%C3%A9ticas-adoptado-en-crisis-energ%C3%A9tica-de-2022/92256894 · https://www.legaltoday.com/actualidad-juridica/noticias-de-derecho/el-abogado-general-de-la-ue-avala-impuesto-a-los-beneficios-extra-de-las-energeticas-de-la-crisis-de-2022-2026-10-23/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:a1245b2e:en 2026-10-15T06:00:00Z

Covestro plans to cut polycarbonate production at its Antwerp site from four lines to one and to end local bisphenol A production. Up to 260 of the roughly 970 employees could be affected; the company cites high costs, weak demand and Asian overcapacity, and the remaining line is to focus on specialty grades. This is a proposed reorganisation (industrielinqs, 15 Oct 2026). — Source: https://www.industrielinqs.nl/chemie/2026/10/covestro-sluit-drie-van-vier-polycarbonaatlijnen-in-antwerpen-en-staakt-bpa-productie/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:8765b553:en 2026-10-14T06:00:00Z

On 14 October 2026 GSK told a special works council about a restructuring in Belgium that would remove 1,217 jobs at its Walloon sites in Wavre, Rixensart and Gembloux, including 482 office and 735 managerial positions; blue-collar workers are exempt and the cuts are to run over two years. R&D, production and international support functions are affected; GSK employs about 8,500 people in Belgium. Unions had expected around 800 jobs; Setca and Solidaris criticised the plan on 16 October 2026 (VRT NWS, 14 Oct 2026; second source: La Dernière Heure, 16 Oct 2026). — Sources: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2026/10/14/over-1-200-jobs-at-risk-at-vaccine-manufacturer-gsk/ · https://www.dhnet.be/dernieres-depeches/2026/10/16/gsk-les-licenciements-chez-gsk-consequence-dune-course-aux-surprofits-HZ4XVFHQ6BDG5DLLRMWKOGDYQI/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:a078a7c2:en 2026-10-08T06:00:00Z

From 102 applications in the second call, the Commission selected 46 further projects: eight on extraction, 11 on processing and 19 on recycling, plus eight integrated projects. They include seven lithium, 12 nickel, 10 cobalt and four rare earth projects. Of the first 2025 list, 25 projects have so far completed their environmental assessment and 17 hold a construction permit; the Commission announces a new call for the end of 2026 (European Commission, 8 Oct 2026). — Sources: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_2113 · https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/fs_26_2115

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:a38b122b:en 2026-10-06T06:00:00Z

On 06.10.2026 SAP agreed to acquire TechWolf, an AI company from Ghent whose platform uses existing HR and business data to build a continuously updated picture of a workforce's tasks and skills; the technology is to become the core of SAP's SuccessFactors HR software portfolio. The parties did not disclose a price, and closing is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approval. TechWolf was founded in 2018 by students of Ghent University, had revenue of €8.68m in its last financial year and is to continue as an independent unit headquartered in Ghent; according to CEO Andreas De Neve it is the largest acquisition of a venture-backed software company in Belgian history (SAP, 06.10.2026; second source: VRT NWS, 06.10.2026). — Sources: https://news.sap.com/2026/10/sap-to-acquire-techwolf-evidence-based-work-age-of-ai/ · https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2026/10/06/sap-techwolf-gent-overname/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:3fce37ea:en 2026-10-06T06:00:00Z

Belgium has been allocated a total of €8.3bn from SAFE and Czechia €2bn; SAFE is a loan programme of up to €150bn from which Member States finance defence investment and joint purchases and later repay the loans. According to ČTK, Czechia intends to use the money mainly for Leopard 2A8 battle tanks, Tatra T-815 vehicles and making the D11 motorway usable for the military (European Commission, Daily News, 06.10.2026; second source: ČTK/České noviny, 06.10.2026). Update (7 Oct 2026): The Czech defence ministry is using the first tranche of €309m received on 6 October 2026 (about CZK 7.6bn, 15% of the roughly €2bn allocated) for spending on the project to make the D11 motorway usable by the military. The current government has redistributed the money across the three projects already chosen by Petr Fiala's cabinet: about CZK 23bn for the D11, CZK 20bn for Leopard 2A8 battle tanks and the remainder for Tatra vehicles. Nineteen EU countries take part in SAFE (ČTK/České noviny, 7 Oct 2026). — Sources: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/mex_26_2088 · https://www.ceskenoviny.cz/zpravy/cesko-dostalo-prvni-platbu-z-unijniho-obranneho-nastroje-safe-uvedla-ek/2883736 · https://www.ceskenoviny.cz/zpravy/cesko-vyuzije-prvni-splatku-z-pujcky-safe-na-projekt-dalnice-d11/2884277

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:dab8155a:en 2026-10-01T06:00:00Z

The payments follow Council approval and reward completed reform and investment targets in the national recovery plans; Poland's tranche rests on its fifth payment request of 19 June 2026, which the Commission had assessed positively on 10 August 2026, and funds among other things 88 new trams for Wrocław, Poznań and Kraków and digital technology in schools (European Commission, 1 Oct 2026). — Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_2037

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:0e2fb142:en 2026-09-28T06:00:00Z

Danish infrastructure investor A.P. Moller Capital is buying, through a separately managed fund vehicle, a majority stake in the Belgium-anchored Euroports group, which runs more than 50 seaport and inland terminals in ten European countries and China, handles over 70m tonnes of dry bulk, breakbulk and liquid cargo a year and employs around 3,000 people. The Belgian state holding companies SFPIM (federal) and PMV (Flanders) stay on as minority shareholders; no price was disclosed, and completion is subject to regulatory approvals. It is A.P. Moller Capital's second investment in Europe after BERGÉ Logistics in Spain. (A.P. Moller Capital via GlobeNewswire, 28.09.2026) Update (21.10.2026): According to Baird Maritime the share purchase agreement was signed on 25 Sep 2026; the price depends on the group's consolidated 2026 EBITDA, and the seller side expects the required approvals in the first quarter of 2027 (Baird Maritime, 28 Sep 2026). — Sources: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/09/28/3369556/0/en/a-p-moller-capital-agrees-to-acquire-a-majority-stake-in-euroports-group.html · https://www.bairdmaritime.com/shipping/ports/ap-moller-capital-euroports-acquisition

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:8bf3df43:en 2026-09-28T06:00:00Z

Belgian imaging and IT group Agfa is combining its digital printing business (display graphics and decor applications) with the packaging and textile printers of industrial inkjet maker EFI, owned by US investor Siris; Siris will hold 60% of the new company and Agfa 40%, with pro forma 2026 revenue of around €540m. At the same time Siris is buying the 19.1% stake in Agfa held by its largest shareholder, Active Ownership. No price was disclosed; closing is planned by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. (Global Banking & Finance Review/Reuters, 28.09.2026; Belga) — Source: https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/belgiums-agfa-merge-digital-printing-unit-siris-efi/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:4a57ff10:en 2026-09-24T06:00:00Z

Canadian bumper maker Plasman is permanently closing its plant in the port of Ghent, which produces plastic parts and bumper systems for Volvo Cars and BMW/Mini; the notice of intent for collective redundancies was announced at an extraordinary works-council meeting on 24 September 2026. More than 300 jobs are lost in total: a first phase announced back in June affects 95 permanent employees and about 60 temporary/agency workers (loss of the Volvo contract), while the remaining 210 employees lose their jobs after the BMW orders fell away; the dismissals will take place between late December 2026 and late June 2027 (VRT NWS, 24 Sep 2026). — Source: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2026/09/24/plasman-sluiting-intentie/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:80c41831:en 2026-09-23T06:00:00Z

DigitalBridge, Legal & General and TD Asset Management have agreed to buy VodafoneZiggo's passive mobile tower business and combine it with Belgian tower operator Belgium Tower Partners into an independent platform of more than 6,600 sites. The release names no price; completion is expected in early 2027. Update (12 Oct 2026): the European Commission cleared the acquisition unconditionally under the simplified procedure (TD Asset Management, press release, 23 Sep 2026; European Commission, Daily News, 12 Oct 2026). — Source: https://www.td.com/ca/en/global-investment-solutions/about-us/newsroom/digitalbridge-lg-tdam-acquire-vodafoneziggo-towers

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:8cb646aa:en 2026-09-22T06:00:00Z

The Liège business court declared call-centre operator iKanbi Belgium bankrupt on 22 September 2026. Its sister company iZuwi Europe is taking over the business with about 391 of the roughly 477 jobs, while 86 contract staff are dismissed (the unions and VRT put the figure at 88: 57 in Liège and 31 in Sint-Truiden). Reports cite TotalEnergies' decision not to renew its contract and cheaper offshore competition as triggers, and the unions CNE and SETCa criticise the takeover as carried out without any consultation (La DH, 22.09.2026). — Source: https://www.dhnet.be/regions/liege/2026/09/22/ikanbi-aux-hauts-sarts-cest-la-faillite-ZKK3GCV5LBCP5KYT27HN5BBSGY/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:5702562d:en 2026-09-18T06:00:00Z

The project is at the negotiation stage: a company spokesperson told VRT NWS "We zijn momenteel volop in onderhandeling om ons te vestigen op de Sappi-site"; no contract with the landowner has been signed and, according to mayor Marino Keulen, the necessary permits are still outstanding. The investment of more than €1bn and up to 250 permanent jobs is independently confirmed by Business AM (VRT NWS and Business AM, 18 Sept 2026). — Source: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2026/09/18/lanaken-datacenter-miljard-euro-sappi/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:e6d4f1b6:en 2026-09-08T06:00:00Z

Frozen potato producer Clarebout Potatoes told its works council on 08.09.2026 that it intends to end production at the Mouscron 1 site of its subsidiary Mydibel; up to 392 employees could be affected. The company cites persistently difficult market conditions for frozen potato products and says Mouscron 1 is the group's smallest and oldest plant with the highest production cost per tonne; a final decision is only to be taken after the statutory information and consultation procedure (Renault procedure) (RTBF/Belga, 08.09.2026; second source: Paris Match Belgique, 08.09.2026). Update (02.10.2026): After two meetings with management on 28 and 29 September, the FGTB/CSC union front criticised a lack of transparency over the reasons for the closure; a further meeting is expected in mid-October (Terre-net, 2 Oct 2026). — Sources: https://www.rtbf.be/article/clarebout-potatoes-veut-cesser-la-production-sur-son-site-mouscron-1-392-emplois-menaces-11781801 · https://www.terre-net.fr/pommes-de-terre/article/904233/coup-de-frein-au-sein-de-l-industriel-clarebout-en-belgique

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:9580fc75:en 2026-09-07T06:00:00Z

Delhaize announced on 7 September 2026 the construction of a new fresh-goods distribution centre in Zellik (Belgium); investment of €120 million, creating 130 new permanent jobs. The move is driven by the company's network growth and the need to supply its stores more frequently (RetailDetail, 7 Sept 2026). — Source: https://www.retaildetail.nl/news/food/delhaize-bouwt-nieuw-versmagazijn-en-investeert-120-miljoen-euro/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:627d6d2a:en 2026-09-03T06:00:00Z

Belgium's Volkswagen Group importer D'Ieteren Automotive presented its works council on 3 September 2026 with a 2026–2030 strategic transformation plan that could cost up to 344 jobs (around 12% of the workforce according to trade press); several sites could close and functions be merged. This opened the consultation under Belgium's 'Renault law' — the cuts are an intention, not yet a decided plan; a follow-up meeting with the unions was scheduled for 11 September 2026. The company cites electrification, digitalisation/AI, tougher competition and new-car sales that have declined since the pandemic; the business model is to shift from new-car sales to mobility services (La Libre, Transportmedia, 3 September 2026). — Source: https://www.moniteurautomobile.be/actu-auto/economie/dieteren.html

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:bd78ffba:en 2026-08-27T06:00:00Z

Belgian transport and logistics group JOST is acquiring German freight forwarder CTJ Janssen GmbH (Grevenbroich near Düsseldorf; €135m annual revenue, ~650 employees, 400 trucks). Post-acquisition JOST will employ around 4,000 people with a fleet of 2,100 trucks and 4,500 trailers, strengthening its presence in Europe's largest logistics market (Germany). Financial terms were not disclosed (JOST/CTJ announcement, 27 Aug 2026). — Source: https://www.flows.be/transport/2026/08/jost-neemt-duitse-logistieke-speler-ctj-janssen-over/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:d422c5e7:en 2026-08-17T06:00:00Z

On 13 August 2026 the regulator ORR decided to pre-approve a new framework agreement on track access between HS1 Limited and Virgin Trains, and announced this on 17 August 2026. It allows Virgin to run up to 20 additional daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040, ending Eurostar's monopoly that has existed since the tunnel opened in 1994, while the tunnel runs at only half capacity. The parties can conclude the agreement by 4 September 2026; Virgin must also obtain trains, secure access to further networks and win safety clearances from the ORR and EU authorities, and an order for twelve Avelia trains from Alstom is, according to the report, close to being finalised. In October 2025 the ORR had already approved access to the Temple Mills International depot (LOK Report, 17 Aug 2026). — Sources: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/grossbritannien/grossbritannien-gruenes-licht-fuer-internationale-verbindungen-von-virgin-trains.html · https://www.orr.gov.uk/media/28663

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:baeb18c8:en 2026-08-10T06:00:00Z

Radiopharmaceutical group Curium has completed the acquisition of Belgian company Abscint SA of Liège. The deal transfers global rights to ABS-011, a gallium-68-labelled PET diagnostic tracer targeting HER2 that is in a Phase 2b trial and aimed at breast and gastric cancers. The purchase price was not disclosed. — Source: https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/curium-acquires-abscint-sa-expanding-pet-radiodiagnostic-pipeline-in-oncology

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:3f3a42ca:en 2026-08-07T06:00:00Z

On 7 August 2026, alongside its half-year results, Lotus Bakeries announced the largest investment programme in the company's history: at least EUR 500m through 2030 to expand Biscoff production at three sites — Lembeke (Belgium, a fourth production hall, groundbreaking in May 2026, construction under way), Mebane (USA) and Chonburi (Thailand). The share attributable to Belgium was not quantified separately, and no number of new jobs was given. In the first half of 2026 revenue rose 14% to just under EUR 750m and operating profit 23% to EUR 130m. Second source: Business AM, 7 August 2026. — Source: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2026/08/07/lotus-bakeries-lembeke-investering-biscoff-500-miljoen/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:2f69385b:en 2026-08-06T06:00:00Z

DP World is to build a temperature-controlled logistics hub in the Port of Antwerp next to its Antwerp Gateway terminal; the initial investment is EUR 48 million, and further phases are meant to lift the total to around EUR 100 million in the long term. The facility is being developed with the logistics property specialist Montea and the Maatschappij Linkerscheldeoever (MLSO) on an 83,000 m² site; it is designed primarily for pharma and healthcare customers but will offer more than 55,000 m² of storage, about half of it for fresh produce such as bananas, and will also serve chemicals and technology customers. Construction is planned to start in the second quarter of 2027, subject to permits, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2028. (LOK Report, 6 Aug 2026) — Source: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/belgien/belgien-dp-world-erweitert-kuehlkettenkapazitaeten-mit-neuem-48-millionen-euro-hub-in-antwerpen.html

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:3db8c37c:en 2026-07-30T06:00:00Z

Italian group Ferrero is consolidating its two biscuit brands: France's Michel & Augustin is being folded into Belgium's Fine Biscuits Company, which has owned the heritage brand Delacre since 2016. Both brands will continue to operate separately with their distinct positioning; Ferrero expects cost efficiencies, faster innovation and a stronger position in the biscuit market. The background is Delacre's weak 2025, with a net loss of €38.3m on revenue of €136m. — Source: https://www.retaildetail.eu/news/food/ferrero-merges-delacre-and-michel-augustin/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:71e3e1b2:en 2026-07-20T06:00:00Z

Belgian Delen Private Bank (part of Ackermans & van Haaren) is acquiring Dutch wealth manager Van Lawick & Co. — Delen's eighth acquisition in the Netherlands. The purchase price was not disclosed. — Source: https://drimble.nl/economie/107501336/private-bank-delen-is-met-van-lawick-co-toe-aan-achtste-overname-in-nederland.html

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:39cd3133:en 2026-07-18T06:00:00Z

On 18 July 2026 the Belgian Council of Ministers, meeting by electronic procedure and chaired by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, approved on a proposal from Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke the strategy and guidelines for restructuring the rail market. Once the public service contract between the state and SNCB (2023–2032) ends, at the latest, passenger services are to be tendered in a staggered sequence; whatever has not yet been put out to tender by then is to go to SNCB as a directly awarded run-off contract. The plan also provides for a strong federal authority that designs and tenders the services, and for rules on technical interoperability, timetable coordination between public and commercial trains, and uniform fares and tickets; Crucke is to work out the structure and timetable of the roll-out and submit it again for approval. (LOK Report, 20 Jul 2026) — Source: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/belgien/belgien-ministerrat-beschliesst-reform-zur-organisation-des-eisenbahnmarktes-nach-2032.html

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:ef306bdd:en 2026-07-15T06:00:00Z

On 15 July 2026 Volvo Cars, the Flemish government and the Belgian federal government signed a letter of intent: a support package of up to €119 million (incl. €30m for energy efficiency/circular production, up to €80m innovation funding over 10 years, €9m for training); in return Volvo commits to investing in its Ghent plant (approx. 6,500 employees). Contract manufacturing for other Geely brands (Polestar, Lynk & Co, Zeekr) is also being considered to secure the site as an EV hub. — Source: https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2026/07/15/steunpakket-van-119-miljoen-euro-vlaamse-en-federale-overheid-s/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:f9728e51:en 2026-07-10T06:00:00Z

The Government of Flanders approved the draft decision for the CCL project in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges: a second tidal dock beside Deurganck Dock, a new container terminal, a logistics zone and a dedicated rail freight yard. The 7 million TEU of added capacity equals about 50% of today's 13.5m TEU throughput; the public consultation runs until 10 August 2026 and the final decision is still pending. — Source: https://railwaynews.net/port-of-antwerp-bruges-approves-7m-teu-rail-yard-expansion.html

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:6f0b3ef6:en 2026-06-30T06:00:00Z

Wero has so far been available in Belgium, France and Germany; e-commerce and POS payments follow in 2026. — Source: https://epicompany.eu/media-insights/beobank-launches-beobank-pay-with-the-integration-of-wero-for-easy-fast-and-secure-mobile-payments

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:88ad1a72:en 2026-05-28T06:00:00Z

Belgium's FN Browning Group agreed on 28 May 2026 to acquire Portsmouth-based precision rifle maker Accuracy International; no price was disclosed, and the brand and its UK and US manufacturing are retained (adj.com.my, 28 May 2026). Update (30 October 2026): the acquisition has been completed (Soldier Systems, 30 October 2026). — Sources: https://adj.com.my/2026/05/28/fn-browning-group-acquires-accuracy-international/ · https://soldiersystems.net/2026/10/30/accuracy-international-joins-fn-browning-group/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:cea6b055:en 2026-04-15T06:00:00Z

According to the report of 15 Apr 2026, the European Commission has cleared the acquisition of sole control of Lineas Group NV by SFPIM, the Belgian federal holding company (Société fédérale de participations et d'investissement); both companies are based in Belgium and the deal concerns rail freight. The review ran under the simplified procedure (case M.12326): since the two together hold only a limited market position and no significant market share results, the Commission saw no competition concerns. The report gives no price or closing date. (LOK Report, 15 Apr 2026) — Source: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/europaeische-union/europaeische-union-kommission-genehmigt-uebernahme-von-lineas-durch-sfpim.html

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:f05c846f:en 2026-02-26T06:00:00Z

Belgium and the Netherlands want to step up their cooperation on rail; Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke and State Secretary Thierry Aartsen (infrastructure and water management) signed a declaration in Antwerp to that end. The focus is on the Rhine-Ruhr connection 3RX, a freight rail link between the port of Ghent and Terneuzen and new links between Belgium and North Brabant, above all between Brainport Eindhoven and Brussels; further aims are more capacity on cross-border lines, better military mobility and more resilient rail traffic. The responsible ministers are to meet at least once a year, and both countries aim to sign a framework agreement in summer 2026; the rail agreements of 2022 remain the basis. (LOK Report, 26 Feb 2026) — Source: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/belgien/65418-belgien-niederlande-verstaerkte-zusammenarbeit-im-eisenbahnbereich.html

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:218296ee:en 2026-01-26T06:00:00Z

Ten European countries agree to accelerate the expansion of offshore wind farms in the 2030s and to build a power grid in the North Sea – a milestone in transforming the ageing oil basin into a 'clean energy reservoir'. Plan: offshore wind farms with direct connections to various countries via high-voltage submarine cables; 100 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity (enough for 143 million households). Governments pledge to jointly build 5 GW of offshore wind capacity per year from 2031-2040. Over 100 companies signed an industry declaration on cost reduction and the creation of 91,000 jobs. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: the North Sea is to become the 'largest clean energy reservoir worldwide'. The UK also plans to cooperate with Germany, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands on cross-border offshore projects with joint planning and cost sharing. Transmission system operators are to identify around 20 GW of 'economically promising' cross-border projects by 2027 (including hybrid projects such as a UK wind farm exporting electricity to other countries). — Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/26/uk-among-10-countries-to-build-100gw-wind-power-grid-in-north-sea

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:fdf32f6f:en 2026-01-16T06:00:00Z

On 16 January 2026 SNCB inaugurated a new hall at its traction workshop in Ostend, investing EUR 47 million. The hall is 200 m long, 18 m wide and 13 m high with two drive-through tracks, so long trains can be serviced in one piece and up to four fit inside; it is complemented by a 370 m outdoor inspection pit with a pantograph platform, cleaning platforms, an industrial signalling system and new shunting vehicles. Construction began in 2020 and the hall entered service at the end of 2025; it is SNCB's fifth new large hall after Arlon, Hasselt, Kinkempois and Melle, and the site employs about 250 people and handles almost 400 trains and locomotives a month. About ten hires are planned for 2026, and the 2023–2032 investment plan earmarks EUR 1.4 billion for workshops. (LOK Report, 21 Jan 2026) Update (21 January 2026): SNCB's new maintenance hall in Ostend went into service at the end of 2025 and was inaugurated on 16 January 2026. (LOK Report, 21 January 2026) — Source: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/belgien/64564-belgien-die-sncb-weiht-eine-neue-halle-in-ihrer-werkstatt-in-ostende-nach-dem-pitstop-prinzip-ein.html

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:567127f5:en 2026-01-16T06:00:00Z

The Domaine des Grottes de Han, among the best-known show caves in Europe, is ending its roughly hundred-year-old tram service because it no longer pays its way. The vehicles belong to the Walloon transport operator TEC, which is withdrawing from this business; according to managing director François Ledent, taking them over would have required a change in the legal framework and cost about EUR 5 million, which seemed too much given falling visitor use. The closure leads to five dismissals, and two more employees lost their jobs in the Village Cocoon glamping offer, while the new climbing park created two permanent posts. (LOK Report, 16 Jan 2026) Update (23 Jan 2026): operator TEC no longer runs the line, and the five staff who operated the tram have since been dismissed. A petition calls for the tram to be kept for its heritage value (VRT NWS, 23 Jan 2026). — Sources: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/belgien/64448-belgien-stilllegung-der-strassenbahn-in-der-domaine-des-grottes-de-han.html · https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2026/01/23/iconisch-trammetje-uit-pajottenland-rijdt-niet-langer-naar-grott/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:2cb87f21:en 2026-01-08T06:00:00Z

SABIC is selling its European petrochemicals business, with plants in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, to Aequita for US$500m; together with the sale of its thermoplastics business to Mutares the package totals US$950m. Closing is subject to regulatory approvals (SABIC, 8 January 2026). Update (28 September 2026): the European Commission cleared the deal as case M.12513 (European Commission, Daily News, 28 September 2026). — Sources: https://chemxplore.com/news/sabic-further-optimizes-its-portfolio-for-long-term-sustainable-growth-divests-its-european-petrochemical-ep-business-and-its-engineering-thermoplastics-etp-business-in-the-americas-and-europe · https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/mex_26_1993

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:90e35564:en 2025-12-23T06:00:00Z

On 23 December 2025 the Belgian Council of Ministers, acting on a proposal from Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke, approved a preliminary draft law that reshapes staffing policy on the railways: SNCB and Infrabel will themselves handle selection, hiring and training, HR Rail stays the legal employer and guarantor of the staff statute, and employees are to move step by step to a more flexible contract model. The background is EU Regulation 1370/2007, under which public service contracts for passenger rail must be awarded competitively by 2032; the draft now goes to the joint national committee and to the Council of State for an opinion. An earlier draft, under which only key occupations (about 10,000 employees at SNCB) would have kept civil-service status from 1 January 2028, had failed in the unions' member ballot in October 2025 (79% at CGSP-Cheminots, 74% at CSC-Transcom); Crucke then announced contract-based hiring throughout and a rebuild of HR Rail. (LOK Report, 16 Oct 2025 and 2 Jan 2026) — Sources: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/belgien/64205-belgien-modernisierung-der-personalverwaltung-der-belgischen-eisenbahnen.html · https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/belgien/62256-belgien-regierung-und-bahn-schliessen-abkommen-zur-liberalisierung-gewerkschaften-lehnen-dies-ab.html

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:eaf02b28:en 2025-12-22T06:00:00Z

The European Commission has cleared as compatible with state aid rules a Belgian loan of €61 million to rescue rail freight operator Lineas Group (cases SA.120185 and SA.101469); Belgium notified it in August 2025 to cover the group's short-term liquidity needs for six months. Lineas, which the Commission describes as Europe's largest private rail freight operator with services in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands among others, had run into difficulty after an unexpected drop in demand from the steel, automotive and chemical industries. Two earlier capital injections in 2023 and 2024 by the Belgian state fund FPIM/SPFI together with the investor Argos Wityu were found not to be state aid. (LOK Report, 22 Dec 2025) — Source: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/europaeische-union/64087-europaeische-union-gruenes-licht-fuer-belgische-rettungsbeihilfe-von-61-mio-eur-zugunsten-der-lineas-group.html

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:b6e9a89b:en 2025-12-15T06:00:00Z

Infrabel completed the ETCS master plan on 15 December 2025: the entire main rail network of about 6,399 km is now fitted with ETCS, the European train control system, and Belgium is the second country in Europe, after Luxembourg, to be fully equipped. The programme, launched after the 2010 Buizingen rail accident, ran for ten years, involved up to 1,500 staff and cost about EUR 2.8 billion, including about EUR 100 million in Connecting Europe Facility grants. Since 2015, Siemens Mobility and Equans, together with Infrabel, have upgraded a total of 2,274 track-kilometres to ETCS Level 2, including 46 interlockings, 37 radio block centres and about 4,536 signals; rolling stock is due to follow by December 2027 under a royal decree. (LOK Report, 15 Dec 2025; second source: VRT NWS, 15 Dec 2025) — Sources: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/belgien/63881-belgien-das-gesamte-hauptstreckennetz-ist-mit-etcs-ausgestattet-europaeischer-vorreiter-im-bereich-der-eisenbahnsicherheit.html · https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/belgien/63880-belgien-siemens-equans-und-infrabel-schliessen-etcs-level-2-rollout-ab.html · https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/12/15/spoornet-volledig-uitgerust-met-cruisecontrol-voor-treinen/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:5b7fce73:en 2025-10-30T06:00:00Z

The Office of Rail and Road has granted Virgin Trains access to the light-maintenance facilities at the Eurostar-run Temple Mills depot in East London and turned down the applications from Evolyn, Gemini and Trenitalia, finding Virgin's plans financially and operationally stronger, with investor backing and an agreement in principle on rolling stock. Virgin plans to start in 2030 with services from London St Pancras to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, later extending to France, Germany and Switzerland; it intends to buy 12 Alstom Avelia Stream trains financed by Equitix, while Virgin leads the financing of the operating company together with Equitix and Azzurra Capital. Virgin says it will also call at Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International in Kent if either station reopens (LOK Report, 31 Oct 2025). — Sources: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/grossbritannien/62670-grossbritannien-orr-genehmigt-virgin-trains-den-zugang-zu-temple-mills-sir-richard-branson-kuendigt-virgin-magie-im-eurotunnel-an.html · https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/more-cross-channel-rail-services-coming-down-track · https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-10/2025-10-30-tmi-decision-letter-final.pdf

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:3196fefa:en 2025-10-22T06:00:00Z

The chemical group BASF plans to cut around 600 jobs at its Antwerp site by the end of 2028. The site employs around 3,000 people and is the second-largest production facility of the German BASF group. Aim: to reduce fixed costs by €150 million by 2028 compared with 2024. Reasons: the economic environment and the 'absence of noticeable effects from industrial support measures'. No Renault procedure will be initiated; employees are to find new employment within or outside the group. Details will follow in the coming months. — Source: https://brf.be/national/2017857/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:58b56205:en 2025-09-28T06:00:00Z

Infrabel put the Serpont curve into service in the night leading into Sunday 28 September 2025, a missing link that connects the Namur–Arlon (line 162) and Libramont–Bertrix (line 165) routes directly. Until then, trains switching between the two lines had to reverse at Libramont station; the 1,200 m curve, electrified and fitted with signalling, follows a route closed about twenty years ago on the edge of the Recogne industrial area and benefits passenger and freight traffic alike. Construction took about nine months and cost EUR 3 million: after clearing and earthworks until the end of 2024, Infrabel laid track in spring 2025, built a new bridge with a 14 m span over the Rue de Tibetême and completed signalling and electrification in May. The opening date is documented by a Belga report of 26 September 2025; LOK Report only covered it on 17 October 2025. (LOK Report, 17 Oct 2025; second source: La Libre, 26 Sep 2025) — Sources: https://www.lok-report.de/news/europa/belgien/62295-belgien-die-serpont-kurve-geht-in-betrieb.html · https://www.lalibre.be/dernieres-depeches/2025/09/26/un-nouveau-troncon-ferroviaire-pour-relier-les-lignes-namur-arlon-et-bertrix-libramont-L54NMG7TOJAJ5NEHAKKWF2A3R4/

tag:eurotrack.ai,2026:0195c100:en 2025-04-28T06:00:00Z

Liège's new tram line opened on 28 April 2025, running 11.7 km along the Meuse from Sclessin to Coronmeuse with 23 stops, including a branch to the Liège Expo depot in Bressoux. It is operated by TEC with 20 battery-capable CAF Urbos trams under the 31-year Tram'Ardent PPP concession, which financed and built the line for over EUR 1 billion. Planned extensions to Seraing and Herstal were cancelled in August 2024. — Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trams_in_Liège