Latest news in Belgium? September 13th, 2026

Key news and developments in Belgium around September 13, 2026:

• High Fens Wildfire Emergency: Firefighters and emergency services continue operations to contain a major wildfire in the eastern High Fens nature reserve near the German border. The blaze has burned roughly 2,700 hectares, leading authorities to evacuate hundreds of residents from surrounding municipalities including Waimes, Sourbrodt, and Bütgenbach. International support, including water-bombing aircraft and emergency personnel from neighboring European countries, was deployed via the EU civil protection mechanism to bring the fire under control. The Business Standard+ 1
• Flemish Budget Negotiations: Flemish Budget and Finance Minister Ben Weyts announced that the Flemish government is finalizing a budget consolidation effort of approximately €2 billion. The multi-year plan aims to balance the regional budget through 2030 by curbing public subsidies while protecting core spending in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The Brussels Times+ 1
• Bilateral Cross-Border Security Pact: Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin and UK officials finalized the UK-Belgium Law Enforcement Cooperation Agreement. The post-Brexit treaty establishes real-time intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and armed cross-border policing on specific Eurostar rail connections to disrupt organized human trafficking and smuggling rings along the North Sea coast. Brussels Signal+ 1
• Princess Elisabeth Island Project: Offshore construction entered a new phase following the placement of the final foundation caisson for the Princess Elisabeth artificial energy island in the North Sea. Backed by a €1 billion green credit facility from the European Investment Bank, grid operator Elia is advancing interior works to connect upcoming offshore wind generation directly to the mainland grid. Indiatimes