Education

Financial Strain Persists for Half of Belgian Households

William

Mar 22, 2025 — 1 min read

Nearly half of Belgian households are currently experiencing significant financial stress, with a notable 8 percent struggling to meet their basic expenses. This insight comes from the latest annual consumer barometer conducted by the Belgian non-profit organization Testachats. This survey highlights the pressing issue ahead of World Consumer Rights Day, shining a light on the evolving economic landscape in Belgium.

Rising Costs in Essential Areas

In the past year, while some cost sectors showed a decline, others have witnessed noticeable increases. Home maintenance costs soared by 5.8 percent, mortgage payments increased by 5.1 percent, and extracurricular activity expenses grew by 4.4 percent. These rising costs contribute significantly to the financial burden experienced by many households.

Consumer Sentiment Across Regions

The perceived cost-of-living index reveals varied sentiments across different regions. Flanders reported a high index at 57.1, suggesting greater optimism, while Brussels and Wallonia recorded indices of 54.6 and 51.6, respectively. Interestingly, Flemish consumers appeared more hopeful about the future compared to their Walloon counterparts.

Expectations for the Coming Year

Looking ahead to 2025, there’s a distinct divide in consumer expectations. While 37.7 percent of Belgians anticipate a deterioration in their financial situation, approximately 17 percent harbor hopes of improvement. This mixed sentiment underscores the unpredictability of the economic environment, reflecting both the challenges and aspirations of Belgian families.

As stated in Famagusta Gazette, this financial landscape highlights the critical need for robust consumer protection measures and sustainable economic policies to support Belgian households in navigating these turbulent times.

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