Belgium multiplies nationality fee to €1,000 and tightens family-reunification rules
505 Belgian nationals confirmed jailed abroad, Foreign Ministry reveals
Belgian activist’s arrest in Istanbul spotlights wider detention risks for travelling professionals
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EU hails progress in Ethiopia readmission deal as Belgium pushes tougher return policy
On 20 February 2026 the EU praised Ethiopia for speeding up paperwork under their readmission pact, a priority for Belgium’s migration minister who wants higher return rates for rejected asylum seekers. Faster documentation should enable Belgium to repatriate more Ethiopians, affecting corporate family-reunification planning and signalling the EU’s tougher stance of tying visas and aid to cooperation on returns.
Brussels hosts EU-Latin America summit to tighten cross-border crime controls
An EU-Latin America justice summit in Brussels on 20 February agreed to expand Joint Investigation Teams, asset-recovery tools and data-sharing to combat organised crime – a move closely watched in Belgium, where the Port of Antwerp is a major smuggling hotspot. The enhanced cooperation may increase cargo checks and affect corporate compliance obligations for firms with trans-Atlantic operations.
Belgium Hikes Citizenship Fee to €1,000 and Tightens Family-Reunification Rules
Effective 19 February 2026 Belgium raised the nationality application fee from €150 to €1,000 and introduced higher income, housing and integration requirements for family-reunification visas. Employers must budget for higher costs and ensure transferees meet the new thresholds, while migrants face longer preparation and processing times. The reforms aim to tighten immigration control but could hinder integration and talent retention.
Investigation Claims Belgium ‘Deliberately Undermines’ Dublin Regulation Amid Shelter Crisis
An investigative report accuses Belgium of knowingly breaching the Dublin Regulation by refusing shelter to asylum seekers, ignoring court rulings and unpaid penalties. The practice has already prompted Dutch courts to halt Dublin transfers and could trigger EU infringement proceedings, increasing legal and financial exposure for Belgium.
Belgium Shelves Plan to Double VAT on Concert Tickets, Easing Cost Concerns for Business Events
Plans to double VAT on live-music tickets have been shelved, easing immediate cost pressures for corporate events and incentive travel, though hotel VAT will still rise on 1 March 2026. Mobility and travel managers should update budgets accordingly and watch for a potential policy rethink later in the year.