Belgium: Inward/ Foreign Investment

European M&A activity in the first half of 2026 presents a paradox: deal values reached their highest levels since late 2021 at USD661.5 billion, yet transaction volumes dropped sharply by 17.8%. Strategic acquirors are pushing forward with deals despite geopolitical uncertainty, with defense, renewable energy, and electric vehicles emerging as key sectors driven by supply-chain concerns and evolving EU regulatory dynamics that favor domestic consolidation while scrutinizing foreign investment.

As Belgium's foreign direct investment (FDI) screening mechanism enters its third year, the Federal Public Service (FPS) Economy has published its second annual report...

Looking at the current geopolitical situation, questions on national security and resilience are never far off. Foreign investments can potentially raise concerns of national autonomy and self-sufficiency.