The billion-euro question: Can Brussels still pay its bills?

Brussels has been without a government for over 500 days, soon to break a world record few would be proud of. As leadership stalls, debt is rising, cash is drying up, and rating agencies continue to downgrade the region’s credit.

With a 25% budget deficit and debt exceeding 250% of annual revenue, Brussels now faces a looming liquidity crisis. Its main lender, Belfius Bank, has already announced it will end liquidity support by 2026. NGOs, suppliers, and even public agencies report unpaid bills and contracts — some have already gone bankrupt.

Enter Dirk De Smedt, Brussels’ newly appointed Finance and Budget Minister and self-described “old-school” technocrat. Can he restore “budgetary orthodoxy” and pull the Region back from the brink?

Join The Brussels Times After Work Debate for an in-depth discussion with Minister De Smedt and a panel of experts from finance, academia, and politics. Together, we’ll unpack the gravity of Brussels’ fiscal crisis, explore possible paths forward, and assess what’s at stake for Belgium and Europe alike.

Moderated by Brussels Times journalist Milan Schreuer, whose investigative reporting first brought many of these issues to light, the discussion will examine the true gravity of Brussels’ fiscal crisis, explore how the Region can navigate its financial strain, and address wider questions about sub-sovereign and sovereign debt across Europe in an increasingly uncertain world.

📅 Wednesday, 12th November

⏰ Doors open at 17:30 PM

📍 Aloft Brussels Schuman - Pl. Jean Rey, 1040 Bruxelles

👩🏻‍💻 Meet our journalists

🤓 Hear from and challenge the decision-makers and experts

🤝 Network and share ideas with the Brussels expat community

🥂 Free welcome drink

🍕 Finger food

📀 DJ Yuri Mota

🎷 Live music with Andrea Tuñón López and Francesco Benini

🎁 A newsworthy gift, just for you.

📅 Event Agenda:

17:30 PM – Welcome

Doors open, grab your first drink, and settle in.

18:00-19:00 PM – Networking Warm-Up

Mingle with Brussels’ international & expat community.

19:00-20:30 PM – -The Debate Expert panel takes the stage → engaging, lively discussion.

Audience interaction + Q&A.

20:30-LATE PM – Social Vibes

DJ set + open networking, conversations continue at the bar.

🎤 Speakers:

Dirk De Smedt, the new “old school” Finance and Budget Minister of the Government of the Brussels Region.

Moderated by Milan Schreuer, Journalist of The Brussels Times, who spent months examining the finances of the Brussels Region.

🎟️ Tickets are limited – secure your spot now!

Subscribers of The Brussels Times: 10 EUR

Non-subscribers: 20 EUR

👉 Not a subscriber yet? Subscribe at www.brusselstimes.com/join to benefit from the discounted rate before purchasing your ticket.

This event is organised by The Brussels Times in collaboration with our exclusive venue partner, Aloft Brussels Schuman.