On 10 February 2026, the Ambassador Insider Series convened a closed-door session in Brussels focused on the economic outlook for Brussels, Belgium, and Europe, bringing together ambassadors, policymakers, and business leaders for an in-depth discussion.

The exchange featured Thierry Geerts, CEO of BECI, and Koen De Leus, Chief Economist at BNP Paribas, who shared their perspectives on the current economic environment, key market trends, and the outlook across local, national, and European levels. The discussion addressed ongoing economic challenges, including inflationary pressures, competitiveness, and the evolving role of Brussels as a business and investment hub.

The conversation explored how economic developments are shaping both domestic and international business dynamics, as well as the interaction between public policy and private sector priorities. Particular attention was given to the need for resilience, adaptability, and long-term strategic planning in an uncertain economic context.

Participants also engaged with questions around investment climate, labour market developments, and the broader implications of economic shifts across Belgium and Europe. The discussion reflected the interconnected nature of economic policy, business strategy, and regional competitiveness.

Overall, the session provided a structured exchange on key economic issues affecting Brussels, Belgium, and Europe, within a format designed to facilitate focused and substantive discussion.