The new economic study, titled "Analysis of the Opportunities and Challenges of the Ostbelgien Location," was presented on September 25, 2026. It aims to answer questions about the current and future competitiveness of the Ostbelgien economic site and proposes concrete action areas for the coming years.
Commissioned by WFG Ostbelgien as part of a LEADER cooperation project, the study was conducted by the consulting firms Spatial Foresight and IW Consult. It analyzes the region's economic situation and highlights key developments and challenges that will shape the location in the future.
Based on the results, a common vision for the economic future of Ostbelgien was developed with regional stakeholders. This led to six concrete action recommendations, outlining where the region can act now to secure its economic strengths and leverage new development opportunities.
The study forms an important foundation for further exchange and the joint shaping of Ostbelgien's economic future. The central findings were unveiled at a press conference.
“"This study is not an endpoint. It is rather a starting point. It provides data, analyses, and scenarios. It highlights opportunities and challenges and formulates recommendations for action. The real task, however, begins where these insights lead to concrete discussions and, ultimately, concrete measures."
The working group established for this project included representatives from various organizations, institutions, and associations, including the Employment Office of the German-speaking Community of Belgium (ADG), the IHK Ostbelgien (Chamber of Commerce), the General Federation of Belgian Labour (FGTB), the Institute for Training and Further Education in SMEs (IAWM), the Ministry of the German-speaking Community of Belgium – Department of Location Development, the Ostbelgien SME Association (MSVO), Ostbelgieninvest, the Office of the Prime Minister of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, the WFG Ostbelgien VoG, and the Economic and Social Council of the German-speaking Community (WSR).
