The Brussels Regional Court of Audit rejected the accounts of both the core services of the Brussels government and the Brussels Regional Housing Society, according to newly released findings.
Consolidated Deficit and Rising Debt in Brussels
The consolidated net financing requirement of the Brussels Region resulted in a deficit of more than 1 billion euro in 2025. This deficit is 527.1 million euro smaller than previously estimated. By the end of 2025, the consolidated gross debt of the Brussels Region reached 17.7 billion euro.
This marks an 85.1 percent increase over the 2021-2025 period. Total expenditures represented 115.6 percent of revenues, driving the debt ratio up to 270.6 percent. Expenditures rose by an average of 4.6 percent annually between 2021 and 2024 before decreasing by 2.2 percent in 2025. Revenues grew by an average of 5.6 percent annually, but remained insufficient to cover expenses.
Did You Know? Total expenditures in the Brussels Region accounted for 115.6 percent of total revenues during the evaluated period, while the consolidated gross debt climbed to 17.7 billion euro by the end of 2025.
Court of Audit issues various rulings on institutional accounts
Beyond the rejected accounts for the core services and the housing society, the Court of Audit could not formulate any judgment for two other institutions: the fire department (DBDMH) and the Housing Fund (WFBHG).
Seven accounts received a qualified opinion, while four were approved without reservations. For the Joint Community Commission (GGC), the Court of Audit issued a qualified opinion. The court stated that it still has not received the 2020-2025 accounts from the non-profit organizations Bruss’Help and New Samusocial.
Minister Dirk De Smedt responds to rejected accounts
The Court of Audit also rejected the 2024 accounts. Brussels Minister of Finance and Budget Dirk De Smedt (Anders) announced that measures would be taken in response to that news. The minister indicated that an unqualified approval for the 2025 accounts comes too soon. For the 2026 accounts, the minister says the goal must be a demonstrable improvement and, if possible, an unqualified account.
Common questions about the Brussels deficit and rejected accounts
What was the total financial deficit for the Brussels Region in 2025?
The consolidated net financing requirement resulted in a deficit of more than 1 billion euro in 2025, which is 527.1 million euro smaller than earlier estimated, according to the Court of Audit.
Which institutions received an outright rejection for their accounts?
The Court of Audit rejected the accounts of the core services of the Brussels government and the Brussels Regional Housing Society (BGHM).
What are the expectations for the 2026 regional accounts?
Brussels Minister of Finance and Budget Dirk De Smedt stated that the 2026 accounts must show a demonstrable improvement and, if possible, an audit without reservations.
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