While Europe as a whole is seeing a slowdown in foreign direct investment (FDI) — driven by global uncertainty, high inflation, and geopolitical tensions — Brussels stands out as one of the few regions showing growth.
The latest Belgian Attractiveness Survey 2025, published by EY, shows that the number of FDI projects across Europe fell by 5% in 2024, and the jobs created by FDI dropped by 16%.
Belgium resisted this downward trend, securing 210 projects (–2%) and creating 5,392 new jobs (+10%), maintaining its 8th place in the European ranking.
Brussels is the only Belgian region where FDI increased last year — a strong sign of its growing appeal.
Brussels: The ideal European capital for foreign investors
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44 investment projects in 2024, up from the previous year
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Centrally located in Europe, within 2 hours of major EU business capitals
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Direct access to decision-makers, thanks to the presence of the European Union institutions, embassies, and international NGOs
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Highly skilled, multilingual workforce, ideal for European HQs and shared service centres
Why it matters: Companies choosing Brussels benefit from an agile, international business environment that makes it easier to coordinate operations across Europe.
High-potential sectors and a vibrant innovation ecosystem
According to EY, manufacturing (55 projects) and logistics (53 projects) are driving FDI in Belgium.
Brussels is actively developing green urban logistics, sustainable mobility, and circular economy solutions to support these industries.
Business services remain a key sector (35 projects), supported by a dense network of start-ups, incubators, and tech clusters in Brussels.
International investors are choosing Belgium — via Brussels
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United States: 43 projects, marking a strong comeback as Belgium’s top investor
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France: 28 projects
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Germany: 13 projects (up from 9)
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India made a surprise entry into the ranking
This growing diversity of investors strengthens Brussels’ role as a European coordination hub for regional HQs and R&D centres.
Rising attractiveness despite global turbulence
While only 61% of international decision-makers expect Europe’s attractiveness to increase over the next three years (down from 75% last year), 70% expect Belgium’s attractiveness — and particularly Brussels’ — to rise (up from 66%).
“Brussels continues to stand out thanks to its central location and international ecosystem. It offers a unique blend of agility and global connectivity in a volatile environment.”
— Marie-Laure Moreau, EY Belgium Assurance Partner
Why choose Brussels for your European operations
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Immediate access to the EU single market
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A multilingual, connected, cosmopolitan city
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Attractive financial incentives and investment support
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A vibrant innovation and research ecosystem
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High quality of life to attract and retain international talent
📌 Conclusion: In a context where Europe is attracting fewer investments overall, Brussels emerges as a strategic and future-proof choice for foreign companies seeking to expand in Europe.
