Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.3% compared with the previous quarter. Year-on-year growth stood at 1.3%. Value added rose in the industrial sector, while services maintained positive growth, with only the building sector recording a decline. 

The reforms are moving in the right direction but have not yet led to an increase in people leaving the system. Treatment and reintegration pathways should be designed in tandem. Swift referral to the appropriate resources and a speedier reintegration process, taking into account the worker’s state of health, are essential.

The macroeconomic costs of the transition to net zero are manageable. This is one finding from the recently updated NBB Climate Dashboard. 

In 2023, the value of shares issued by Belgian investment funds rose to €228.7 billion (+€26.6 billion). Belgian households continued to invest, with shareholdings in funds worth a total of €125.4 billion (+€9.1 billion).

How did high inflation in 2023 affect the NBB as a central bank? In what ways is the Bank meeting its corporate social responsibility? You can learn about these issues and much more in the NBB Corporate Report 2023 (the English version will be available from 17 May).