Brussels, July 27, 2026 – The Europe Today: Belgium recorded the highest excess mortality rate in Europe during the intense heatwave that swept across the continent in late June, according to data released by EuroMOMO, the European mortality monitoring network covering more than 20 countries.
Figures cited by Sciensano, Belgium’s national public health institute, showed that more than 2,000 additional deaths were recorded during the heatwave compared with expected mortality levels.
The data revealed that Belgium’s excess mortality rate reached 48 percent, significantly higher than 23 percent in France and 13 percent in the Netherlands, despite the three countries experiencing similarly high temperatures.
Commenting on the findings, Prof. Geert Molenberghs, a biostatistician at KU Leuven and Hasselt University, said the Flanders region alone registered an excess mortality rate of 31 percent, exceeding the corresponding figures reported in both France and the Netherlands.
Professor Molenberghs noted that Belgium’s urban planning and building patterns have intensified the effects of recent heatwaves, making the country more vulnerable to extreme temperatures and their associated health impacts.
The findings underscore growing concerns among public health experts over the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves across Europe, highlighting the need for stronger climate adaptation measures and improved urban resilience to protect vulnerable populations.
