The number of long-term unemployed individuals, defined as those out of work for over two years, reached 131,111 in June, according to new statistics from the National Employment Office (RVA).
This figure is over 5,600 higher than the previous month, yet represents a decrease of 2,100 compared to the same time last year. It is also the third-highest count recorded this year. Overall unemployment figures also continue to rise, with RVA reporting a total of 292,371 people receiving unemployment benefits in June, up by more than 9,500 since May and nearly 5,200 more than last year.
The federal government has decided to limit unemployment benefits to a maximum of two years, effective from 2026, in phases. Starting in January, the new rule will apply to those unemployed for over 20 years; in March, to those out of work for over eight years; and in April, to those unemployed for more than two years. Exceptions will be granted for several groups.
Of the more than 131,000 job seekers in June who have been unemployed for at least two years, over 40,000 live in Flanders, more than 54,000 in Wallonia, and over 35,000 in the Brussels region.
