How much do you earn? Are you satisfied with it?
If you are living in Belgium, chances are that you don't have anything to complain about, according to the latest data published by the EU's statistics office Eurostat.
Last year, the average Belgian employee earned €48,700 – which is the fourth-highest mean salary within the EU, and is also significantly greater than the bloc's overall average of €33,500.
While averages often camouflage a much more nuanced picture with large differences between the highest and the lowest earners, the figure is still useful to get a general idea of the situation in a country.
Eurostat's data showed that only citizens of Luxembourg (€72,300), Denmark (€63,300), and Ireland (€50,400) earned more on average than Belgians in 2021. Bulgaria, with €10,400, had the lowest average salary within the EU.
Still, despite their relatively high earnings, numerous Belgians are experiencing acute financial distress as they are increasingly unable to afford soaring energy prices.
Still satisfied? Or are you considering a move to, I don't know, Luxembourg? Let @Maajtee know.
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1. Energy suppliers employ dubious tactics to increase advance payments from Belgian customers
Energy suppliers are employing increasingly dubious tactics to increase customers' advance payments, at a time when many Belgians are already unable to afford soaring energy costs and are resorting to extraordinarily desperate measures to stay warm over the winter period. Read more.
2. Employees in Belgium earn fourth-highest average salary in EU
The average Belgian employee earned €48,700 in 2021, the fourth-highest mean salary within the EU and significantly greater than the bloc's overall average of €33,500. Read more.
3. Two million Belgians without access to banking services
While the number of bank branches and cash dispensers decreases further, there are still two million Belgians without access to banking services, according to the annual report of Financité, a non-profit organisation working for more financial inclusion. Read more.
4. Congo Committee: Belgium fails to reach agreement on official apology for colonialism
Following more than two years of work by the special committee on Belgium's colonial past, Federal MPs failed to reach an agreement on giving formal apologies to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and Rwanda for the colonial regime based on domination and exploitation. Read more.
5. Frozen is golden: The best croissants in Belgium come from the freezer
Frozen food – whether it be pizzas, pastas, or vegetables – typically have a pretty poor reputation, especially among self-proclaimed food connoisseurs. When it comes to croissant baking, however, freezing might just hold the key to culinary success. Read more.
6. There will be no 'white Christmas' this Sunday in Belgium
Those expecting a white Christmas will be left disappointed by the Royal Meteorological Institute's (RMI) latest forecast, as they expect rain and sunny spells throughout the week, as well as on Sunday. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Hotel Flora
No one notices the discreet rococo entrance at Korte Nieuwstraat 12 in the heart of old Antwerp. Ring the bell and you will be admitted to a sublime boutique hotel at the end of an ancient lane. Read more.
