HAIOPOLICY: Halfway summary report

February 2026

This report summarizes the main empirical findings of the HAIOPOLICY project at its halfway point. The analysis focuses on how Belgian labor markets, firms, and households were affected by the COVID-19 crisis and subsequent shocks, and how public policy instruments mitigated these effects. We combine administrative firm-level data (ONSS/RSZ, NBB, Belfirst), survey data on households and incomes (SILC, HBS), and detailed information on regional support measures in Flanders and Wallonia. The emphasis is on documenting robust patterns, drawing policy-relevant lessons, and identifying remaining open questions for the second phase of the project.

Click here to read the report 

BELSPO BRAIN HAIOPOLICY Midterm Conference 2025

10/09/2025 – Stormstraat 6–8, Brussels

Now nearing the end of the second year of the project, the HAIOPOLICY Team will present an overview of its accomplishments and provide an outline of the road ahead.  Registration for this event is possible by completing this registration form by 1 September 2025 at the latest.

Program

·   09.00–09.30: coffee and registration

·   09.30–09.45: welcome and outline of the HAIOPOLICY Project – Prof. dr. Glenn Magerman (ULB)

·   09.45–11.15: session 1

The Impact of COVID-19 on Households

o   Earnings Before, During, and After the COVID-crisis: Some Puzzles Arising from SILC-Data – Dr. Bart Capéau (ULB)

o   Does Inflation Hit the Poor More? – Hierro Castro (ULB)

·   11.15 –11.45: coffee break

·   11.45–12.45: session 2

The Impact of COVID-19 on Businesses

o   The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Outcomes in Belgium – Xufeng Wang (KU Leuven)

o   The Impact of Firm-Level COVID Rescue Policies: Evidence from Flanders and Wallonia – Dr. Yannick Bormans (KU Leuven)

·   12.45 –13.45: lunch

·   13.45–14.30: session 3

The Road Ahead – Prof. dr. Glenn Magerman (ULB)

·   14.45 –16.00: HAIOPOLICY follow-up committee (by invitation)