First, we are pleased to announce that the West Flanders team of Philippe & Partners has joined Andersen in Belgium. Based in Roeselare, the team is led by Partner Dirk Clarysse, together with Charlotte Romaen, Senior Counsel.

With more than 25 years of experience, Dirk has built a strong reputation in commercial law, corporate law, M&A and dispute resolution, advising businesses on complex matters. In addition to his registration with the West Flanders Bar Association, Dirk is also a member of the Brussels Bar Association.
In 2024 and 2025, Dirk was recognized by Legal 500 in the field of Dispute Resolution, underscoring his strong reputation in the market. Their integration reinforces our local presence in West Flanders while adding significant commercial expertise to our firm.
At the same time, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Tom De Koster as Partner at Andersen. Tom has extensive experience in corporate law and M&A, with a strong focus on company acquisitions, restructurings and private and venture capital investments. His practice regularly involves complex and international transactions, including in the real estate sector.
In addition to his advisory work, Tom is a lecturer in corporate and economic law and a frequent speaker and author, reflecting both his technical expertise and his commitment to knowledge sharing. Together, these developments represent an important step in the continued expansion of our M&A and commercial practice. We look forward to continuing the development of our firm alongside our new colleagues and thank our clients for their continued trust.
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01.10.2026
•Real Estate, Renting and Co-ownership, Andersen in Belgium
On 21 September 2026, the Royal Decree of 20 July 2026 approving the new Code of Ethics of the Professional Institute of Real Estate Agents (BIV) was published in the Belgian Official Gazette. The new Code enters into force on 1 October 2026, the date on which the 2018 regulations are repealed.

29.09.2026
•Urban Planning and Environmental Law, Andersen in Belgium
A developer who contributes financially to the drafting of a spatial implementation plan may thereby jeopardize their integrated environmental permit. This follows a ruling by the Council for Permit Disputes dated September 17, 2026. The ruling addresses a practice that is widespread throughout Flanders.

17.09.2026
•Urban Planning and Environmental Law, Andersen in Belgium
Non-governmental organisations dedicated to protecting human health will soon be able, like environmental protection organisations, to qualify as part of the “public concerned” in urban and/or environmental permitting procedures. This will broaden the range of organisations that may challenge a permitting decision, adding a new dimension to future permitting procedures.

08.09.2026
•Real Estate, Renting and Co-ownership, Andersen in Belgium
Are you renting out a home with serious quality defects? If so, you risk criminal prosecution. Starting today, penalties for renting substandard housing in Flanders will be significantly increased. A fine can reach up to 800,000 euros under aggravating circumstances. At the same time, judges will have greater discretion to tailor the penalty to the severity of the offense.