More than 1,200 people have died in Belgium during the current heatwave.

Omissions

• The 1,222 figure is a measure of EXCESS deaths (surmortalité) relative to the expected seasonal baseline, not a count of deaths individually certified as caused by heat, and it covers the 18–29 June 2026 period; figures were provisional as of early July 2026.
• The same heatwave affected other European countries (the claim's broader context), with France, Spain and the Netherlands also recording excess deaths, which is consistent with the MEP's wider statement.

Sources

• PrimaryFPS Public Health (SPF Santé publique), BelgiumAccording to preliminary data, Belgium recorded 39% excess mortality (+1,222 additional deaths) between Thursday 18 June and 29 June 2026 during the heatwave (provisional figures from the Belgian Federal Public Service for Health).
• SecondaryEuronewsProvisional data from the country's health ministry showed there were 1,222 excess deaths during the period (June 18–29), a 39% increase above normal mortality.
• SecondaryPolitico EuropeBelgian authorities confirmed 1,222 excess deaths between June 18 and June 29, described as '1222 deaths during the recent heat wave episode, a 39 percent excess mortality'.
• SecondaryReutersFrance, Belgium and the Netherlands recorded 3,700 excess deaths during the June heatwave, with Belgium's toll included in that total; Belgium recorded the highest excess death rate among the countries affected.