Benelux & Ireland in April 2026: the most important developments in economy
The economy of the Benelux countries and Ireland in April 2026 was led by the Dutch chip equipment maker ASML. On 15 April ASML raised its profit outlook for 2026, citing stronger-than-expected demand for artificial intelligence chips. Earlier in the month its shares fell after the US Congress proposed further export restrictions on China, and new US export curbs on ASML targeting China's chip sector were also reported. On 22 April TSMC demonstrated smaller, faster chips that do not require a costly new ASML tool.
Energy was the second theme, set against the Iran war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. On 8 April Shell trimmed its first-quarter gas production outlook because of disruptions in Qatar, while expecting much higher oil trading profits. On 27 April it agreed to buy the Canadian gas producer ARC Resources for $16.4 billion, a deal confirmed the next day. Shell's chief executive warned that shortages could persist into 2027. In Brussels, several EU countries pushed for a windfall tax on energy firms, the European Commission was reported to be pitching state subsidies against the energy shock, and on 22 April it launched a plan to avert what it called the world's biggest energy crisis. On 21 April it urged airlines to keep flying as normal despite a looming fuel shortage.
Belgium moved on 30 April to nationalize Engie's nuclear assets. Deals included BAWAG's purchase of Ireland's PTSB for 1.62 billion euros, Standard Life's 2 billion pound purchase of Aegon UK, the unconditional EU approval of RTL's acquisition of Sky, and CVC's reported consideration of a 9 billion euro bid for Nexi. ING cancelled the planned sale of its Russian business.
In other news, Ryanair began closing its Berlin base and halving flights from the city, and threatened cuts in Vienna. Booking.com reported a data breach, followed by warnings of scams. The port of Antwerp reopened to North Sea shipping on 10 April after an oil spill. Dutch consumer confidence fell to its lowest level since 2023, and the Dutch plan for a wealth tax drew fierce opposition.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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