The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) announced on October 8, 2026, that it has approved the acquisition of Vivaqua by the Brussels-Capital Region. This acquisition was notified on September 24, 2026, and the BCA applied a simplified procedure for the review.

The Brussels-Capital Region, a public authority, oversees various responsibilities including environmental and water management through its company, Hydria. Hydria is tasked with managing wastewater and stormwater in the region.

Vivaqua, a cooperative wholly owned by public authorities, operates the water cycle in the Brussels-Capital Region, handling drinking water production, distribution, and sewer management. The BCA found that the merger would simplify wastewater management without raising any competition concerns.

The decision aligns with the regulatory framework governing water management in the region, which is characterized by legal and natural monopolies. The BCA confirmed that the conditions for the simplified procedure were met, allowing the acquisition to proceed without objections.