Donald Trump’s projected re-election as President of the United States in 2025 could bring another wave of impactful changes across global markets, including in Europe. His return to office would likely reinforce his “America First” policies, which in turn could have important implications for Belgium’s IT job market. At Compusearch, we examine how potential U.S. policy shifts under a Trump 2025 administration might influence Belgian IT employment and professional opportunities.
1. Strengthening of Protectionist Economic Policies
If Trump continues with protectionist policies, focusing on bolstering American tech talent over importing foreign expertise, we can expect this to impact European talent flows. By restricting the entry of international IT professionals into the U.S., the new administration would again reduce the number of European tech experts relocating for work, leading more European, and thus Belgian, talent to stay within the EU. This could help Belgium retain a highly skilled IT workforce, driving local companies to recruit from this deeper talent pool and potentially increasing hiring competitiveness in fields such as software development, AI, and cybersecurity.
2. Impacts on Data Privacy and Cross-Border Compliance
A Trump administration may continue to emphasize a relaxed approach to data privacy compared to the strict guidelines set by European regulators, which could lead to renewed compliance complexities for multinational companies operating in both jurisdictions. Belgian IT professionals specializing in data protection, GDPR compliance, and cybersecurity would likely find increased demand, as companies strive to harmonize their operations under both European and U.S. data laws. This need for skilled regulatory experts would particularly benefit IT professionals in Belgium who are adept in navigating the complexities of EU-U.S. digital governance.
3. Expansion of Remote IT Work Opportunities
The rise in remote work during the 2020s established a strong foundation for cross-border collaborations in IT. If U.S. policies become stricter regarding immigration or H-1B visas, companies might continue to expand remote teams abroad instead of relocating talent to the U.S. Belgium’s English-speaking and technically skilled workforce could again stand to benefit, with Belgian IT professionals able to contract with American companies from home. This scenario could lead to higher wages for Belgian IT consultants and create more job flexibility in fields like software engineering, cybersecurity, and IT project management.
4. Changes in Foreign Investment in European Tech
If Trump’s re-election leads to a preference for domestic over international tech investments, European companies might see shifts in investment flow, with the EU tech industry attracting more funding to balance U.S. shifts. Belgium, with its central location and highly educated workforce, could see new opportunities for IT professionals in fields such as cloud computing, AI, and digital health as investors and companies prioritize local tech development. This environment could encourage start-ups and scale-ups within Belgium, creating a dynamic ecosystem with new job openings in software development, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
5. Increased Demand for IT Project Management Skills
As Belgian companies adapt to a complex, multi-regulatory landscape between the U.S. and EU, demand for IT project managers with skills in international policy and compliance would likely increase. These professionals, particularly those fluent in English and skilled in managing cross-border teams, would be vital in helping Belgian firms stay competitive in the global tech market. The ability to oversee diverse teams and ensure alignment with both EU and U.S. standards would be a valuable asset for Belgian project managers, especially as more projects require navigation of both jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Although Trump’s policies may not have a direct impact on Belgium, the ripple effects are anticipated to shape the IT job market in Belgium in several ways. With potential restrictions on American immigration policies, Belgium’s IT professionals could benefit from an expanded job market, both locally and remotely with U.S. firms. Furthermore, Belgium’s focus on data compliance and cybersecurity expertise could see increased demand as companies navigate complex EU-U.S. regulatory standards.
Belgium’s IT professionals are likely to see new career avenues, higher demand for expertise, and a strengthened market for compliance, regulatory, and management skills. As Belgium’s tech industry continues to grow, its workforce stands ready to meet these global changes, building a more resilient and globally competitive Belgian IT job market.
