The federal government has finalised its summer agreement! Several measures had already been voted last week during the Chamber's last plenary session, as well as the day after following the Council of Ministers. Last night, an important package of reforms championed by the MR was approved and presented at a press conference alongside the Prime Minister.
The President summarises the essentials of the summer agreements for you in 2 minutes. In just six months, this government has implemented 100 reforms, most of which come from the MR's programme. Promises are being kept!
“In six months, this government has passed 100 reforms, most of which come from the MR's programme. This is unprecedented in the history of the country and of our party. Belgium is finally modernising to make room for those who work. No more laxity and unrealistic policies. Time for concrete action and a country that looks to the future with confidence. Promises are being kept!” declared MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez
Security, justice and migration: firmness and efficiency
- To address the challenges of migration and security, the agreement opts for firmness and swifter justice. Among the key measures:
- Tightening of family reunification rules to combat all abuses.
- Obtaining Belgian nationality is significantly tightened: from now on, each application will cost €1,000, compared to just €150 previously.
- Listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the European list of terrorist organisations, in response to the threat posed by foreign extremist networks.
- From 2027, a single police zone will be created in Brussels. A unified command, enhanced intervention capacity, and guaranteed proximity policing. Support of €55 million will be granted to help implement it.
- Withdrawal of nationality for perpetrators of serious crimes. In the event of a conviction for murder, sexual offences, or organised crime, the judge will be able to withdraw Belgian nationality. The judge will automatically have to rule on this matter for offenders with dual nationality, without the public prosecutor necessarily having to request the withdrawal. The withdrawal of nationality will apply to perpetrators who acquired Belgian nationality within the 15 years preceding the offence, whereas previous provisions set this at 5 years.
- Dissolution of associations and structures that promote radicalism and extremism. Listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the European list of terrorist organisations, in response to the threat posed by foreign extremist networks.
Unemployment capped at 2 years: working for our prosperity
- Limiting the duration of unemployment benefits to 2 years. No more lifelong benefits: Belgium now provides much stronger incentives to return to work. This law provides for a gradual reduction of benefits, enhanced support towards employment and training in coordination with the Regions, as well as exceptions for those over 55 with at least 30 years of career.
- The federal government will support the CPAS with €300 million as part of the unemployment reform.
Purchasing power: heading towards a €500 gap between working and not working
- The tax-free income threshold will be raised from €10,910 to €15,300 by 2029, with a first increase planned in 2026.
- VAT drops to 6% for demolition/reconstruction instead of the current 21%.
A more flexible labour market, in tune with realities on the ground
- A uniform system for overtime will be introduced: up to 360 voluntary hours per year, of which 240 will be tax-exempt. In the hospitality sector, the limit will be raised to 450 hours, with 360 tax-exempt hours.
- The employment bonus will be significantly increased for the lowest incomes. By 2029, gross pay will equal net pay for the minimum wage.
- Self-employed workers without a company will receive additional support with an entrepreneur deduction rising to €900 in 2029 (compared to €650 currently).
- The ban on night work will be lifted and bonuses will only apply between midnight and 5am. This measure will not apply to current employees. It will apply to new hires in the logistics and e-commerce sectors.
- The minimum weekly working time (one-third time contract) will be abolished, to better combat undeclared work.
- The 52-week cap on dismissal notice periods is confirmed.
- The extension of the copyright regime to the IT sector is back*
Pensions: a fairer system
- The bonus-malus system for pensions: a bonus of 2 to 5% per year will apply for each year worked beyond the legal age, while an equivalent penalty will be imposed for early retirement. In addition, the retirement age for military personnel and train drivers will be gradually aligned with the general scheme.
- Pensioners who continue to work will pay a maximum of 33% tax, instead of the progressive rates that can reach up to 50%.
On this national holiday, numerous reforms championed by the MR are seeing the light of day. “What this government has achieved in less than six months is, by Belgian standards, unprecedented this century.”