The Wallonia-Brussels Federation government has undertaken structural work spanning the entire legislature, looking ahead to 2029. This is therefore not a simple 2026 budget conclave but a collective and coherent effort to guarantee the sustainability of public finances while preserving the Federation's essential missions
1. Key principles
Beyond compulsory education, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation Government wanted to carry out a comprehensive rationalisation exercise covering all its areas of competence. The goal remains the same: sustainably repairing public finances while preserving essential missions. The savings are not blind cuts, but the result of refocusing on priorities and better use of existing resources.
2. Key messages
- Rationalise, modernise, empower responsibility.
- Every sector takes part in the collective effort, but public service missions are protected.
- This is a budget based on common sense and stability, designed to preserve what is essential today while investing in the future.
- The savings aim to ensure the economic viability of the WBF.
- The reinvestments target what matters most: basic learning and making the teaching profession more attractive to tackle the shortage.
- All sectors take part in the effort.
- The government is acting not for the next election but for the next generation.
- Each saving was designed with an “educational filter”, namely preserving the quality of education.
- Stabilising the deficit creates room to reinvest later.
3. The experts' report
The government had taken note of the recommendations of the Committee of Experts. But we made political choices and analysed these recommendations through the lens of our priorities: the quality of education and the fight against teacher shortages. We chose NOT to make certain savings:
- No postponement of the index adjustment on teachers' salaries.
- No abolition of the DPPR or the RFIE.
- No reduction in pupil supervision ratios.
The approach taken is one of structural modernisation: rationalising without degrading, optimising without weakening, protecting teachers' purchasing power.
4. In compulsory education
Key principles
Compulsory education accounts for €8 billion of the overall €15 billion budget, 85% of which goes to salaries. In total, €86.7 million in savings are planned. Efforts will focus on structural management, career development and funding mechanisms, without affecting learning.
Developing the teaching career and tackling the shortage
- Salary increase (+5%) for new teachers trained over 4 years under the RFIE scheme; enhanced pay for school leadership and remuneration for mentor teachers.
- Harmonisation of teaching hours: 22 periods for all secondary school teachers, with some exceptions.
Comparison:
- Nursery: 26 periods
- Primary: 24 periods
- Lower secondary: 22 periods
WBF: about 30% less teaching time compared to other OECD countries.
- Alignment of the sick leave scheme with the civil service: 60% of salary after depletion of the “sick pot” (15 days) and a limit of 3 days' absence without a certificate.
- End of the pay enhancement linked to salary scale 501 (except for teachers already enrolled or eligible for the upgraded scale 401).
Career entry and exit
- CDIE from 2027 for new teachers trained over 4 years, with a stable workload and a 2-period reduction in the first year.
- A 2-period reduction for teachers aged 60 and over to support mentoring.
- Retention of the DPPR but limited to 2 years.
- Reduction of pedagogical secondments to roles requiring educational expertise (return of around 120 teachers to the classroom).
- 150 additional FTEs through the reduction of Support and Guidance Units.
- In total, around 270 FTEs return to the classroom.
Rationalisation and modernisation of school funding
Revision of the free-provision mechanisms: free supplies from the 1st to 3rd year of primary school abolished and integrated into operating funds up to the 6th year. Funding for free meals in ISE 1 to 5 schools integrated into differentiated support, with greater autonomy.
- No indexation of school operating funds in 2026, end of exemptions for out-of-framework posts, reduction of support unit resources (potential return of 150 FTEs).
Strengthening pupils' learning pathways
- Personalised support with the CLÉ test from the 4th year of primary in 2026.
- Strengthening of the CPMS for mental health and leadership training.
- Reform of referral to special education.
Reform of the lower secondary level
- The initial cut of 1,400 jobs in vocational education was reduced by the government, with a significant positive budgetary effect.
- Introduction of orientation activities in the 1st and 2nd year of secondary school and options in the 3rd year, including vocational education.
Guiding principle
- Preserving the quality and continuity of education.
- Guaranteeing the WBF's financial viability.
5. In International Relations
The budget of Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI) will be adjusted to better target partnerships with strong educational, scientific or cultural impact, boosting international visibility while keeping costs under control.
6. In Culture
In 2026, allowances will not be indexed and certain subsidies will be spread out. Redundant schemes will be gradually abolished. Moratorium on new recognitions (cultural centres, libraries, lifelong education). Gradual phasing out of Point Culture by 2028. Savings of €12.9 million.
7. In Higher Education
- Increase in tuition fees without penalising low-income students.
- DIES introduced from 2027: an individual right for Belgian/resident students (grant of €2,000). Non-resident EU students pay directly.
- Rationalisation of the ARES.
- Decree against harassment and sexist violence adopted in 2026.
- Savings of €10.8 million.
8. For School Buildings
The Guarantee Fund covers interest on school loans up to 1.25%, with the surplus borne by the organising authority. Organising authorities participating in energy works will repay 3% of the subsidy received. Encouragement of sustainable investment returns.
9. In Early Childhood Care (ONE)
Continuation of the Plan Cigogne, budgetary balance maintained, abandonment of the MILAC scheme, optimisation and digitalisation. Savings of €74 million.
10. In Youth Aid
Freezing of the three-year plan, reduction of the budget fund and reduction of administrative costs (elimination of the paper version of Yapaka). Savings of approximately €1.5 million.
11. In the Justice Houses
Savings on training and emergency budgets, 12 permanent posts maintained in Brussels. Savings of €887,000.
12. In Sport
ADEPS courses +10% but accessibility preserved. New resources of €600,000.
13. In Media
The reform of local media will allow for savings in 2026 and 2027.
14. In the Civil Service
- Salary freeze until 2029.
- Reduction of the teleworking allowance (€35 → €20).
- Steering committee to monitor savings and administrative consolidation in Brussels.
- Savings of €8 million.
15. Indirect financing of political parties
Withdrawal of recognition for youth organisations, adult education bodies and archive centres with explicit links to political parties by the end of 2026:
- Adult education bodies: Institut Emile Vandervelde (PS), Etopia (Ecolo), CPCP (LE), Centre Jean Gol (MR).
- Archive centre: Institut Emile Vandervelde (PS), Etopia (Ecolo), CPCP (LE), Centre d'études Jacques Georgin (Défi), Centre Jean Gol (MR).
- Youth organisations linked to parties: Ecolo J (Ecolo), Génération Engagée (LE), Défi Jeunes (Défi), Mouvement des jeunes socialistes (PS), Comac (PTB), Redfox (PTB), Jeunes MR (MR).