Federal - page 2

111 Articles

Federal

Nearly €11 million to support 8 research projects in the nuclear sector

On a proposal by Federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet, the Council of Ministers approved the allocation of nearly €11 million to eight research projects selected under the 10th call for projects of the Energy Transition Fund (ETF). The selected projects focus on applications of nuclear energy.

Energy Federal

27 Aug 2026

Concrete financial consequences for people engaged in illegal activities

Minister Éléonore Simonet has decided to take financial action against those engaged in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, by automatically assigning them the social status of self-employed worker. This mechanism, which complements standard judicial proceedings, marks the end of impunity for these criminals.

Employment Federal Self-employed and SMEs Wallonia

29 Jun 2026

Return to work: the bonus for employers made permanent

Employers receive a return-to-work bonus (€1,725) when they help an employee on long-term sick leave to return to work, where necessary with adjustments to the workstation. The Government has decided to make this measure permanent, as it is particularly important for SMEs. Long-term sickness absence often weighs on the running of an SME, causing a loss of know-how, a lack of continuity and a heavier workload for colleagues. This extension is part of the drive to bring the long-term sick back into work, with the Government focusing both on responsibility and on the necessary financial support.

Employment Federal Self-employed and SMEs

29 Jun 2026

Extension of flexi-jobs to self-employed workers

Since their creation in 2015, flexi-jobs have allowed employees to take on additional work under favourable tax and social security conditions, provided they work at least 4/5 of a full-time job for a Belgian employer. The scheme has proved increasingly successful, with both workers and employers. Against this backdrop, the Minister for the Middle Classes, SMEs and the Self-Employed, Eléonore Simonet, wants to go further by opening the scheme up to self-employed workers as well. Under certain conditions, such an extension would allow the self-employed to earn additional income as a flexi-job worker while benefiting from a favourable tax regime.

Employment Federal Self-employed and SMEs

29 Jun 2026

VAT exemption: gradual increase of the threshold from €25,000 to €30,000

The Minister has decided to raise the VAT exemption threshold gradually, from €25,000 to €30,000. The increase will take place in steps of €1,000 per year, reaching €30,000 in 2031.

Federal Self-employed and SMEs

29 Jun 2026

Introduction of an emergency plan in the event of a supply crisis

This plan is designed to prepare Belgium better for any major disruption of the international energy market, whether caused by geopolitical tensions, international crises or supply breakdowns. In practice, it will ensure a swift, coordinated and effective response from the federal authorities in order to protect the country's supply and maintain the continuity of activities essential to citizens and the economy.

Energy Federal

29 Jun 2026

Supplementary Pension for Self-Employed Workers (PLCI): rate increase and extension to part-time self-employed workers

The Minister has proposed a reform of the PLCI comprising the following elements: an increase in the maximum contribution rate and the opening of the PLCI to part-time self-employed workers who pay contributions and did not yet have access to it. We want to encourage supplementary pensions for the self-employed across the board, so that retired self-employed people have an additional income.

Employment Federal Self-employed and SMEs

16 Jun 2026

Incapacity for work: increase in benefits

The Government has set aside a specific budget to increase benefits for the most vulnerable, notably people with disabilities, the sick and the invalid. With this measure, a family will no longer be penalised by the self-employed status of one of its members

Employment Federal

16 Jun 2026

Abolition of business one-stop shops in favour of social insurance funds

On a proposal from Minister Eléonore Simonet, the Government approved the abolition of business one-stop shops. Their legal missions and support for start-ups will be integrated into the social insurance funds. This measure streamlines structures and brings greater transparency for the self-employed.

Employment Federal Self-employed and SMEs

16 Jun 2026

Launch of the interfederal plan “MAKE 2025-2030”

Belgium has embarked on an unprecedented interfederal effort to strengthen the competitiveness of its industry and support its reindustrialisation. Against a backdrop of high energy costs, infrastructure investment needs and fiercer international competition, the “MAKE 2025-2030” plan provides concrete, jointly agreed answers to these challenges.

Energy Federal Self-employed and SMEs

22 May 2026

Support for the creation of an international consortium aimed at building a demonstration SMR reactor in Belgium

During his visit to Vienna for the 69th IAEA Conference, the federal Energy Minister attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Eagles consortium and the IAEA. The EAGLES consortium aims to build a demonstration SMR reactor. On 10 February 2026, the EAGLES consortium, of which SCK CEN is a member, signed an agreement with the company newcleo to step up cooperation on lead-cooled fast reactors.

Energy Federal

22 May 2026

Developing offshore wind energy for our energy security

The federal government is accelerating the development of offshore wind energy in the North Sea. The immediate priority is to relaunch the tender for the first offshore plot in the Princess Elisabeth Zone (PEZ 1), while preparations for the next phase, PEZ 2, continue in parallel.

Energy Federal

22 May 2026

The Movement

Get involved

Information