Belgium (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Belgium requested €974 million in recovery funds but still needs €658 million due to unmet economic goals, particularly regarding pension reform. They have one month to respond and six months to comply for maximum disbursement.
Belgium asked for €974 million last September. After subtracting what they received, they are waiting for €658 million. Belgium had to meet 20 goals to get the funds, but the Commission thinks they haven’t done it all. They are particularly inappropriate about the pension system reform. So, because Belgium didn’t meet all the goals, the Commission will hold back some money. Thomas Dermine said they will keep €31 million.
Is Belgium Prepared to Meet EU Recovery Fund Conditions?
Belgium has one month to share its thoughts and then six months to meet the Commission’s demands to get the rest of the money Lalieux, former Minister of Pensions, stated that, according to the Federal Planning Bureau, the government has demonstrated that the reform improves the pension system’s finances.
“The government picked a good reform for workers and retirees,” Lalieux stated. She also highlighted that the Commission supports the social aspect, such as increasing minimum pensions. The Commission liked the other 19 goals, like helping with electric cars, improving 5G and fiber-optic networks, and updating programs to help job seekers in Wallonia.
Belgium is getting around €5.3 billion: over €5 billion as grants and €264 million as loans. This money will go to 119 projects and 40 reforms, generally for climate and digital goals. They got €915 million upfront. The plan was approved in Summer 2021, and now they’re waiting for more payments after the initial funds. In total, €240 billion has been delivered to all countries. The final payment requests need to be sent by August 2026.
