The Belgian government has agreed on a budget package of 9.2 billion euros, including increases in excise duties and tax reforms, after intense negotiations.

The federal government of Belgium has finalized a budget package of 9.2 billion euros until 2029, after 20 hours of negotiations. Key measures include the gradual increase of excise duties on natural gas for households and the reduction of excise duties on electricity. Additionally, VAT will be adjusted for various goods and services, without a generalized increase in the tax. A new tax of 2 euros will be introduced for parcels from outside the EU, and the tax on financial assets will be doubled.

Tax reform will begin in 2026, with changes to the minimum wage, and the salaries of parliamentarians and ministers will be frozen. The goal is to reintegrate 100,000 people into the workforce by 2029, generating savings of 2 billion euros. The agreement finalizes previously announced reforms, including labor market flexibility and pension reform. Prime Minister Bart De Wever described the negotiation as complex, and the agreement will be presented to parliament.