Starting July 1st following new changes have been introduced in belgium
- Simplified Name Change Process: Belgian citizens can now change their last name once for free, without complex procedures or justifications.
- New Alcohol Sale Restrictions: Hospitals, petrol stations, and vending machines face stricter rules on alcohol sales.
- HBO Max Launch: The streaming platform debuts in Belgium with live Olympic coverage, popular series, and new Warner Bros. films.
- Heading Ban in Youth Football: Heading the ball is banned for young children to protect developing brains.
- Reduced Car Inspections: Most passenger vehicles will require inspections every two years instead of annually.
- Lowered Breathalyzer Requirement: The amount of air needed for a valid alcohol test is reduced by 33%.
- Increased Vehicle Registration Tax: Brussels residents will see a 20.79% increase in vehicle registration tax.
- Indexed Truck Kilometre Charges: Charges for trucks over 3.5 tonnes will increase by 3% in Flanders and Brussels.
- Boosted Mobility Premium: The maximum tax-exempt allowance for travel to non-fixed workplaces rises to €0.1929 per kilometer.
- De Lijn Service Adjustments: Flemish public transport undergoes changes due to staffing shortages and delayed bus deliveries.
- Electric Service Vehicles for Government: The Federal Government will only purchase or lease electric service vehicles.
- Pension Bonus for Extended Careers: A tax-free bonus will be available for individuals working beyond the legal retirement age.
- Increased Employment Aid in Brussels: The premium for hiring lower-skilled and older job seekers rises to €23,400.
- Flexible Work Arrangements for Civil Servants: Federal Government employees can opt for a three-fifths work scheme.
- Hungary Assumes EU Presidency: Hungary takes over from Belgium with a focus on competitiveness, expansion, and security.
- Increased Sole Quota for Fishermen: Belgian fishermen can now catch four times more sole in the Irish Sea.
Details
1. Name Changes Made Easy:
The process for changing one’s last name in Belgium has been significantly simplified. As long as the new name includes that of the father, mother, or a combination of both, Belgian citizens, recognized refugees, and stateless individuals over 18 can now change their surname once in their lifetime free of charge. The application can be submitted through the local commune without needing explanations or family consultations.
2. Stricter Alcohol Sales Regulations:
Under the Inter-Federal Alcohol Plan, Belgium is tightening restrictions on the sale of alcohol in hospitals, petrol stations, and vending machines. The sale of alcoholic beverages through vending machines is now banned, and hospitals can only sell non-refrigerated beer and wine. Additionally, motorway service stations are prohibited from selling alcoholic drinks between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, except in roadside restaurants where on-site consumption is allowed.
3. HBO Max Arrives in Belgium:
Streaming enthusiasts can rejoice as HBO Max launches in Belgium, offering a wide range of content, including live coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, popular HBO series like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Succession,’ Discovery programming, original Max productions, and major international sporting events through Eurosport. The platform will also feature new Warner Bros. films and classic favorites like the ‘Harry Potter’ series.
4. Protecting Young Footballers:
To safeguard the developing brains of young football players, Belgium has banned heading the ball for children playing in recognized clubs. This measure aims to prevent potential brain injuries and ensure the safety of young athletes.
5. Easing Car Inspection Requirements:
Most passenger cars in Belgium will now only need to undergo inspections every two years, instead of annually. However, vehicles that have covered 160,000 kilometers or are 10 years old will still require annual inspections. This change aims to reduce the burden on official inspection sites, shorten wait times, and improve customer service.
6. Lowered Breathalyzer Threshold:
The minimum amount of air required for a valid breathalyzer test has been reduced by 33% to 1.2 liters. This adjustment is due to improvements in breathalyzer technology and aims to streamline alcohol testing procedures.
7. Increased Vehicle Registration Tax in Brussels:
Brussels residents will face a 20.79% increase in vehicle registration tax starting July 1st. This tax had not been indexed since 2020, while Wallonia and Flanders had already increased it in previous years.
8. Indexed Truck Kilometre Charges:
Truck kilometre charges in Flanders and Brussels will be indexed by approximately 3%. Zero-emission trucks will be exempt from these charges in the Brussels-Capital Region, aligning with sustainable logistics practices.
9. Enhanced Mobility Premium:
The maximum tax-exempt mobility premium, which is a flat-rate allowance for employees traveling to non-fixed workplaces, will increase to €0.1929 per kilometer.
10. De Lijn Service Adjustments:
Flemish public transport operator De Lijn is revamping its services due to staff shortages, older buses, and delayed deliveries of new buses. This will involve reallocating vehicles and drivers, introducing new bus routes, and adjusting timetables. Some bus stops in the Flemish outskirts of Brussels, Mechelen, Tienen, and Ghent will no longer be served.
11. Government’s Shift to Electric Vehicles:
As part of the EU’s drive for climate neutrality by 2050, the Federal Government in Belgium will only purchase or lease electric service vehicles from July 1st.
12. Pension Bonus for Extended Careers:
Individuals who choose to continue working beyond the legal retirement age from January 1, 2025, will be eligible for a tax-free “pension bonus.” This measure aims to incentivize people to remain in the workforce for a longer period.
13. Increased Employment Aid in Brussels:
Brussels is reforming its employment aid programs, with the activa.brussels premium for hiring lower-skilled and older job seekers increasing from €15,900 to €23,400. The region is also increasing the premium associated with the “First Internship” and offering a €5,000 grant to companies that hire individuals with disabilities.
14. Flexible Work for Civil Servants:
Civil servants in the Federal Government can now opt for a three-fifths work scheme, allowing them to work three fixed days out of five.
15. Hungary Takes Over EU Presidency:
Hungary will assume the Presidency of the European Union from Belgium on July 1st. With a right-wing nationalist government, Hungary’s priorities include a more competitive Europe, expansion to Western Balkan countries, combatting illegal immigration, strengthening defense policy, and addressing demographic challenges.
16. Increased Sole Quota for Fishermen:
Belgian fishermen will now be allowed to catch four times more sole in the Irish Sea, with the quota increasing from 62 tonnes to 281 tonnes. This change comes after a recent scientific report indicated that the sole stock in the Irish Sea is in much better condition.