European Commission and REFOR 3 June 2026, Recommendation for a COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on the economic, social, employment, structural and budgetary policies of Belgium

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The European Commission, acting under Articles 121(2) and 148(4) TFEU and Regulation (EU) 2024/1263, recommends that the Council issue country-specific recommendations to Belgium for 2026–2027 addressing fiscal consolidation, structural reform, and investment priorities. The recommendations require Belgium to adhere to the maximum net expenditure growth rates endorsed on 20 June 2025 under the excessive deficit procedure, while permitting deviation under the activated national escape clause for increased defence spending, and to implement reforms in public spending efficiency, long-term care, business environment, decarbonisation, and labour market integration. The document further identifies Belgium's high public debt (projected at 112.8% of GDP by end-2027), persistent fiscal sustainability risks, and structural challenges in innovation, energy transition, and education as the principal policy concerns underpinning the recommendations.AI