Mixed reactions to Belgium’s new federal government agreement

Belgium’s federal government agreement has sparked mixed reactions. Business groups are welcoming economic reforms while trade unions criticise planned cuts and labour market changes.

Entrepreneurs’ organisations, including Unizo and Comeos, have expressed relief at the newly reached government agreement, calling it “promising” and a “real reform” of the labour market. 

Unizo, which represents small and medium-sized enterprises, praised measures such as limiting unemployment benefits over time and introducing tax deductions for entrepreneurs. 

Comeos, the federation for trade and services, described the deal as “the best in twenty years” and highlighted positive changes in labour laws, such as increased flexibility for night work and relaxed regulations on shop opening hours.

Threat

In contrast, trade unions have strongly criticised the agreement. The Christian trade union ACV described it as a “serious threat” to workers’ well-being and wealth, citing pension reductions, cuts in healthcare spending, and restrictions on early retirement. 

The socialist union ABVV echoed these concerns and warned that the reforms would lead to increased job insecurity and pressure on workers. 

Both unions plan to go ahead with a large protest in Brussels on 13 February.

^{A national demonstration of unions against the planned pension reforms, on 13 January in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT}