Parliament approves temporary budget extension until June
Belgium’s finance committee has approved an extension of the provisional budget system until the end of June. The measure aims to ensure government spending can continue while the new federal budget is finalised.
As a result of the lengthy government formation talks, no full budget was put in place for 2025. Belgium has therefore been operating under a “provisional twelfths” system, which allows the government to spend one-twelfth of the previous year’s budget each month. This measure, initially covering January to March, has now been extended to avoid disruptions to public services such as pensions and civil servant salaries.
The new government, led by prime minister Bart De Wever, plans to submit a full federal budget by mid-April, but until then, no additional spending can be approved. This means planned defence investments and cost-cutting measures outlined in the coalition agreement remain on hold.
Divided parties
The proposal, led by budget minister Vincent Van Peteghem, was backed by the governing coalition - right-wing N-VA, Christian democratic CD&V, Les Engages, liberal MR and socialist Vooruit, along with socialist PS and liberal Open VLD. Vlaams Belang (far right) and PVDA (far left) voted against it, and Groen (greens) abstained. The measure still requires approval from the full parliament.
Critics argue that the extension delays urgent decisions. Vlaams Belang pointed out that Defence minister Theo Francken’s planned military investments are not yet included. Groe expressed concerns over the absence of funding for mental health projects in major cities. PVDA warned that the current plans could negatively impact households.
Vice-prime minister and Budget minister Vincent Van Peteghem © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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