News

Modification to tax treaty abolishes Swiss banking secrecy

5 July 2017

Like many other countries, Belgium has a tax treaty with Switzerland. However, that treaty still contains a number of limitations, among other things to protect banking secrecy. “That’s now about to change,” says Minister of Finance Johan Van Overtveldt. “That’s because a modification to that tax …

Protection of religious minorities in the Middle East and North Africa

5 July 2017

“The protection of religious and ideological minorities in the Middle East and North Africa has to become a spearhead of our foreign policy,” the Flemish N-VA group believes. In a unanimously-approved resolution by the Flemish Parliament, it is calling on among others, the Flemish Government, to …

Protecting the Flemish fishing industry against Brexit

2 July 2017

Last March, the UK officially set in motion the proceedings that will lead to its withdrawal from the European Union. Flemish fishermen are paying particularly close attention to the negotiations on the future fishing policy - especially now that London has announced its intent to pull out of the …

Clear rules for arresting illegal aliens at home

30 June 2017

Anyone residing illegally in Belgium and who will not repatriate voluntarily must be transferred by the Immigration Service to a closed centre, where a mandatory repatriation is then organised. The problem with that is that it can currently only be done if the person is found in a public place …

Combating female circumcision, also abroad

30 June 2017

An increasing number of girls living in Belgium are being circumcised abroad. “If we act resolutely now, we can end this cruel and unnecessary practice by the end of this century,” says Secretary of State for Equal Opportunities Zuhal Demir. Together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders …

Brexit must lead to a leaner and effective European budget

29 June 2017

The European Commission has presented its Reflection Paper on the future of EU finances. In this context, the EU Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources warned that Brexit can cause a budgetary hole of 10 to 12 billion euros. “But anyone dreaming of introducing new European taxes is not doing …

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