Chamber approves pension reform and budgetary measures

After weeks of political debate and procedural delays, the Chamber of Representatives approved several key measures on Thursday: the pension reform and the programme law, which contains a wide range of budgetary measures.

These measures are absolutely necessary to keep our pension system affordable in the long term and to bring public finances under control.

The De Wever government inherited a massive debt burden, which now threatens to trigger a snowball effect of rising interest payments. “The disastrous budgets of the past, combined with increasing ageing-related costs, are pushing the country towards the brink. It is therefore essential to keep these rising expenditures under control,” says Axel Ronse, leader of the N-VA parliamentary group in the Chamber.

Pension reform to take effect from 2027

The most far-reaching decision is the approval of the pension reform. Through this reform, the government aims to strengthen the link between work and pension entitlements. The principle is simple: those who work longer should receive a higher pension.

Thanks to the reform, the increase in overall ageing costs will be cut by half and the additional pension bill will decrease by nearly 60%. “We are doing this to keep pensions affordable. For you, for our children and for our grandchildren,” stresses Pension Minister Jan Jambon.

Now that the Chamber has approved the reform, it will enter into force in 2027. You can find an overview of all measures included in the pension reform here.

Necessary budgetary measures

The programme law also received the Chamber’s approval. This law contains the measures needed to implement the government’s budgetary objectives.

Among other things, it introduces the cent indexation mechanism, increases excise duties on gas and heating oil from August onwards, and lowers excise duties on electricity. In addition, both the securities account tax and the airline ticket tax will be increased.