Belgian Budget Minister cautious about future public support measures

Belgium’s Budget Minister, Eva De Bleeker, advocated for caution in future support measures during Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting.

“I refrain from making promises on all kinds of support measures that cannot be met owing to the state of our public finances and the feasibility of these measures,” remarked the Secretary of State.

In light of growing energy costs, as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as record levels of inflation, the committee examined a possible budgetary adjustment for 2022.

To alleviate the issue, some parties have proposed a permanent reduction in the VAT rate on gas and electricity. However, given that the current energy support measures are already costing the government €3.1 billion, De Bleeker (Flemish liberal party Open VLD) has asked that they remain temporary.

(VIV)

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