Belgium agrees €80m energy support package
The Belgian federal government has agreed a limited, short-term package of energy support measures worth €80 million, aimed at helping commuters and vulnerable households.
The measures will run for three months, from May to July, and are designed to ease pressure from rising energy costs linked to conflict in the Middle East.
Most of the funding, €60 million, will support workers who rely on their car to travel to work. Employers will be encouraged to increase mileage allowances. The government is offering tax credits to fully cover rises of up to 20 per cent, capped at 10 cents per kilometre. The extra payments will not be taxed for employees.
A further €5 million will go towards increasing the standard mileage rate for work-related travel using private cars.
To support vulnerable households, €15 million will be allocated to social funds helping people pay for heating costs, particularly those using gas or heating oil.
The government has also delayed a planned rise in energy duties on gas, electricity and heating oil until 1 August.
Additional measures include encouraging home working, carpooling and more efficient driving, alongside a public campaign promoting lower energy use. Public buildings will also reduce heating and air conditioning where possible.
Self-employed workers affected by the crisis will be allowed to delay social security payments for the first half of 2026 by up to one year, without penalties.
Prime minidter Bart De Wever has also been tasked with pushing for a Europe-wide windfall tax on oil companies, alongside countries such as Spain, Italy and Germany.
The government said the measures are targeted and temporary. A review is planned after three months.
© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND