Brussels government approves initial budget for 2026
The Brussels government approved the initial budget for 2026 on Thursday. After estimating expenditure and revenue for 2026, the budget closes with a deficit of 957 million euros. "This is the first concrete step in the budgetary process that should lead to healthy Brussels finances by the end of the legislative term," the government said in a statement.
One of the new government's key goals is to balance the region's budget. In line with the coalition agreement, the approved plans are set to reduce the deficit below 1 billion euros by the end of this year. The government is aiming for a fully balanced budget by the end of the current legislature in 2029.
The budget combines fiscal discipline with targeted investments in the Region's core responsibilities, including measures to retain the middle class, maintenance of regional roads, bridges, and tunnels, and improvements to safety and cleanliness. Steps are also being taken to increase government efficiency, with tighter controls over administrative structures, consultancy spending, and discretionary subsidies.
"With this budget, we are restoring structure and discipline to Brussels' finances," Budget minister Dirk De Smedt said. "We are setting in motion a credible process that should lead to a balanced budget by 2029. Brussels must once again be a reliable government that manages its resources wisely."
"With this budget, we are restoring structure and discipline to Brussels' finances"
The Brussels government will submit the draft budget to the Brussels Parliament on Friday and to the Court of Auditors, which has five days to examine the figures. The Finance Committee will begin discussing the 2026 budget on Monday 16 March, with an introductory presentation by minister De Smedt and an explanation from the Court of Auditors.
The plenary Brussels Parliament will then be able to debate and vote on the draft on 26 and 27 March, to ensure that the Region will operate with a full budget from 1 April.
© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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