Core cabinet reconvenes for budget talks
The Belgian core cabinet met on Monday to continue discussions on the country's budget. Following protracted negotiations that failed to result in a deal, the government is aiming to reach an agreement by Thursday.
Over the next three days, prime minister Bart De Wever and his senior ministers will attempt to reach an agreement on the budget and the final details of sweeping socio-economic reforms agreed over the summer.
The budget talks began at 13:00 on Monday, an hour later than initially planned. If no agreement has been reached by Thursday, De Wever will consult with the King.
European deadline
More than two weeks after the deadline, the European Commission is still waiting for Belgium to submit its draft budget for the following year. Like France, Belgium is under enhanced European supervision due to its high deficit.
In September, Belgium's Monitoring Committee estimated this year's deficit at 4.2 per cent of GDP. If policies remain unchanged, the deficit could reach 5.5 per cent of GDP by the end of 2029.
The aim is to find ways to save 10 billion euros by 2030. A big challenge, but not impossible, said Budget minister Vincent Van Peteghem when he arrived at the prime minister's office in Brussels for the talks.
Van Peteghem said that it is important that a "balanced and fair package" is agreed.
Budget minister Vincent Van Peteghem arrives for budget talks in Brussels on 3 November 2025 © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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