EU Commission warns Belgium over late payments to suppliers

The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Belgium for repeatedly failing to pay suppliers on time, in breach of the EU’s Late Payment Directive (2011/7/EU).

According to the Commission, several Belgian public bodies (including the federal government, Flemish municipalities, and the Brussels-Capital Region) have exceeded the legal payment limits of 30 days (or 60 days for healthcare entities). They have also failed to automatically pay the 40 euro recovery fee due to suppliers when payments are late.

Late payments, the Commission warned, harm businesses by reducing liquidity and stifling growth, particularly for SMEs. Belgium now has two months to respond and take corrective action. If it fails to do so, the Commission may issue a formal reasoned opinion, the next step in the infringement process.

This follows ongoing criticism of Belgium’s payment practices. Data published earlier this year showed the federal government took an average of 44 days to settle invoices in 2024. 

Under EU law, public authorities must pay within 30 days of delivery or acceptance of goods and services.

^{Illustration picture © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}