Federal core cabinet meeting concludes as budget talks set to resume Friday

The federal government’s core cabinet meeting has concluded after discussions focused largely on labour market flexibility. According to insiders, Thursday’s talks took place in a constructive atmosphere.

Following Wednesday’s debate on tackling long-term sick leave, Thursday’s meeting reportedly centred on labour market measures, including new rules for night work.

Prime minister Bart De Wever will once again meet with coalition parties individually on Friday. These bilateral meetings are expected to address both the final details of the planned reforms and the federal budget for next year.

A new cabinet conclave is scheduled for Monday, with the aim of reaching an agreement later in the week. However, several stakeholders have cautioned that “a great deal of work remains to be done.”
​​
​
^{​Federal Parliament in Brussels, Thursday 23 October 2025. © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}

Related news

Belgium among four Eurozone countries to miss budget deadline

Almost two weeks after the deadline passed, the European Commission is still waiting for Belgium’s draft budget for next year. France, Spain and...

belganewsagency.eu

More cuts needed to balance Flemish budget by 2027, minister says

Documents submitted to Parliament estimate that the Flemish budget will not return to balance by 2027. Despite the 1.5 billion euros in...

belganewsagency.eu