What is the September Declaration?
The September Declaration is the annual policy statement of the Flemish Government at the start of the political working year. In this speech, the Flemish Minister-President explains the general situation in Flanders and presents the main policy choices and budgetary measures for the coming year. What has been decided?
The SME portfolio is abolished
The SME portfolio is a Flemish subsidy that helps companies cover part of the costs for training and advice through a recognised service provider. The Flemish Government has now decided to discontinue this SME portfolio.
From 1 January 2027, companies will no longer be able to receive support for training through this measure. Applications can still be submitted in 2026, as long as budget is available.
Read more: "Flemish Government decides to discontinue SME portfolio | VLAIO"
Flemish training leave and training vouchers make way for learning credit
Currently, through the Flemish training leave (VOV), your employees can follow training during working hours under certain conditions, while keeping their pay. For these hours, you as an employer can request a refund of the wages paid.
The Flemish training leave and the training vouchers will be replaced by a new instrument: the learning credit. This will mainly allow employees to follow training that prepares them for a bottleneck profession.
Read more: "When can the Flemish training leave be taken?"
The incentive premium for landing jobs is abolished
The Flemish incentive premium for landing jobs in the social-profit sector will be abolished. Employees who reduce their working hours at the end of their career will lose an important financial supplement on top of their NEO allowance.
Read more: "Incentive premium for landing job in the social-profit sector"
Flemish target group reductions disappear
Until now, employers who hire persons without recent and sustainable work experience in a Flemish establishment could qualify for an RSZ reduction.
This RSZ reduction amounts to 1,000 euros per quarter for four quarters (starting in the quarter of recruitment).
This target group reduction will be abolished. There is currently no clarity about when this will happen or about any transitional measures.
Read more: "Flemish employment measures"
Two paid public holidays disappear for Flemish civil servants
For Flemish civil servants, 2 November, All Souls' Day, and 15 November, King's Day, will no longer be paid public holidays.
Are these measures already final?
No. The September Declaration is a policy announcement and not final legislation. The announced measures still need to be turned into concrete decisions and implementing rules, so the content may still change. Until then, the current legislation remains applicable.
Our tip: Although these measures are not yet final, you can already consider their impact on your pay cost. Do you want to reduce your pay cost? Consider alternative remuneration. With alternative remuneration, you reduce your pay costs and motivate your employees. There are many fiscally attractive options that also provide your employees with a higher net amount at the end of the month. For more information, you can contact salaryoptimization@securex.be.
Read more: "Reduce your pay costs with alternative remuneration"
What does Securex do for you?
We continue to monitor these measures for you. As soon as these measures are final, you will read about them on Lex4you.
