What is included in the Easter Agreement?

The federal government has finalised the Easter agreement. This agreement encompasses several measures from the coalition agreement for the period 2025-2029. It has now been integrated into a draft programme law and other legislative proposals. Several of these measures are scheduled to take effect on 1 July.

This AI-generated translation may contain errors and should not be considerd legal advice. For accurate info, refer to the Dutch or French version or consult your Securex Legal Advisor.

Brief Overview

The Easter Agreement primarily outlines various fiscal measures, as well as provisions concerning pensions and unemployment benefits, derived from the coalition agreement.
Read more: "What does the coalition agreement 2025-2029 bring?"

Unemployment and Labour Measures

Unemployment benefits will be limited to a duration of two years, with the exception of individuals aged 55 and over.
The status of artists will be maintained.
Employer social security contributions will be reduced, with lower rates for low and middle incomes and a cap for high incomes.
The social security exemption for the private sector will be gradually phased out.
The minimum age for student work will be relaxed, allowing work from the age of 15.
Parental leave will be introduced for foster parents.

The requirement for first job placements will be abolished.

Our Tip

Would you like to understand the implications of these measures for your company and employees? Be sure to register for our training social updates on June 17, 2025.

Disability

Return to work will involve the accountability of all parties, including employees, employers, doctors, and health insurance funds.
Doctors will no longer be permitted to issue sick notes for periods exceeding three months.
A new solidarity contribution of 30% will be introduced on sickness benefits for the second and third months.
New regulations regarding guaranteed wages will be established.

Pension Reform

The current pension bonus will be abolished by the end of 2025.
Indexing for high pensions (above €5,182 gross) will be limited.
The Wijninckx contribution will increase from 3% to 12.5%.
The solidarity contribution on high supplementary pension capital will be doubled.

Fiscal Measures

Flexi-job workers may now earn up to €18,000 gross per year.
Students (working 650 hours) may earn more without losing their dependent status.
The tax exemption for the private sector will be abolished.
Tax deductions for the most environmentally friendly hybrid cars will be extended.
Several tax discounts and threshold amounts (related to commuter traffic) will not be indexed.

What does Securex do for you?

These measures have been included in a draft program law and are not yet applicable. They must first be approved by parliament and will only become definitive upon publication in the Moniteur belge.

Until this legislative process is completed, the proposed measures may still change and currently hold no legal force. Through Lex4You, we will keep you informed of further developments.