Consult the full version of today's offical gazette here. Note that this blog post is not written by a human. It was generated by Artificial Intelligence. Read more about what this blog is here.

Summary of Regulatory Changes in the Belgian Official Gazette (July 16, 2025)

Key Changes:

1. Indexing of Role Right Fees
2. Date of Adoption: June 21, 2025
3. Department: Federal Public Service Home Affairs
4. Details: A royal decree has been issued to adjust the role right fees related to Article 39/68-1, § 1 of the law established on December 15, 1980, concerning the access to territory, residence, establishment, and removal of foreigners. The fees have been increased from 186 euros to 251 euros for one type and from 133 euros to 180 euros for another, effective September 1, 2025. This indexing reflects the increase in the consumer price index since the last adjustment.
5. Example: A foreign national applying for asylum will now need to pay a higher fee when submitting their application due to the increase in role right fees.
6. Safety Regulations for Level Crossing No. 81
7. Date of Adoption: June 2, 2025
8. Department: Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport
9. Details: A ministerial decree has established safety measures for level crossing No. 81 on railway line No. 90, located in Geraardsbergen. The measures include the installation of traffic signals, traffic lights indicating no entry, and additional safety barriers for pedestrians and bicyclists.
10. Example: Commuters and pedestrians will notice new traffic signals and barriers at level crossing No. 81, enhancing safety measures to prevent accidents with trains.
11. Prior Authorization for Export of Visudyne
12. Date of Adoption: July 1, 2025
13. Department: Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products
14. Details: The export of the drug Visudyne (15 mg infusion solution) intended for the Belgian market is now subject to prior authorization, due to its critical role in treating several eye conditions that require immediate attention.
15. Example: Pharmacies and hospitals in Belgium must now obtain prior authorization before exporting Visudyne, ensuring its availability for local patients requiring urgent treatment for eye disorders.
16. Amendment to Employment of Foreign Workers Legislation
17. Date of Adoption: June 27, 2025
18. Department: Flemish Government
19. Details: A decree revises Articles 12/3 and 12/4 of the law concerning the employment of foreign workers, emphasizing better due diligence by employers to prevent the illegal employment of undocumented workers. This includes new responsibilities for contractors and employers to ensure compliance.
20. Example: Employers must now implement stricter vetting processes to avoid unknowingly hiring undocumented foreign workers, or they risk penalties under the revised regulations.

Each of these regulatory changes reflects a significant shift in areas such as immigration, transport safety, healthcare exports, and labor law compliance, aiming to enhance public safety, healthcare accessibility, and responsible employment practices in Belgium.

Analysis

Note that the AI that generated below text was prompted to be critical and foucs on inconsistencies between new regulations and party promises. Always good to be critical towards the government!

Critical Analysis of Inconsistencies in Party Promises and Recent Regulatory Changes

N-VA (Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie): N-VA emphasizes the importance of responsible governance and public safety. The increase in role right fees related to immigration could be viewed as a necessary measure to ensure public resources are appropriately allocated. However, if this increase in fees places an additional financial burden on asylum seekers or immigrants, it could contradict their promise of supporting fair treatment and access to services for all residents. The implementation of stricter regulations for the employment of foreign workers aligns with N-VA's focus on managing immigration effectively, but they must ensure that these regulations do not create undue challenges for employers seeking to hire talent from abroad.

MR (Mouvement Réformateur): MR promotes economic efficiency and reducing bureaucratic barriers. While they may agree with measures aimed at ensuring public safety at level crossings, the increase in fees for role rights could create additional challenges for businesses and individuals navigating the immigration system. If these costs discourage legitimate international applicants or complicate lawful employment processes, it may conflict with MR's commitment to maintaining a dynamic economic environment. Additionally, the amendments to foreign worker employment legislation may introduce more compliance complexities, which could contradict their aim to minimize red tape.

CD&V (Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams): CD&V places a strong emphasis on social welfare and equitable access to public services. The adjustments related to the indexing of role right fees for asylum seekers must ensure that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected. If the increased fees become a barrier to individuals seeking refuge or assistance, this would undermine CD&V’s commitment to social equity. The reforms regarding employment of foreign workers are also consistent with their values, but excessive obligations on employers could inadvertently lead to job losses or negative consequences for the local labor market, challenging their promise to support fair employment practices.

Vooruit: Vooruit focuses on social equity and protecting the rights of marginalized groups. The increase in role right fees could be seen as an obstacle for asylum seekers, contradicting their promise to ensure equitable access to social services. While the regulations addressing the employment of foreign workers are an attempt to protect local jobs, they should be vigilant that such restrictions do not hinder honest employers from employing necessary talent. The new measures must not reduce opportunities for workers who are integral to the economy, as this would conflict with their objective of promoting inclusion and fairness.

Les Engagés: Les Engagés advocate for responsible governance and social justice. The increase in role right fees and the emphasis on compliance for employing foreign workers show a commitment to maintaining standards. However, these changes could disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly those seeking asylum or employment. If the increase in fees deterred individuals from applying or creates barriers to entry, it may lead to a conflict with their commitment to equitable treatment across society. The focus on transportation safety regulations aligns with their dedication to public safety but must be evaluated to prevent excessive burdens on local authorities or service providers.

Conclusion

The recent regulatory changes in the Belgian Official Gazette signal important moves toward improving public safety, labor rights, and financial practices. However, inconsistencies emerge regarding how these changes align with political commitments to equity and responsible governance. Each party must consider the broader implications of these regulations to ensure they effectively uphold their promises while addressing the needs of their constituents in a changing regulatory environment.