Bart 
De Wever

After six months of intense work, the De Wever government has concluded a second major socio-economic agreement. The agreed package of measures aims to strengthen our economy by modernising the labour market, making work more attractive from a tax point of view, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our social security system.

A satisfied Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, addressed the press in the Council of Ministers room, accompanied by his Deputy Prime Ministers, to present the newly concluded summer agreement. What did they decide on? A series of measures that will give the country a socio-economic boost.

The labour market will be modernised to ensure credible competition between our companies and those of our neighbouring countries. This includes reforming the labour market rules regarding night work and increasing opportunities for overtime.

A series of tax measures will make working more attractive. The tax-exempt quota will be progressively increased, and the special contribution for social security will be substantially reformed to benefit single people, who will receive up to 365 euros more net per year. And by 2029, the average working person will receive around 100 euros more net per month. 

With regard to pensions and healthcare, measures have been taken to protect our social security system, ensuring that it is financially sustainable in the long term. There will be a stronger link between the years actually worked and the amount of workers' pensions, and the government will initiate a dialogue with healthcare providers to bring the planned reforms in the healthcare sector to a successful conclusion.

Although this agreement represents a major step forwards, the government is aware that there is still a long way to go. "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning", concluded the Prime Minister, quoting Winston Churchill.