Bijlagen bij COM(2023)731 - Wijziging van Uitvoeringsbesluit (EU) (ST 10161/21 en ST 10161/21 ADD 1) van 13 juli 2021 betreffende de goedkeuring van de beoordeling van het herstel- en veerkrachtplan voor België

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Annex IVa of that Regulation.
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EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 16.11.2023

COM(2023) 731 final


ANNEX

to the

Proposal for a COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION

amending Implementing Decision (EU) (ST 10161/21 and ST 10161/21 ADD 1) of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Belgium

{SWD(2023) 376 final}


ANNEX


SECTION 1: REFORMS AND INVESTMENTS UNDER THE RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN

1.Description of Reforms and Investments

A. COMPONENT 1.1: Renovation

This component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan is focused on the renovation of private and public buildings. The main objective of the component is to renovate the existing building stock and make it more energy and resource efficient. These include in particular public buildings, social infrastructure and residential housing, and more generally the less performing buildings in terms of energy efficiency. Therefore, this component contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing job opportunities and growth in sustainable construction, as well as social resilience through the reduction of energy bills.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.3, calling on Belgium to focus investment-related economic policy on, inter alia, the low carbon and energy transition.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

A.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform R-1.01: ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the Flemish Region

The measure is composed of three sub-reforms and three sub-investments whose overall objective is to provide more efficient renovation incentives and to accelerate private energy efficiency investments in Flanders. The first sub-reform shall consist of (i) the creation of a single scheme which allows for the provision of subsidies for energy efficiency and renewable energy. As a result of this sub-reform, a one-stop-shop shall be established and be available as from October 2022. Sub-reform (ii) shall contain the revision of the energy label scheme to support energy efficient renovations. Sub-reform (iii) shall contain the revision of the renovation support scheme for smart control of heat pumps, electrical boilers, electric storage heating and home batteries. The three sub-reforms shall enter into force by 1 April 2022. The reform shall be accompanied by three sub-investments as part of Investment 1A: (i) subsidies for energy efficiency and renewable energy as well as subsidies by target groups for private housing accompanying sub-investment accompanying sub-investment (i); (ii) support through the energy label scheme for energy efficient renovations of private housing accompanying sub-reform (ii); (iii) support for a scheme for home battery grants for private housing accompanying sub-reform (iii).

Reform R-1.02: ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This reform consists of reforming and merging the energy bonuses and housing renovation premiums into a single regional mechanism for individuals as from 2022. Thanks to the unified system, citizens shall have a clearer picture of the amount they are entitled to for their renovation work and shall see a simplification of the administrative procedures for obtaining financial support through regional bonuses. Only one regional web portal shall inform applicants about the premiums available and there shall only be a single digitalised procedure for citizens. An accompanying investment as part of Investment 1A supports energy efficiency renovations. The regulation reforming the energy grant schemes for residential and private renovations in the Brussels-Capital Region shall enter into force by 31 March 2022.

Reform R-1.03: ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the German-speaking Community

The measure shall introduce a new system of energy premiums in the German-speaking Community as from July 2021. The purpose of the bonus project is, in particular, to create incentives for the implementation of energy saving measures and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions for existing residential buildings in the German-speaking Community. The reform aims at distinguishing between small works, allowing access to bonuses in a simplified way, and major works, which shall require more detailed administrative procedures. The regulation reforming the energy grant schemes for residential and private renovations in the German-speaking Community shall enter into force by 31 March 2022.


Investment 1A in ‘Renovations of private and social housing’ (I-1A)

The objective of the investment is to stimulate the energy-efficient renovation of private and social housing. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025. The investment is composed of the following seven sub measures:

·Sub-investment (i) linked to Reform R-1.01(i):subsidies for energy efficiency and renewable energy as well as subsidies by target groups for private housing

·Sub-investment (ii) linked to Reform R-101(ii): Support through the energy label scheme for energy efficient renovation of private housing

·Sub-investment (iii) linked to Reform R-101(iii): Support for a scheme for home battery grant for private housing.

·Sub-investment linked to Reform R-1.02: ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

·Investment I-1.01: ‘Renovation of social housing’ of the Flemish Region

·Investment I-1.02: ‘Renovation of social housing’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

·Investment I-1.03: ‘Renovation of social housing’ of the German-speaking Community


Investment I-1.01: ‘Renovation of social housing’ of the Flemish Region

The objective of the measure is to stimulate and accelerate the energy renovation of social housing by increasing the support from the Flemish Climate Fund to social housing companies and the Flemish Housing Fund. The renovation of social housing shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.

Investment I-1.02: ‘Renovation of social housing’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This measure contributes to financing the renovation of social housing in Brussels. The renovation of social housing shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.

Investment I-1.03: ‘Renovation of social housing’ of the German-speaking Community

The measure consists in supporting a multiannual renovation programme in the German-speaking Community. The measure shall support the German-speaking Community equity participation in the social housing company “Öffentliche Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Ostbelgien”, which shall allow the social housing investment programme to be carried out. The renovation of social housing shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.


Investment 1B ‘Public building renovation’ (I-1B)

The objective of the investment is to renovate and improve the energy-efficiency of public buildings. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. The investment is composed of the following nine sub measures:

·Investment I-1.04: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Federal State

·Investment I-1.05: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Flemish Region

·Investment I-1.07: ‘Renovation of public buildings - local authorities & sport’ of the Walloon Region

·Investment I-1.08: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

·Investment I-1.09: ‘Renovation of public buildings - schools’ of the French Community

·Investment I-1.10: ‘Renovation of public buildings - sport & IPPJ’ of the French Community

·Investment I-1.11: ‘Renovation of public buildings - universities’ of the French Community

·Investment I-1.12: ‘Renovation of public buildings - culture’ of the French Community


Investment I-1.04: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Federal State

The investment measure consists in the energy-efficient renovation of the Brussels Stock exchange building. This renovation may also be supported by other EU funds. The energy-efficient renovation works supported by the RRF and identified in the purchase order shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2024.

Investment I-1.05: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Flemish Region

The investment measure consists in stepping up investments in building stock renovation to accelerate the energy renovation of public buildings. Support shall be granted via the Flemish Energy Company (Vlaams Energiebedrijf) which acts as the central purchasing body and service provider for other public services (in particular the central administration) in the field of energy-related services. The measure involves (i) direct support actions in the form of energy-efficient works and (ii) indirect support action like energy audits. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-1.07: ‘Renovation of public buildings - local authorities & sport’ of the Walloon Region

The measure aims to improve the energy performance of (i) public buildings of local authorities and of (ii) sports infrastructure in the Walloon region. Support shall be awarded via a call for applications open to local authorities and eligible sports structures. The renovation of public buildings of local authorities shall reduce primary energy consumption on average by at least 30% of, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-1.08: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

The investment measure consists of two parts. First, the development of a one-stop-shop (to be managed by SIBELGA, the operator of the electricity and gas distribution network in the Brussels Region, under a public service obligation) to facilitate and accelerate deep energy renovations of public buildings of local and regional authorities in Brussels. The electricity ordinance defining the public service mission of Sibelga, including the operation of the one-stop shop for public renovations in Brussels shall enter into force by 1 February 2022. Second, energy subsidies for the selected public renovation works. The measure shall reduce primary energy consumption on average by at least 30%, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-1.09: ‘Renovation of public buildings - schools’ of the French Community

The investment measure shall (i) support an investment plan in school buildings owned by the French Community and (ii) via a call for projects to grant support for the renovation of school buildings in educational networks subsidised by the French Community. At least 85% of the construction of new buildings shall achieve a Primary Energy Demand (PED) that is at least 20% lower than the NZEB requirement (nearly zero-energy building, national directives). The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-1.10: ‘Renovation of public buildings - sport & IPPJ’ of the French Community

This investment measure supports (i) the renovation of sport infrastructures and (ii) the renovation of facilities dedicated to youth (Institutions Publiques de Protection de la Jeunesse - IPPJ). The construction of new buildings shall achieve a Primary Energy Demand (PED) that is at least 20% lower than the NZEB requirement (nearly zero-energy building, national directives). The renovation of existing buildings shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-1.11: ‘Renovation of public buildings - universities’ of the French Community

The investment measure grants support via a call for projects for the energy-efficient renovation of buildings of universities subsidised by the French Community. At least half of the renovation works, measured in m², shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-1.12: ‘Renovation of public buildings - culture’ of the French Community

The investment measure aims at the energy efficient renovation of cultural public buildings in the French Community. The measure consists in two parts: (i) energy renovation of cultural infrastructure belonging to the French Community and (ii) grants for energy renovation projects of cultural infrastructure not owned by the French Community (such as infrastructure owned by the local authorities) awarded through a call for project. At least half of the renovation works, measured in m², shall reduce primary energy consumption on average by at least 30%, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.


A.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. NbRelated Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
1Improved energy grant scheme in the Flemish region(R-1.01)MImproved energy grant schemes in FlandersPublication in Official journal---Q12022Adoption by the Flemish Government / Parliament of new regulation to provide more efficient incentives to accelerate private energy efficiency investments: (i) creating a single subsidy scheme for residential and private renovations, (ii) revising the energy grant scheme and (iii) introducing the scheme for smart control and home batteries.
2Improved energy grant scheme of the Brussels-Capital region (R-1.02)MEntry into force of new regulation on energy grant schemes in BrusselsProvision in the law indicating the entry into force of the new regulation---Q12022Entry into force of regulation to reform the energy grant schemes for residential and private renovations in Brussels-Capital Region
3Improved energy grant scheme of the German-speaking Community (R-1.03)MEntry into force of new regulation on energy grant schemes in the German-speaking Community.Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the new regulation---Q12022Entry into force of regulation to reform the energy grant schemes for residential and private renovations in the German-speaking Community.
5Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A)TRenovation of private residential and social housing

(step1)
Dwellings064 112Q2202364 112 residential dwellings (private and social housing) renovated.

This target is indicatively broken down into the following sub-targets, which do not have to be reached individually provided that the above levels of renovation are achieved:

Private housing:

(i) Flemish Region (R-1.01, subsidies for energy efficiency and renewable energy): 49 500 dwellings.

(ii) Flemish Region (R-1.01, energy grant scheme for energy efficient renovation): 7 560 dwellings

(iii) Brussels-Capital Region (R-1.02): 2 341 dwellings

Social housing:

(i) Flemish Region (I-1.01): 4 010 social housing units

(ii) Brussel-Capital Region (I-1.02): 701 social housing units

The renovation of 4 711 social housing units shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.
6Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A)TRenovation of private residential and social housing

(step 2)
Dwellings64 112131 731Q22024Additional 67 719 residential dwellings (private and social housing) renovated.

This target is indicatively broken down into the following sub-targets, which do not have to be reached individually provided that the above levels of renovation are achieved:

Private housing:

(i) Flemish Region (R-1.01, subsidies for energy efficiency and renewable energy): 66 150 dwellings.

(ii) Brussels-Capital Region (R-1.02): 1 004 dwellings

Social housing:

(i) Brussel-Capital Region (I-1.02): 427 social housing units

(ii) German-speaking community (I-1.03): 39 social housing units

The renovation of 466 social housing units shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.
7Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A)TRenovations of private residential and social housing

(step 3)
Dwellings131 731198 107Q22025Additional 66 376 residential dwellings (private and social housing) renovated.

This target is indicatively broken down into the following sub-targets, which do not have to be reached individually provided that the above levels of renovation are achieved:

Private housing:

(i) Flemish Region (R-1.01, subsidies for energy efficiency and renewable energy): 66 150 dwellings.

Social housing:

(i) Brussel-Capital Region (I-1.02): 197 social housing units

(ii) German-speaking community (I-1.03): 29 social housing units

The renovation of 226 social housing units shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.
9Renovation of private and social housing (R-1.01(iii))TAward of grants for home batteries and smart control appliances in FlandersGrants awarded08 460Q22023Grants awarded for home batteries for private housing in Flanders since Q2 2021.
11Public building renovations (I-1.08)MAdaptation of the electricity ordinance to introduce a one-stop shop for renovationsPublication in Official Journal of the electricity ordinanceQ12022Entry into force of the electricity ordinance defining the public service mission of Sibelga, including the operation of the one-stop shop for public renovations in Brussels.
12Public building renovations

(I-1B)
TRenovation of public buildings (step 1)04 500Q22024Federal state (I-1.04): 4 500 m² of public buildings renovated, including 2 610 m² reducing on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.

13Public building renovations

(I-1B)
TRenovation of public buildings (step 2)4 500256 690Q22025Additional 252 190 m² of public buildings renovated, including 20 477 m² reducing on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as de-fined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.

This target is indicatively broken down into the following sub-targets, which do not have to be reached individually provided that the above total levels of renovation are achieved:

(i) Federal state (I-1.04): 6 300 m² of which 3 654 m² shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as de-fined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.

(ii) Flemish Region (I-1.05): 157 245 m².

(iii) Walloon Region (I-1.07): 16 824 m².

(iv) French Community (I-1.09, I-1.10, I-1.11, I-1.12): 71 821 m² of which 16 823 m² shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.
14Public building renovations

(I-1B)
TRenovation of public buildings (step 3)256 690694 470Q22026Additional 437 780 m² of public buildings renovated, including 163 006 m² reducing on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as de-fined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings, and the construction of 126 212 m² of new buildings achieving a Primary Energy Demand (PED) that is at least 20% lower than the NZEB requirement (nearly zero-energy building).

This target is indicatively broken down into the following sub-targets, which do not have to be reached individually provided that the above total levels of renovation are achieved:

(i) Flemish Region (I-1.05): 78 040 m².

(ii) Walloon Region (I-1.07): 170 282 m² of which 102 984 m² shall reduce primary energy consumption on average by at least 30% , as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.

(iii) Brussels-Capital Region (I-1.08): 27 724 m² shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.

(iv) French Community (I-1.09, I-1.10, I-1.11, I-1.12): 161 734 m² of which 32 298 m² shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings. The construction of 126 212 m² of new buildings shall achieve a Primary Energy Demand (PED) that is at least 20% lower than the NZEB requirement (nearly zero-energy building).

B. COMPONENT 1.2: Emerging energy technologies

This component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aims at providing a strong impetus to technological developments to support the energy transition to further reduce CO2 emissions, with emphasis on system integration and industrial decarbonisation.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.3, calling on Belgium to focus investment-related economic policy on, inter alia, the low carbon and energy transition, and research and innovation, as well as Country Specific Recommendation 2020.3 to front-load mature public investment projects.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

B.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform R-1.04: ‘Regulatory framework for the H2 market’

The reform consists of the necessary steps to allow for legislative revisions aimed at establishing a more detailed regulatory framework for the functioning of the H2 market, covering topics such as supervision, non-discriminatory access to transport networks and setting of network access charges. For the transport of H2, the new legal provisions adopted by the government(s) shall enter into force by 1 January 2024.

Reform R-1.05: ‘Regulatory framework for the CO2 market in Flanders’ of the Flemish Region

The reform consists of the necessary steps to allow for legislative revisions aimed at establishing a more detailed regulatory framework for the functioning of CO2 markets, covering topics such as supervision, non-discriminatory access to transport networks and setting of network access charges. The new legal provisions adopted by the government of the Flemish Region shall enter into force by 1 January 2024.

Reform R-1.06: ‘Regulatory framework for the CO2 market in Wallonia’ of the Walloon Region

The reform consists of the necessary steps to allow for legislative revisions aimed at establishing a more detailed regulatory framework for the functioning of CO2 markets, covering topics such as supervision, non-discriminatory access to transport networks and setting of network access charges. The new legal provisions adopted by the government of the Walloon Region shall enter into force by 1 January 2024.


The following three measures, at Federal, Flemish and Walloon level focus on ‘An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition’.

Investment I-1.15: ‘An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition’ of the Federal State

The federal measure shall promote various demonstration projects related to the production and use of hydrogen under the competence of the federal government. The aim is to stimulate innovative projects with high potential to accelerate the energy transition, so that they reach maturity and scale up for commercial use. The projects shall be selected via a call for tender, which shall cover demonstration plants for green and low-carbon hydrogen production as well as the use of hydrogen, for instance in vessels, insofar as the projects fall under the competence of the federal government. As regards demonstration plants for green and low carbon hydrogen production, the call shall be open for all technologies with zero process emissions, such as electrolysis powered by renewable electricity or methane pyrolysis.

Investment I-1.16: ‘An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition’ of the Flemish Region

This measure aims at supporting the transition to a sustainable hydrogen industry in Flanders through investment and project financing. In large part, the funding shall support a portfolio of projects which, like the planned wider cross-border Important Project of Common European interest (IPCEI) 1 project, of which it shall form an integral part, aims at developing an industrial value chain towards hydrogen production, transport, storage and related applications. Outside the IPCEI portfolio, additional projects with a focus on hydrogen are also included, mostly both in the field of research and development and investment projects.

Investment I-1.17: ‘An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition’ of the Walloon Region

This Walloon measure aims at reducing the carbon footprint of industry, transport and building sectors through project financing and investment. It shall consist of a series of coherent sub-projects (mostly in the field of research and development and first industrial development) covering the whole green hydrogen production value chain, as well as developing various applications of hydrogen as an energy carrier and the adaptation of devices (such as engines), that enable the use and valorisation of hydrogen. This project shall be part of the planned cross-border IPCEI 2 project on hydrogen.

Investment I-1.18: ‘Developing the low-carbon industry’ of the Walloon Region

The investment measure shall promote various projects aimed at reducing CO2 emissions resulting from energy consumption and emissions from industrial processes. It shall be implemented through a project call for R&D partnership projects aimed at bringing technologies to the level of (pre)-industrial demonstration or pilot versions in the following domains: electrification of industrial processes, hydrogen production by electrolysis, direct use of hydrogen in industrial applications, capture and concentration of CO2 emissions and decarbonisation of ammonia production processes.


B.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
15Regulatory framework for the H2 market (R-1.04)MEntry into force of the new or modified laws and related regulations to enable market development of H2Publication of the new or modified laws and related regulations (Official Journal)Q12024Entry into force of the new or modified laws to:

-enable market development of H2,

-cover topics such as supervision, non-discriminatory access and tariffs.
15bisRegulatory framework for the CO2 market in Flanders (R-1.05)MEntry into force of the new or modified decrees and related regulations to enable market development of CO2 in FlandersPublication of the new or modified decrees and related regulations (Official Journal)Q12024Entry into force of the new or modified decrees at the Flemish level to:

-enable market development of CO2,

-cover topics such as supervision, non-discriminatory access and tariffs.
15terRegulatory framework for the CO2 market in Wallonia (R-1.06)MEntry into force of the new or modified decrees and related regulations to enable market development of CO2 in WalloniaPublication of the new or modified decrees and related regulations (Official Journal)Q12024Entry into force of the new or modified decrees at the Walloon level to:

-enable market development of CO2,

-cover topics such as supervision, non-discriminatory access and tariffs.
18An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15)MAward of contracts under the call for tenderWritten notification of contract awards to successful candidatesQ22022Award of contracts under the call for tender “An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (federal level). The projects shall be selected via a call for tender, which shall cover demonstration plants for clean hydrogen production as well as the use of hydrogen, for instance in vessels, insofar as the projects fall under the competence of the federal government. As regards demonstration plants for clean hydrogen production, the call shall be open for all technologies with zero process emissions, such as electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, pyrolysis.


Call for tender for research and innovation (R&I) projects shall comply with the following conditions:

- The R&I exclusively or primarily focuses on low-impact options (such as. renewable hydrogen production or other zero emission environmental innovations) or

- The R&I is dedicated to improving “best in class” technology (such as. technologies with the most limited impact (but not zero / low impact) among those currently available), and appropriate flanking measures are put in place to prevent lock-in effects (measures enabling the uptake of low impact technologies, or their development); or

- The results of the R&I process are technologically neutral at the level of their application (i.e. they may be applied across all available technologies)

- Any electricity used in the projects is of green origin (such as. using RES-e) or based on green PPAs.
19An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15)MAward of contracts under the 2nd call for tenderWritten notification of contract award to successful candidatesQ22024Award of contracts under the 2nd call for tender “An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (Federal level). The projects shall be selected via a call for tender, which shall cover demonstration plants for clean hydrogen production as well as the use of hydrogen, for instance in vessels, insofar as the projects fall under the competence of the federal government. As regards demonstration plants for clean hydrogen production, the call shall be open for all technologies with zero process emissions, such as electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, pyrolysis.


Call for tender for research and innovation (R&I) projects shall comply with the following conditions:

- The R&I exclusively or primarily focuses on low-impact options (such as renewable hydrogen production or other zero emission environmental innovations); or

- The R&I is dedicated to improving “best in class” technology (such as technologies with the most limited impact (but not zero / low impact) among those currently available), and appropriate flanking measures are put in place to prevent lock-in effects (measures enabling the uptake of low impact technologies, or their development); or

- The results of the R&I process are technologically neutral at the level of their application (i.e. they may be applied across all available technologies)

- Any electricity used in the projects is of green origin (such as using RES-e) or based on green PPAs.
20An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15)MCompletion of all awarded projects in the calls for tenderFinal Project Report approvedQ42025Completion of projects awarded in the call for tender “An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition” (federal level), with EUR 45 000 000 executed.

Are excluded: all activities under the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) with projected CO2 equivalent emissions that are not substantially lower than the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation.

Call for tender for research and innovation (R&I) projects shall comply with the following conditions:

- The R&I exclusively or primarily focuses on low-impact options (such as renewable hydrogen production or other zero emission environmental innovations); or

- The R&I is dedicated to improving “best in class” technology (such as technologies with the most limited impact (but not zero / low impact) among those currently available), and appropriate flanking measures are put in place to prevent lock-in effects (measures enabling the uptake of low impact technologies, or their development); or

- The results of the R&I process are technologically neutral at the level of their application (i.e. they may be applied across all available technologies)

- Any electricity used in the projects is of green origin (such as. using RES-e) or based on green PPAs.
21An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16)MAward of contracts to hydrogen IPCEI projectsWritten notification of contract awards to successful candidatesQ42022Award of contracts to hydrogen IPCEI projects (defined as those projects forming the subject of the IPCEI State aid notification) under the measure “An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition” (Flanders). Are excluded from selected projects: all activities under the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) with projected CO2 equivalent emissions that are not substantially lower than the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation.

Selected research and innovation (R&I) projects shall comply with the following conditions:

- The R&I exclusively or primarily focuses on low-impact options (such as renewable hydrogen production or other zero emission environmental innovations); or

- The R&I is dedicated to improving “best in class” technology (such as technologies with the most limited impact (but not zero / low impact) among those currently available), and appropriate flanking measures are put in place to prevent lock-in effects (measures enabling the uptake of low impact technologies, or their development); or

- The results of the R&I process are technologically neutral at the level of their application (i.e. they may be applied across all available technologies)

- Any electricity used in the projects is of green origin (such as using RES-e) or based on green PPAs.
22An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16)MAward of contracts for non-IPCEI hydrogen projectsWritten notification of contract awards to successful candidatesQ42022Award of contracts to additional non-IPCEI hydrogen projects. Are excluded from selected projects: all activities under the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) with projected CO2 equivalent emissions that are not substantially lower than the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation.

Selected research and innovation (R&I) projects shall comply with the following conditions:

- The R&I exclusively or primarily focuses on low-impact options (such as renewable hydrogen production or other zero emission environmental innovations); or

- The R&I is dedicated to improving “best in class” technology (such as technologies with the most limited impact (but not zero / low impact) among those currently available), and appropriate flanking measures are put in place to prevent lock-in effects (measures enabling the uptake of low impact technologies, or their development); or

- The results of the R&I process are technologically neutral at the level of their application (i.e. they may be applied across all available technologies)

- Any electricity used in the projects is of green origin (such as using RES-e) or based on green PPAs.
23An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16)MCompletion of projects awarded under the call for tenderFinal Project Report approvedQ22026Completion of projects awarded under the call for tender “An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition” (Flanders), with EUR 67 500 000 executed, including new hydrogen electrolysis capacity of 75 MW operational.

All awarded research and innovation (R&I) projects shall comply with the following conditions:

- The R&I exclusively or primarily focuses on low-impact options (such as renewable hydrogen production or other zero emission environmental innovations) ; or

- The R&I is dedicated to improving “best in class” technology (such as. technologies with the most limited impact (but not zero / low impact) among those currently available), and appropriate flanking measures are put in place to prevent lock-in effects (measures enabling the uptake of low impact technologies, or their development); or

- The results of the R&I process are technologically neutral at the level of their application (i.e. they may be applied across all available technologies)

- Any electricity used in the projects is of green origin (such as using RES-e) or based on green PPAs.
24An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.17)MAward of contracts for hydrogen IPCEI projectsWritten notification of contract awards to successful candidatesQ12022Award of contracts to hydrogen IPCEI projects (defined as those projects forming the subject of the IPCEI State aid notification) under the measure “An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition” (Wallonia). The specifications of the call for projects shall ensure the exclusion of all activities under the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) with projected CO2 equivalent emissions that are not substantially lower than the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation.

All awarded research and innovation (R&I) projects shall comply with the following conditions:

- The R&I exclusively or primarily focuses on low-impact options (such as renewable hydrogen production or other zero emission environmental innovations); or

- The R&I is dedicated to improving “best in class” technology (such as technologies with the most limited impact (but not zero / low impact) among those currently available), and appropriate flanking measures are put in place to prevent lock-in effects (measures enabling the uptake of low impact technologies, or their development); or

- The results of the R&I process are technologically neutral at the level of their application (i.e. they may be applied across all available technologies)

- Any electricity used in the projects is of green origin (such as using RES-e) or based on green PPAs.
26An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.17)MCompletion of all projects IPCEI awarded under the call for tenderFinal Project Report approvedQ22026Completion of all projects awarded under the call for tender “An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition” (Wallonia), with EUR 80 000 000 executed, including entry into operation of green electrolysis capacity of minimum 1 MW (infrastructure included).

Are excluded: all activities under the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) with projected CO2 equivalent emissions that are not substantially lower than the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation.

All awarded research and innovation (R&I) projects shall comply with the following conditions:

- The R&I exclusively or primarily focuses on low-impact options (such as renewable hydrogen production or other zero emission environmental innovations such as pyrolysis; or

- The R&I is dedicated to improving “best in class” technology (such as technologies with the most limited impact (but not zero / low impact) among those currently available), and appropriate flanking measures are put in place to prevent lock-in effects (measures enabling the uptake of low impact technologies, or their development); or

- The results of the R&I process are technologically neutral at the level of their application (i.e. they may be applied across all available technologies)

- Any electricity used in the projects is of green origin (such as using RES-e) or based on green PPAs.
27Developing the low-carbon industry (I-1.18)MAward of contractsWritten notification of contract awards to successful candidatesQ22022Award of contracts under the measure “Developing the low-carbon industry”. The specifications of the call for projects shall ensure the exclusion of all activities under the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) with projected CO2 equivalent emissions that are not substantially lower than the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation.

All awarded research and innovation (R&I) projects shall comply with the following conditions:

- Either the R&I exclusively or primarily focuses on low-impact options (such as renewable hydrogen production or other zero emission environmental innovations); or

- The R&I is dedicated to improving “best in class” technology (such as technologies with the most limited impact (but not zero / low impact) among those currently available), and appropriate flanking measures are put in place to prevent lock-in effects (measures enabling the uptake of low impact technologies, or their development); or

- The results of the R&I process are technologically neutral at the level of their application (i.e. they may be applied across all available technologies)

- Any electricity used in the projects is of green origin (such as using RES-e) or based on green PPAs.
28Developing the low-carbon industry (I-1.18)MCompletion of projects awarded under the call for tenderFinal Project Report approvedQ22026Completion of projects awarded under the call for tender “An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition” with EUR 30 000 000 executed, including completion of a demonstration project with theoretical long term potential of 2 millions of tons CO2 reduction p.a.

The final project report shall demonstrate that:

-Any electricity used in the projects is of green origin (such as using RES-e) or based on green PPAs.


C. COMPONENT 1.3: Climate and environment

Measures under this component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aim to conserve and restore biodiversity by ensuring the sustainable use and restoration of forests, marshes, meadows and grasslands. Measures under this component also contribute to the sequestration of CO2. Furthermore, the measures prepare for the impacts of climate change by improving water management and green infrastructure. As a result, resilience to drought and heavy rainfall shall increase, bringing about benefits to agriculture, tourism, citizens and the environment as a whole.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.3, calling on Belgium to focus investment-related economic policy on, inter alia, the low carbon and energy transition, as well as Country Specific Recommendation 2020.3 to focus investment on the green and digital transition.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

C.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-1.22: ‘Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change’ of the Walloon Region

The investment aims to support the conservation, restoring and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services, which shall improve the carbon storage capacity and resilience to climate change effects such as floods and droughts. The measure consists of four sub-actions: (1) support the regeneration of resilient forests in the public domain, (2) the strengthening of the network of protected areas within the priority action framework for the protection of certain species and habitats, (3) the creation of two national parks in Wallonia and (4) the re-meandering of rivers and creation of wetlands. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-1.23: ‘Ecological defragmentation’ of the Flemish Region

This investment in ecological defragmentation of existing regional transport infrastructure shall contribute to the restoration of ecosystems and the development of a coherent nature network in Flanders. The measure includes 15 concrete projects for eco-ducts and eco-tunnels (preparatory studies or construction works). The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-1.24: ‘Blue Deal’ of the Flemish Region

The Blue Deal investment is part of a bigger plan of 80 projects and actions aiming for better preparedness for longer periods of drought and more frequent heat waves by addressing drought problems in a structural way. Under the plan, nine sub-actions of diverse nature shall be supported, addressing different actors, including industry, farmers and municipalities. The actions cover: (A) landscape projects for drought mitigation, (B) a research program in agriculture, (C) two projects on waterway pumps and locks, (D) a water management support scheme for companies that invest in innovative water saving technologies, (F) innovative projects on circular water use and digital monitoring and smart water data systems, (G) implementation of nature-based solutions in four defined areas and (I) wetland restoration projects. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

C.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
36Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22)TLand management measures applied (forests, protected area) and remeandering projects in progresshectare01 935Q22024Land management measures applied to 1 935 hectares to enhance biodiversity and resilience to climate change in forests and protected area and progress on remeandering projects.
37Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22)TLand management measures applied (forests and protected area) and remeandering projects finalisedhectare1 9353 735Q22026Land management measures applied to 3 735 hectares to enhance biodiversity and resilience to climate change in forests and protected area and remeandering projects finalised.
38Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22)MAward of contracts to projects for creation of two national parksWritten notification of contract awards to successful candidatesQ12023Award of contracts to two projects and written notification sent to the successful candidates by the Walloon Minister of Environment following the call for proposal for two national parks of a total area between 10 000 and 70 000 hectares.
39Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22)TCompletion of two projects for national parksprojects02Q22026Completion of infrastructure works for two national parks of total area between 10 000 and 70 000 hectares.
40Ecological defragmentation (I-1.23)TCompletion of projects on ecological defragmentationprojects015Q22026Completion of infrastructure works for seven projects on ecological defragmentation (such as eco-ducts or eco-tunnels) and completion of eight projects covering only preparatory phases (such as localisation and design phases) for eight future defragmentation projects.
41Blue Deal (I-1.24)MStart of projects to reinforce biodiversity and/or mitigate climate change effects.Written contractual or legal document to testify the startQ22023Written contractual or legal document signed or adopted to testify the start of 41 out of 46 projects to reinforce biodiversity and/or mitigate climate change effects like drought & flooding: 35 landscape projects for drought mitigation (projects A in the description of the measure), one research program in agriculture (B), two projects on waterway pumps and locks (C), one water management support scheme (D), two smart water data modules and circular water projects (F), four areas for nature-based solutions (G), and wetland restoration (I).
42Blue Deal (I-1.24)MLand purchases to reinforce biodiversity and/or mitigate climate change effectsTitle deedsQ42023Land purchases finalised for wetland restoration projects (I) and for areas for nature-based solutions (G) (Approximately 1 000 hectares)
43Blue Deal (I-1.24)TCompletion of Blue Deal projectsprojects041Q22026Completion of 41 out of 46 Blue Deal projects to increase resilience to drought (A, B, C, D, F, G, I), covering 2 255 hectares (A, G, I), four pumping installations built and four lock doors restored (C) and including the completion of an operational smart water monitoring network and circular water projects (F).

D. COMPONENT 2.1: Cybersecurity

This component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan is expected to strengthen the overall cyber resilience and cyber crisis preparedness of Belgian society.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendations 2019.3 and 2020.3 to focus investment on the digital transition and to Country Specific Recommendations 2019.4 and 2020.3 to improve the business environment.

D.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-2.01: ‘Cybersecure and resilient digital society’ of the Federal State

The investment consists of measures to (1) strengthen cyber capabilities of SMEs and self-employed through cybersecurity awareness raising campaigns, a website, offering services such as a free cyberscan to quickly identify areas where cyber resilience may be improved and projects supporting SMEs in the field of cybersecurity such as exchanges of best practices, (2) combat cyber criminality through targeted warnings of cyber vulnerabilities and IT infections for professional IT users (Be Guard), an online plug-in allowing visitors to identify the reliability of websites (Validated Web Sites), and an online questionnaire to evaluate cyber maturity of businesses as well as recommendations to increase their cyber resilience (Cyber Fundamentals), (3) combat phishing through updated and new anti-phishing platforms (StopPhishing), (4) introduce a global cybersecurity governance framework within the Foreign Affairs Department based on ISO27000 3 and CIS20 4 norms, and (5) offer cyber resilience services to the Belgian public at large, consisting of (i) incident-handling services of cyber-attacks on IT infrastructure and systems of private businesses, citizens, and government services and (ii) services to enable attribution of such cyber-attacks (i.e. the identification of the organisation or person at the origin of the attack) due to the increased cyber capabilities of the Ministry of Defence, which is the Belgian administration’s hub of cybersecurity specialists where such activities are centralised. Military operations shall not be financed and the centre of gravity of the measure is civilian, with services aimed to protect and increase the cyber resilience and cyber security of society at large, i.e. private businesses, citizens and government services. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-2.02: ‘Cybersecurity: 5G’ of the Federal State

The investment aims to reinforce interception capabilities of private communications by the judicial police in a 5G context due to investments in a sweeping and a jamming suite, systems to capture audio in houses and vehicles, capabilities to locate and track vehicles and objects, and a transmission system of images acquired during special investigation methods. Those investments shall be adapted to 5G. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment I-2.03: ‘Cybersecurity: NTSU/CTIF interception and safeguard’ of the Federal State

The investment shall introduce a digital registry of intercepted private communications (Li-Vault) managed by the National Technical and Tactical Support Unit of the Belgian federal police, for use by the justice system, the police and intelligence services. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025.


D.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
44Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01)TNotifica-tion of award for eight public tendersWritten notification of awards sent to successful candidatesAwards for public tenders08Q22024Notification of awards for eight public tenders (i) by the Ministry of Economy for the delivery of the website that allows SMEs and self-employed to carry out a free cyber scan to quickly identify areas where cyber resilience may be improved, (ii) by the Ministry of Economy for a yearly cybersecurity awareness campaign targeted towards SMEs and self-employed, (iii) by the Centre for Cyber security for the delivery of an online plug-in allowing visitors to identify the reliability of websites, (iv) by the Centre for Cyber security for the delivery of a platform where larger SMEs may self-asses their cyber maturity based on an online survey; (v) by the Belgian federal telecommunications regulator for the implementation of an anti-phishing solution for emails, (vi) SMS, (vii) fraudulent calls and (viii) fraudulent signalisation messages in telecom operators infrastructure.
45Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01)MDelivery of first cybersecu-rity awareness campaignFirst cybersecurity awareness campaign targeted towards SMEs and self-employed on cyber resilience risks deliveredQ42022First cybersecurity awareness campaign targeted towards SMEs and self-employed on cyber resilience risks delivered and website deployed. This website shall offer a free cyberscan to SMEs and self-employed to quickly identify areas where cyber resilience may be improved.
46Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01)TInstruments to increase cyber resilience available to the general publicNumber of Instruments04Q42024Four tools aimed at increasing cyber resilience capabilities are available to the general public, i.e. (i) BeGuard, (ii) Validated Web Sites; (iii) Cyber fundamentals, and (iv) StopPhishing.
47Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01)MGlobal cybersecurity governance framework within the Ministry of Foreign AffairsGlobal cybersecurity governance framework within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs implemented and in forceQ42023A global cybersecurity governance framework based on ISO27000 and CIS20 norms is in force and implemented within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
48Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01)MDelivery of cyber resilience services to Belgian society at large by the Ministry of DefenceEntry in operation of Ministry of Defence cyber resilience platform and publication of cyber threats reportQ22026Cyber resilience capabilities of the Ministry of Defence are enhanced to offer cyber resilience services to Belgian society at large, including citizens, businesses and civil services. These services shall be delivered through one platform integrating relevant cyber threat intelligence, and through the oversight of actors potentially representing cyber threats. This oversight shall consist of a periodic report containing cyber actor updates.
49Cybersecuri-ty: 5G (I-2.02)MReinforced interception capabilities of the judicial police in a 5G contextReinforced interception capabilities of the judicial police in a 5G context on the entire Belgian territory through five operational elementsQ42025Interception capabilities of private communications by the judicial police in a 5G context are reinforced on the entire Belgian territory. This shall be achieved through the entry in operation of the following:

- a sweeping suite adapted to 5G;

- a jamming suite adapted to 5G;

- systems to capture audio in houses and vehicles adapted to 5G;

- capabilities to locate and track vehicles and objects adapted to 5G; and

- a transmission system of images acquired during special investigation methods.
50Cybersecuri-ty: NTSU/CTIF interception and safeguard (I-2.03)MDigital registry of intercepted private communications managed by the National Technical and Tactical Support Unit of the Belgian federal policeEntry in operation of the digital registry of intercepted private communicationsQ22025Digital registry of intercepted private communications (Li-vault) managed by the National Technical and Tactical Support Unit of the Belgian federal police, operational and ready for use by the justice system, the police and intelligence services.

E. COMPONENT 2.2: Public administration

This component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aims at increasing the efficiency of the public administration by digitalising its services.

This component contributes to addressing the Country Specific Recommendations 2019.3 and 2019.4 calling on Belgium to focus investment-related economic policy on, inter alia, digitalisation and to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden to incentivise entrepreneurship. It is also related to Country Specific Recommendation 2020.3 to improve the business environment, to front-load mature public investment and to focus investment on the digital transition.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

E.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-2.04: ‘Digitalisation IPSS’ of the Federal State

This measure aims at the acceleration of the digitalisation of the public social security institutions. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 August 2026. It consists of three sub-measures:

Investment I-2.04: ‘Digitalisation IPSS; sub-measure 1: Digital platform for interaction between Social Security and the citizens and businesses’ of the Federal State

The objective of this investment is to provide better access to social security services for citizens, businesses, including self-employed people, and on the other hand, to achieve performance gains for administrations and businesses. The investment is also intended to make Belgian social security more accessible in a European context. This investment shall make it possible to improve the communication and exchange of data among the institutions of the Member States, in particular in the context of rights clearance, fraud detection, the transmission of digital European forms and the use of a unique European citizen identification number.

Investment I-2.04: ‘Digitalisation IPSS, sub-measure 2: Digital account management for each company’ of the Federal State

This investment shall make it possible to digitalise financial flows between social security and businesses and potential financial intermediaries and service providers. Some of the applications for managing employers’ accounts date from 1979 and are very heterogeneous. This constitutes a technological and human risk. Their overhaul and the establishment of an integrated, efficient, evolving and high-quality information system is essential for the digitalisation and opening up of employers’ accounts.

Investment I-2.04: ‘Digitalisation IPSS, sub-measure 3: Improving data quality for automated decision-making and providing an independent social security platform – INASTI’ of the Federal State

This measure includes the creation of a central database by the Institut national d'assurances sociales pour travailleurs indépendants (INASTI), the social security institution for self-employed. This database is meant to contain all career data, as well as all rights and obligations of the self-employed. The creation of a single self-employed database is a prerequisite, for INASTI to create the social security platform for self-employed persons. Through such a platform, the provision of interactive electronic forms, automation of processes based on new technologies shall make it possible to record all social security information in the self-employed people’s ‘individual’ file, which may be consulted immediately by stakeholders at any time.

Investment I–2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF’ of the Federal State

This measure aims at the acceleration of the digitalisation of different administration services under the Federal State. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. It consists of 11 sub-measures.

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure aims at increasing the overall level of digitalisation of the Belgian judicial system, which is expected to have a positive impact on its overall efficiency. The sub-measure aims at addressing various identified weaknesses, starting from the digitalisation of the internal processes. The focus shall notably be on investments to tackle the current limitations and inefficiencies by improving case management and introducing data collection automation. In addition, the project aims at increasing the rate of online publication of judgments which is currently low and is essential to help citizens and businesses comply with the law.

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 2: Digitalisation of judicial business processes’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure aims at responding to the technical and technological challenges faced by the Federal Judicial Police in increasingly complex operations. The sub-measure shall enable the members of the federal judicial police to gain in efficiency: a) in solving problems encountered today such as decryption, 5G, internet research; b) through an increased automation of certain actions and use of artificial intelligence tools; c) through better data management and better understanding of data by the modernisation of forensic centres. The sub-measure includes the purchase of specific software solutions and IT equipment (servers).

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 3: Support to the development of digital tools and the increased digitalisation of the foreign trade agency’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure aims at supporting trade through the development of digital tools and increased digitalisation of the Foreign Trade Agency to enable a modern and digital transition of federal services in charge of promoting foreign trade. The sub-measure includes the development of a specific application and the corresponding training for 25 users.

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 4: Crisis management and security’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure aims at ensuring that the National Crisis Centre is provided with the capacity of hosting many partners in safe and secure circumstances, and for them to be able to connect to the digital infrastructure. A highly available and secure communication network among security partners involved in national crisis management needs to be developed to allow the release of confidential and classified information. To this end, the development of a new digital crisis infrastructure, a secure communication network and of a crisis management platform are included in the sub-measure.

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 5: Digital Bozar’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure aims at adopting digital technologies, which shall make it possible to create 100% digital events (such as music, exhibitions, BOZAR LAB) with the aim of gaining access to new markets for artists and cultural partners and increasing access to culture for people and groups located remotely (including in other countries), or facing mobility challenges (such as elderly people). To this end the sub-measure includes an infrastructure component with the laying of optical fiber between the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie and the Centre for Fine Arts, a cybersecurity component and the deployment of digital activities including IT training for the staff.

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 6: Digital government for citizens and businesses’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure aims at putting in place a strategy for radical transformation of the current model of related administration services and increase the uptake of digital public services by citizens and businesses. It provides for the development of a digital platform for the interaction between the government and the citizens and businesses.

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 8: Digitalisation of the AFSCA’s services for operators and consumers’ of the Federal State

The sub-measure aims to contribute to the digital transformation of the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA), which is responsible for monitoring the safety of the food chain and the food quality. In particular, this project aims at modernising existing applications and better integrating them to form a coherent system, ensuring rapid, efficient and fully digital processing of files. The project includes the digitalisation of the internal procedures, the development of two applications, one for the operators and one for the consumers and the setting-up of an open data platform.

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 9: Investment in the digitalisation of the SPF Foreign Affairs and the services offered by the SPF Foreign Affairs’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure aims at modernising the Foreign Affair administration. This project comprises the development of several applications, including the recast of Belpas (the passport applications), which is necessary in view of the evolution and modernisation of passports and biometric data. The sub-measure also involves the development of a new application for the management of the human resources, the digitalisation of the consular registers and the modernisation of the IT network.

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 10: Single Digital Gateway’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure aims at fostering a far-reaching transformation of the Belgian administrative landscape to support the recovery and reap the full potential of the internal market. In order to achieve this, full use of Belgian authentic sources shall be made which consist in databases where genuine data are kept and which serve as a reference for data on persons and legal fact. Such databases allow for simplification since the data may be reused by all the authorities having the appropriate authorizations and no longer shall be requested from citizens or businesses, in application of the ‘Only once’ principle. Furthermore, the sub-measure aims at maximising secure access to public online applications through electronic identification, digitalising back-office functions related to citizens and businesses; extend the Single Digital Gateway core support services to fully user-centric support services by sending questions from citizens and businesses to targeted administrations and by monitoring statistics.

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 11: Unleashing government data’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure aims at reaching a greater overview of available government data through the expansion of a register of authentic sources, increase the availability and reliability of data and make it easier to access them. Furthermore, this sub-measure aims to increase trust in the correct use of data, or maximise its re-use through standardisation and the use of artificial intelligence. This project includes the support for the extension of a number of platforms and the development of new services or expansion of existing services.

Investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 12: Digitalisation SPF Employment’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure consists of two parts. The first part aims at the creation of a digital individual training account for each person participating to the labour market dynamics. The account shall contain a number of information such as a skills assessment, trainings followed and a formal validation of the acquired competencies. This account shall be accessible to the concerned people. The second part aims at the creation of a database to monitor changes in working conditions. A user-friendly website shall be created for the presentation of the collected data and of the relative reports.

Investment I-2.06: ‘eHealth Services and Health Data’ of the Federal State

The objective of this project is to increase the quality, speed and agility of healthcare through digitalisation of health processes by stimulating innovative digital systems. In addition, it also aims at ensuring the administrative and technical means and availability of well anonymised and secure health data. Different actions are foreseen under the project, among which the extension of the e-prescription capabilities, improvement of the quality of prescriptions and cost reductions achieved for instance through clinical decision support systems or the operationalisation of tele-consultancy. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment I-2.07: ‘Digitalisation of ONE’ of the French Community

The measure aims to contribute to the digital transformation of the Office de la Naissance et de l’Enfance (ONE), a public reference body in the French Community for all matters relating to childhood, child policies, mother and child protection, medico-social support for the (future) mother and child, childcare outside their family environment and support for parenthood. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment I-2.08: ‘Digitalisation of the cultural and media sector’ of the French Community

The objective of the measure is to equip the Belgian French-speaking media and cultural sectors with tools assisting them in the digitalisation of the audio-visual and audio works and enhancing the visibility of those works. To increase the visibility of the Belgian French-speaking media and cultural sector over the different digital platforms, a set of technological tools shall be developed. The measure includes as well the digitalisation of 37 audio-visual and audio works produced in the French-speaking community. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-2.09: ‘Digitalisation of the Flemish Government’ of the Flemish Region

This measure has four main objectives:

·automating as many services as possible, notably those involving automatic entitlements, payments and proactive information,

·enabling quick and effective government decisions with data, where the use of data increasingly feeds government decisions. In this regard, investments are foreseen in the development of sensor data platforms, particularly in the areas of mobility and the environment.

·ensuring that a reliable basic infrastructure is put in place by strengthening the common basic information and ICT modules and by providing support,

·offering a hybrid future-oriented workplace to each Flemish official.

The measure shall consist in a number of 11 projects to be realised under the following 4 schemes: 1. Towards a low-cost public service for citizens, businesses and associations; 2. Enable quick and effective decisions with data; 3. Ensuring a reliable basic infrastructure by strengthening common information and ICT building blocks; and 4. Providing a hybrid workplace of the future for each Flemish official. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 December 2025.

Investment I-2.10: ‘Regional data exchange platform’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

The aim of this project is to make use of the data available in the Brussels Region for the benefit of Brussels citizens and businesses by developing a Brussels data exchange platform. In particular, the platform shall facilitate the establishment of urban “digital twins” (virtual representations of a city's physical assets). The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.

Investment I-2.11: ‘Digitalisation of citizen-business processes’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

The objective of this project is to address the growing need for administrative simplification and to enable citizens and businesses to complete their procedures in a coherent, efficient and transparent manner. In this regard, four projects shall contribute to the objective of administrative simplification:

·the implementation of a Brussels Regional Platform for Citizens Relations Management (CIRM),

·the launch of platform for digitalisation of planning permitting procedures,

·the launch of a platform for the digitalisation of urban information procedures and urban archives. This project shall be accompanied with the reforms and adjustments required for its proper implementation.

·the launch of a platform for the digitalisation of environmental permit procedures.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Reform R-2.01: ‘Simplification of administrative procedures: e-government for businesses, simplification of administrative procedures’ of the Federal State

This reform aims at administrative simplification notably by fully digitalising the procedures for the creation, modification and dissolution of business activities and legal persons. In particular, a cooperation agreement including measures to enable the creation, modification and dissolution of business activities in full electronic format shall enter into force. The new digital system introduced by the cooperation agreement, encompassing three electronic forms for the creation, modification and dissolution of business activities, shall be an alternative administrative channel that shall provide a simplified alternative to the existing forms. Additionally, the laws and royal decrees gradually enabling the online creation, modification and dissolution of legal persons for all legal forms via notaries or via Just-Act shall enter into force. The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023.

Reform R-2.02: ‘E-government: Tendering procedure’ of the Federal State

This reform consists of a coherent set of measure to expand the use of eProcurement including a new Royal Decree, which shall adapt the federal regulatory framework for conducting tendering procedures in order to facilitate the ease of use of the new and improved e-government platform. The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2024.

E.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

SeqNb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
51Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04) (sub-measure 2)TAll Public Institute for Social Security (IPSS) communications are digital and

data is centralized / consolidated
%0100Q22024100% of communication between Public Institute for Social Security (IPSS) and the employers in terms of the billing/payment are digitalised. The National Social Security Office (RSZ/ONSS) billing system is integrated in the Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line (PEPPOL) network.
52Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04)(sub-measure 1)MDigital solution available - web interface (IPSS)Final version of the IPSS web interface is operationalQ12026The final user rights management interfaces for the Public Institute for Social Security (IPSS) communications are available. Partners, businesses and citizens have new, efficient interfaces for managing their declarations and communications with social security. Communication channels have been automated and modernized. The management tools for all the new applications developed to manage the user rights and access, to register new employers and to declare new or updated relations between the social security and an employer/employees are in place and allow easy maintenance and facilitated future evolutions. Stakeholders have access to their data which is searchable and open. The new platform is fully operational, modern, maintainable and scalable. The infrastructure is in place to support all the new applications to register new employers and to declare new or updated relations between the social security and an employer/employee.
53Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04)

(sub-measure 3)
MDigital solution available - Interactive platform (IPSS)Interactive platform for self-employed is fully operational.Q22026A Public Institute for Social Security (IPSS) interactive platform for self-employed is fully operational and provide for the following:

·interactive electronic forms and automation of processes, such as the bridging right and the exemptions to which self-employed are entitled.

·All information relating to social security are recorded in the self-employed person’s “individual” file, which may be consulted immediately at any time by the parties involved.

·The platform makes it possible to automate processes, speed up the communication of decisions and automatically grant derived rights.

·The platform is connected to other institutions, including the National Social Security Office (NSSO) and the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (NIHDI) or platforms and allows exchanges with other countries in the social security sector.
54Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (sub-measure: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12)MRequirements are definedRequirements, design and solutions for the different sub-measures are defined and approvedQ22022The requirements, design and solutions necessary for sub-measures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12 are defined by the competent administrations and approved by the competent Ministry.
55Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (sub-measure: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12)MProjects are completed and the output is operationalProjects are completed and operationalQ22026Projects corresponding to sub-measures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12 are completed and operational. EUR 74 800 000 have been paid out.
56Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05)

(Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice)
MProject management in place for the digital transformation of justice following the adoption of a decreeAdoption of the ministerial Decree of a program management office, which set up for the digital transformation of justiceQ42021Adoption of a Ministerial Decree by the Minister of Justice to set up a Program Management Office with a clear governance structure to digitalise SPF Justice. This includes a clear definition of tasks and competences, and clear arrangements for the different parties that shall participate in the digital transformation.
57Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05)

(Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice)
MPublication of the JustOnWeb online portalThe JustOnWeb basic portal is put on line.Q42022The JustOnWeb basic portal is put on line. JustOnWeb shall be the “One Stop” web portal, where individuals, businesses, lawyers and public authorities may access justice services and information. At an initial stage, the JustOnWeb base portal shall provide a limited number of services such as filing procedural documents in a case, consulting criminal cases with regard to sexual offences, consultation and payment of traffic fines, consultation of personal official acts (such as marriage, adoption), starting a case on the protection of persons.
58Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05)

(Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice)
MInternal centralization of court decisionsJudicial verdicts are available for consultation through the just-on-web portal.Q42023The relevant new judicial verdicts of the courts of first instance (including the justices of the peace and the police courts) and the courts of appeal shall be centralized internally. A fully automated pseudonymisation algorithm shall convert this centralized data source into a publishable version compliant with privacy regulations. 50% of the total amount of judicial verdicts delivered as of the entry into force of the law creating the central register are available for consultation through the just-on-web portal.
59Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05)

(Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice)
MDatabase for the collection of real-time dataA database for the collection of real-time data on the progress of legal proceedings is operationalQ42024A database for the collection of real time data on the conduct of court proceedings is operational. The published data shall cover the number of new cases, the number of cases closed, pending cases and the average lead time, for both civil, business and criminal cases.
60Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05)

(Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice)
MNew Case Management System for seven entitiesA new case management system shall be developed and deployed for seven entitiesQ42025A new case management system shall be developed and deployed for seven entities that use an outdated file management system, to make the judicial system more efficient by focusing on far-reaching digitization, which shall allow to process files faster and in larger quantities than today. The choice of entities shall be made in consultation with the College of Courts and Tribunals, the College of the Public Ministry, the College of the Court of Cassation and the ICT Steering Committee, but priority shall in principle be given to entities that are not included in the Mammouth at Central Hosting (MaCH) Phase 2 contract.
61Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05)

(Sub-measure 10: Single Digital Gateway)
MThe front-end interface is developedA Fully Only Once-compliant front end has been developed, tested and validated for 10 domains of activities.Q42025 5A Fully Only Once-compliant front end has been developed, tested and validated for 10 domains (i.e., civil register, population register, social security (employees), social security (employers), motor vehicle register, professional qualifications, legal entities, starting a business, modifying a business, closing a business). The system shall ensure compliance with eIDAS (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) regulation and shall be fully user centric by fully applying the "no wrong door" principle.

The “no wrong door” principle in this context means that the end user (citizen or entrepreneur) shall be able to get in touch with the assistance services no matter his/her entrance point, whether it shall be “your Europe”, or “Belgium.be”, a regional portal site, a local entrance point or any public service, no matter the device he/she uses (such as mobile phone, tablet, laptop) and no matter the subject of his/her question. The administrative logic behind the entrance point, at the back office level, shall make sure that the question of the end user shall arrive at the right desk without the end user having to wonder which administration is responsible for which topic.
62eHealth Services and Health Data (I-2.06)MEntry into force of the law setting up the Health Data AuthorityProvision in the law indicating the entry into force of the lawQ12022Entry into force of the law setting up the Health Data Authority, defining in particular the role and the responsibilities of the Authority. Development and validation of the various specifications (called ‘Care Set’ which may be integrated in the Computerised Patient Records) for their integration of into the providers' software.
63eHealth Services and Health Data (I-2.06)MDesign and solution for the subprojectsPublication of the technical specifications for the eHealth sub-projectsQ22022The requirements, design and solutions necessary for the different eHealth subprojects are defined.
64eHealth Services et Health Data (I-2.06)MFull roll-out of the projectSuccessful completion of the different eHealth sub-projectsQ42025All sub-projects related to eHealth services and Health Data resulted in full operational and integrated services and capabilities.
65Digitalisation of ONE (I-2.07)MEntry in operation of new digital platformsDigital platforms have been created and are available to all users.Q42025Digital platforms shall be created and are available to all users. This includes the following platforms:

MY: Beneficiary Platform, which aims to provide beneficiaries, in a secure and private manner, with relevant and targeted information according to their (the beneficiary's) needs and situation (the principle of "segmentation").

PRO: Professional Platform, which aims to provide childcare professionals with the tools to manage the various business processes, as well as the information that shall support their development, and the interactions with the ONE

OFFICE: Platform Agents, which is intended for ONE's agents and brings together all the applications for managing business processes, support services, decision aids, dashboards and relevant information. It is one of the components of the Digital Workplace.
66Digitalisation of the cultural and media sector (I-2.08)TCompletion of projects for digitized and enhanced audiovisual and audio worksProjects be completed037Q22026Full completion of 37 projects falling within the following categories:

· digitized and enhanced audiovisual and audio works: 30 projects

·native digital works created: 7 projects
67Digitalisation of the cultural and media sector (I-2.08)TIntegration by pilot cultural and media operators of technological toolsNumber of operators05Q22026Integration of developed technological tools with at least two pilot media operators (bringing together press, radio, television and digital activities) and at least three pilot cultural operators (including at least two different disciplines).

The technological tools shall be developed in "open source" and made available free of charge under a "creative commons" license.
68Digitalisation of the Flemish Government (I-2.09)MContract award for 11 projectsNotification of award for a number of projectsQ42022Notification of award sent by the Flemish Government or by the respective entity (notification authority) for a number of 11 projects (i.e. 100% of total) to the successful candidates following the call for proposal under the 4 schemes (1. Towards a low-cost public service for citizens, businesses and associations; 2. Enable quick and effective decisions with data; 3. Ensuring a reliable basic infrastructure by strengthening common information and ICT building blocks; and 4. Providing a hybrid workplace of the future for each Flemish official)
69Digitalisation of the Flemish Government (I-2.09)MDevelopment of 4 new digital featuresAll awarded projects are completedQ42025All awarded projects under the 4 schemes (1. Towards a low-cost public service for citizens, businesses and associations; 2. Enable quick and effective decisions with data; 3. Ensuring a reliable basic infrastructure by strengthening common information and ICT building blocks; and 4. Providing a hybrid workplace of the future for each Flemish official) are completed.
70Regional data exchange platform (I-2.10)MAward of the public contractA mission order document shall be publishedQ22021A mission order document shall be published presenting the high level requirements of the solution for a data exchange platform as well as the distribution of roles between the Brussels Regional Informatics Center (BRIC) and the subcontractors and the needs in terms of data governance and the governance required for the platform.
71Regional data exchange platform (I-2.10)T10 public administrations are supported for the deployment of projects on the regional data platformPublic administrations010Q42024A number of ten public administrations are supported for the development of projects on the new regional data exchange platform of the Brussels Region. The support shall consist in data integration development, data analysis, but also in specific resources assignment from Brussels Regional Informatics Center (BRIC) to help the public administrations in their projects, like Data Specialists and Data analysts.

The public administrations shall be selected among the most important administrations of the region where the need for data exchange has been identified as required and where it shall provide added value for the Brussels Region.
72Digitalisation of citizen-business processes (I-2.11)MEntry in operation of new digital platformsA new platform (CRM) facilitating the interaction between the administration and citizens/enterprises and between administrations is operational in the Brussels RegionQ22021A new platform (CRM) facilitating the interaction between the administration and citizens/enterprises and between administrations is operational in the Brussels Region.

The CRM foundation platform shall be available for the development of specific CRM projects within the Brussels Region. The goal is to deploy by end of 2024 16 projects spread over regional and/or local administrations (Parking.Brussels, Hub.Brussels, Bruxelles Economie and Emploi).
73Digitalisation of citizen-business processes (I-2.11)TEntry in operation of 3 online platforms (town planning permit, town planning information and environmental permit)Digital platforms03Q42025Three digital platforms respectively for urban planning permits, urban planning information and environmental permits are operational in the Brussels Region.

The Platform for the digitalization of the building permits shall allow citizens and enterprises to make digitally their request for the different types of building permits, they shall be able to follow-up online the status of their permits, exchange digitally the required documents, and follow the process of their permits delivery.

The platform for the digitalization of the urban planning information shall offer services to manage the requests and the follow-up of the urban planning information, by integrating the third parties (such as real estate agencies, notaries). It shall offer services to digitalize urban planning archives on the basis of standards.

The platform for the digitalization of the environmental permits shall allow citizens and enterprises to introduce demands for the different types of environmental permits, including: normal permits, classes, extensions, specific permits, mixed permits. The platform shall also integrate all stages of the procedure from request for complements, modification of the request, until delivery of the permit.
77Simplification of administrative procedures (R-2.01)MEntry into force of measures to simplify the online creation of a businessPublication in the Moniteur belge of the last legislative act assenting to the cooperation agreement including measures to enable the creation, modification and dissolution of business activities in full electronic format. Provisions indicating the entry into force of the laws and royal decrees gradually enabling the online creation, modification and dissolution of legal persons for all legal formsQ42023Entry into force of the cooperation agreement between the federal government and the federated entities including measures to enable the creation, modification and dissolution of business activities in full electronic format. The new digital system introduced by the cooperation agreement, encompassing three electronic forms for the creation, modification and dissolution of business activities, shall be an alternative administrative channel that shall provide a simplified alternative to the existing forms.

Entry into force of the legislative provisions gradually enabling the online creation, modification and dissolution of legal persons for all legal forms via notaries or via Just-Act.
78E-government : tendering procedure (R-2.02)MEntry into force of a new regulatory contextProvision in the law indicating the entry into force of the new Royal DecreeQ22022Entry into force of a new Royal Decree which adapts the federal regulatory framework for conducting tendering procedures in order to facilitate the ease of use of the new and improved e-government platform.

The new Royal Decree aims to:

·Alignment of federal procurement policy participants (one member / one vote) to improve the penetration rate of federal joint procurement;

·Adopts a common roadmap - response to more targeted objectives in terms of sustainable development and access to SMEs (including innovation);

·Development of purchasing strategies by purchasing segments with category plans.

·Strengthening of the role of the federal purchasing centre of the SPF Bosa.

·Complete the administrative simplification and standardization of processes, in particular with a view to capturing the needs of federal participants
79E-government : tendering procedure (R-2.02)MImplementation of the new toolA new e-procurement platform is operationalQ42024A new e-procurement platform is operational. The new platform shall provide real-time data on public procurement throughout the country.

The new & improved platform shall consist of at least the following modules: Internal approval flows with digital signatures eliminating paper based approvals, template engine increasing coherence and reducing errors, submission by means of structured questionnaires decreasing complexity and errors during submission and speeding up the evaluation process, a wizard-like checklist for buyers guiding them to better and more coherent procurement of services and goods; The new platform shall provide real-time data on public procurement throughout the country and shall foresee interfacing possibilities with the federal budget & invoicing tools. During the project decisions on possible additional functionalities shall be taken in light of their expected return on investment for the federal client organisations of the platform.

E.3.    Description of the reforms and investments for the loan

Investment I-2.05[L]: ‘Digitalisation SPF: Digitalisation of asylum and immigration management processes’ of the Federal State

This sub-measure aims at modernising the digital infrastructure to allow for a better and controlled integration with internal and public offices, modernising and developing migration services with a focus on user experience; standardising and securing the mutual exchange of data and documents. The project includes the setting of a digital integration platform, a crossroads database for foreign nationals and the development of a data warehouse, which shall make it possible to generate, store, structure and combine migration-related data and statistics. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.


E.4.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for the loan

Seq.
Nb.
Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
54bDigitalisation SPF (I-2.05)[L]MRequirements are definedRequirements, design and solutions are defined and approvedQ22022The requirements, design and solutions necessary are defined by the competent administrations and approved by the competent Ministry.
55bDigitalisation SPF (I-2.05)[L]MProjects are completed and the output is operationalProject is completed and operationalQ22026Project is completed and operational. EUR 17 700 000 have been paid out.


F. COMPONENT 2.3: Optic fibre, 5G and new technologies

This component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan contains reforms and investments related to 5G, very high-capacity connectivity infrastructure, and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), which are expected to deliver essential building blocks for the digital transition in Belgium.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2020.3 in that it calls for focusing investments on the digital transition, in particular on digital infrastructure, such as 5G and Gigabit Networks and to Country Specific Recommendation 2019.3 in that it calls for focusing investment-related economic policies on sustainable research and innovation, in particular in the field of digitalisation, taking into account regional differences.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

F.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-2.13: ‘Coverage of white areas by developing very high speed fibre optic networks’ of the German-speaking Community

The investment aims at promoting the fibre readiness in Belgium. This measure consists of investments via a joint venture in fibre deployment covering the entire German-speaking Community territory, an area where such investment is not deemed commercially viable. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-2.14: ‘Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This investment shall promote the human-centric use of AI in areas such as health and well-being, environment, mobility, energy, and media and democracy, also in support of the twin green and digital transition, making sure that societal and individual interests are reflected in the AI research, innovation and rollout processes. The AI for the Common Good Institute Brussels (FARI) shall serve as a bridge between academia, businesses, policy-making and citizens and is built on three pillars: (1) AI Research and Innovation Hub: joining forces between academia, industry, policy-makers and citizens to develop AI solutions that are widely accepted, (2) AI & Society Think Tank: reflecting on and positioning of AI in society; and (3) AI test and Experience Lab: showcasing AI and data driven technologies to create awareness for the general public and industry (including a training dimension). Pillars (1) and (3) are included in the plan. Services include city-scale digital twin 6 support to local authorities in urban planning and citizen engagement. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.

Investment I-2.15: ‘Improving the connectivity of the 35 business parks in Wallonia’ of the Walloon Region

This investment shall deploy fibre in 35 public business parks in the Walloon Region by the Walloon region infrastructure financing company Sofico, where such investments are not deemed commercially viable, in order to achieve a 100% fibre coverage for all public business parks in the Walloon Region (‘Fibre connectivity for 35 business parks’). The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Reform R-2.03: ‘Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan – federal and regional level’

This measure consists of reforms both at the federal and regional level that are expected to remove bottlenecks, including regulatory bottlenecks, for the deployment of 5G and for the deployment of ultra-fast connectivity infrastructure, such as fibre. At the federal level, the 5G law and Royal Decrees to assign EU pioneer spectrum bands shall enter into force by 1 January 2022 at the latest. The 5G spectrum auction, under investment-friendly conditions 7 , shall be completed by 30 June 2022. Moreover, all three regions are to revise radiation standards which shall allow for effective 5G spectrum deployment for both private and industrial use, if deemed necessary and recommended by the relevant committees, in which case the revised regional standards shall enter into force by 31 March 2022.

Belgium shall also implement the Connectivity Toolbox that is to contain connectivity best practices for reducing the cost of deploying electronic communications networks and for efficient access to 5G radio spectrum tailored to Belgium. This shall include a national roadmap towards simplifying the licensing and permitting procedures relevant for the rollout of 5G and very high capacity networks, such as fibre. A report on the state of play of implementation of the Connectivity Toolbox shall be published by 30 June 2022.


F.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
80Coverage of white areas by developing very high speed fibre optic networks (I-2.13)TCoverage% (percentage)020Q2202620% of households (7.400 homes) in the German-speaking Community in fibre white zones receive access to very high-capacity fixed fibre networks.
81Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14)MCompletion of pilot projects by the AI for the Common Good InstituteFinal report approved on pilot projects by the AI for the Common Good InstituteQ22022Four pilot projects of the AI for the Common Good Institute completed, providing support services (such as training, development of proof of concepts of software solutions) to profit or non-profit organisations or public organisations in areas such as education in AI, healthcare, and employment in the Brussels Region.
82Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14)MTeam of experts created within the AI for the Common Good InstituteMulti-disciplinary team of experts on AI, Data & Robotics created within the AI for the Common Good InstituteQ42023A multi-disciplinary team of experts on AI, Data & Robotics within the AI for the Common Good Institute is created and shall be ready to support public services provided by the Brussels-Capital Region and to the digital transition of this region.
83Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14)TAI services delivered by the AI for the Common Good InstituteNumber03Q42024Three AI services by the AI for the Common Good Institute delivered to local authorities, i.e. digital twin support, trainings and advisory activities related to citizen services (such as engagement).
84Improving the connectivity of 35 business parks in Wallonia (I-2.15)TFibre connectivi-ty for 35 business parksNumber035Q4202535 public regional business parks in Wallonia receive access to fixed very high-capacity fibre networks.
89Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03)MEU Connectivi-ty ToolboxEU Connectivity Toolbox implemented, including roadmapQ22021Plan to implement EU Connectivity Toolbox best practices adopted, including the adoption of a roadmap towards simplifying the licensing and permitting procedures relevant for the rollout of 5G and very high capacity networks, such as fibre.
90Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03)MPublication of 5G spectrum assignment legislative frameworkPublication of the legislative framework for 5G spectrum assignmentQ42021Publication of 5G law and Royal Decrees to assign EU pioneer radio spectrum bands as defined by the Radio Spectrum Policy Group for 5G networks under investment-friendly conditions.
91Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03)M5G auctionOrganisation and implementation of 5G auction under invest-ment friendly conditions by the Belgian Institute for postal services and telecommunicationsQ22022Completion of 5G auction by the federal telecommunications regulator (Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications) under investment-friendly conditions, in particular: call for candidates, software development (based on Royal Decrees), software testing, user manuals and guidelines, verification of candidates’ eligibility, software training for auctioneer team, auction set-up, licensing decision of Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (with consultation of the regions).
92Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03)MStatus Connectivi-ty Toolbox implementationPublication of a report on the state of play of implementation of the Connectivity ToolboxQ22022Report published by the federal Ministry of Telecommunications on state of play of implementation of the Connectivity Toolbox in accordance with the scope and process outlined in the Belgian Connectivity Toolbox implementation roadmap.
93Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03)MRevision of the legislative framework of the three regions on radiation standardsRevision of the regional legislative frameworks on radiation standards on the basis of recommen-dations by competent committees and commissionsQ32022On the basis of the recommendations put forward by the relevant committees and commissions and reports assessing the possibility to amend their respective legislative frameworks on radiation standards, adaptation and entry into force of the respective legislative frameworks of the Flemish Region, Brussels Capital Region and Walloon Region, amending radiation standards, if deemed necessary and recommended by the relevant committees, to allow for effective 5G spectrum deployment both for private and industrial use.


G. COMPONENT 3.1: Cycling and walking infrastructure

The measures proposed under this component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aim at extending and upgrading cycling and walking infrastructure throughout Belgium.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2020.3 calling on Belgium to focus investment on the green and digital transition, in particular on infrastructure for sustainable transport.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

G.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-3A: ‘Cycling infrastructure’

The objectives of the investment is to create additional cycling infrastructure and improve existing infrastructure. This measure is composed of the following four sub-measures.

·Investment I-3.01: ‘Cycling infrastructure’ of the Flemish Region

·Investment I-3.02: ‘Cycling infrastructure – Corridors Vélo’ of the Walloon Region

·Investment I-3.03a: ‘Cycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus - RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

Investment I-3.01: ‘Cycling infrastructure’ of the Flemish Region

This investment consists in building 40 km new cycling paths and refurbishing 365 km of cycling paths. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-3.02: ‘Cycling infrastructure – Corridors Vélo’ of the Walloon Region

This investment consists in building at least 11.57 km of cycling paths through two cycling corridors along motorway E411 and route N275. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-3.03a: ‘Cycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus - RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This investment consists in building at least 7 000 bicycle parking spaces and at least 11.7 km of cycling paths, and upgrading 4.5 km of cycling paths in Brussels. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.


G.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
94Cycling infrastructure (I-3A)MStart of all cycling and walking projectsAdoption of the decision or contract awardQ22024Cycling infrastructure – VLA (I-3.01): Adoption of the decisions on budget and/or subsidy modalities for the program of the Beleidsdomein Mobiliteit en Openbare Werken.

Cycling infrastructure – corridors vélo – WAL (I-3.02): Award of contracts on four stretches in Wallonia

Cycling infrastructure – VeloPlus – RBC (I-3.03): Adoption of decision on cycling itineraries in Brussels (RBC)
95Cycling infrastructure (I-3A)TNew and refurbished cycling roadskm06.3Q120246.3 km of new and refurbished cycling paths.

This target is indicatively broken down into the following sub-targets, which do not have to be reached individually provided that the above kilometers of cycling paths are achieved:

(i) Brussels-Capital Region (related to I-3.03): 6.3 refurbished and new km
96Cycling infrastructure (I-3A)TNew and refurbished cycling roadskm6.3432.77Q22026432.77 km of new and refurbished cycling paths.

This target is indicatively broken down into the following sub-targets, which do not have to be reached individually provided that the above kilometers of cycling paths are achieved:

(i) Brussels-Capital Region (related to I-3.03): 4.5 refurbished and 11.7 new km

(ii) Flemish Region (related to I-3.01): 365.0 refurbished and 40.0 new km

(iii) Walloon Region (related to I-3.02): 11.57 new km
97Cycling infrastructure – VeloPlus – RBC (I-3.03a)TNew public cycling parking for residentsCycling parking places07 000Q220267 000 new public cycling parking spaces.


G.3. Description of the reforms and investments for the loan

Investment I-3.03b: ‘Cycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus - FED’ of the Federal State

This investment consists in building at least 4.8 km of cycling paths in Brussels. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-3.04: ‘Cycling and walking infrastructure – Schuman’ of the Federal State

This investment consists in building at least 25 000 m² of cycling and walking infrastructure around the Schuman square in Brussels. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.


G.4. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for the loan

Seq.Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
96aCycling infrastructure - Vélo Plus - Federal State (I-3.03b)[L]MStart of all cycling and walking projectsAdoption of the decision or contract awardQ22024Award of building permit in Brussels.
96bCycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus - Federal State (I-3.03b) [L]TNew and refurbished cycling roadskm04.8Q220264.8 km of new and refurbushed cycling paths.
98Cycling and walking infrastructure – Schuman (I-3.04) [L]TNew public space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport at Schuman025 000Q2202625 000 m² of new public space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport at Schuman


H. COMPONENT 3.2: Modal shift

The measures proposed under this component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aim at supporting the modal shift by investing in rail, local public transport, smart mobility and inland waterways.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.3 calling on Belgium to “focus investment-related economic policy on sustainable transport, including upgrading rail infrastructure, the low carbon and energy transition and research and innovation, in particular in digitalisation, taking into account regional disparities. Tackle the growing mobility challenges, by reinforcing incentives and removing barriers to increase the supply and demand of collective and low emission transport.” and Country Specific Recommendation 2020.3 calling on Belgium to “focus investment on the green and digital transition, in particular on infrastructure for sustainable transport”.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

H.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform R-3.01: ‘Performance Infrabel/NMBS-SNCB’ of the Federal State

This reform consists in adopting the new performance contracts of NMBS-SNCB and Infrabel and its pluri-annual investment plan, which shall at least ensure the following:

·Timely execution of the ‘Réseau suburbain bruxellois - Geweestelijk ExpressNet’ (RER-GEN) suburban rail investments until 2031 in line with the Law adopting the inter-regional cooperation agreement 8 on strategic railway investments 9 .

·Right incentives for efficiency and service quality embedded in the contract.

·Complete investments I-3.09 ‘Rail-Accessible and multimodal train stations - FED’, I-3.10 ‘Rail – efficient network - FED’ and I-3.12 ‘Rail – Smart mobility - FED’, included in this component of the RRP.

The contract shall be concluded by 30 June 2023.

Reform R-3.02: ‘Mobility budget’ of the Federal State

This reform aims at reinforcing incentives to increase demand for modes of transport between home and work that constitute a sustainable alternative to company cars (i.e. collective transport and bicycle), as the uptake of the current mobility budget scheme has remained very limited. The objective is to induce a modal shift away from cars. The reform consists in the adoption of the law defining a revised mobility budget. The chapter in the law revising the mobility budget shall enter into force by 1 September 2021.

Investment I-3B: ‘Enhancing public transport in Wallonia’

The objectives of the investment is to enhance public transport in Wallonia. This measure is composed of the following four sub-measures:

·Investment I-3.07: ‘Metro extension’ of the Walloon Region

·Investment I-3.08: ‘Smart road signals’ of the Walloon Region


Investment I-3C: ‘Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works’

The objective of the investment is to refurbish rails and making railway stations more accessible. This measure is composed of the following two sub-measures:

·Investment I-3.09: ‘Rail-Accessible and multimodal train stations’ of the Federal State

·Investment I-3.10: ‘Rail – efficient network’ of the Federal State


Investment I-3D: ‘Unlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility application’

The objective of the investment is to unlock open data for a Smart Mobility application. This measure is composed of the following two sub-measures:

·Investment I-3.12: ‘Rail – Smart mobility’ of the Federal State

·Investment I-3.13: ‘Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) deployment’ of the Brussels-Capital Region


Investment I-3E: ‘Go Live of rail IT modules’

The objective of the investment is to operationalise the IT modules improving traffic management and ticketing. This measure is composed of the following two sub-measures:

·Investment I-3.10: ‘Rail – efficient network’ of the Federal State

·Investment I-3.12: ‘Rail – Smart mobility’ of the Federal State


Investment I-3.07: ‘Metro extension’ of the Walloon Region

This investment consists in refurbishing and extending the Charleroi light metro network by 5.5 km up to the Grand Hôpital de Charleroi (Viviers). The increase in operational costs to compensate the extended metroservice shall be included in the revised public service contract of the ‘Opérateur de Transport de Wallonie’ granted by the Walloon Region. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-3.08: ‘Smart road signals’ of the Walloon Region

This investments consists in installing smart traffic lights for public transport busses in Wallonia in at least 400 crossroads. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-3.09: ‘Rail-Accessible and multimodal train stations’ of the Federal State

This investment consists in building at least 6 000 bicycle parking spaces in railway stations 10 and making at least 25 stations, out of the 28 stations identified 11 , accessible, in accordance with the technical specifications for interoperability of Commission Regulation (EU) No 1300/2014 for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-3.10: ‘Rail – efficient network’ of the Federal State

This investment consists in upgrading at least 32 rail sections in the overall network, modernising at least 18 dedicated rail freight infrastructures, removing at least five infrastructure bottlenecks that hinder the performance of the Brussels-Luxembourg line (Eurocap rail), removing at least four rail bottlenecks in Brussels and to develop an IT module for traffic management. Some of the projects include costs that are not supported by the RRF but by Connecting Europe Facility. This regards rail lines L154 (track works, catenary works, the removal of three level crossings and the adaptation of a switching station), L24 (embeded track-railing on the bridge over Albert Canal, track and catenary works), L166 (embedded ballasted track-laying on two brigdes over the river Lesse and one bridge over the national road, track and catenary works and the removal of two level crossings) and the tunnel management system of the Antwerp Central railway station (development of a mitigation plan, installation of the linear heat "fibrolaser" fire detection system, of an Automated Safety Management System, implementation of a supervisory control and data acquisition visualisation system, and homologation of compliance with SIL and TSI SRT standards). The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-3.11: ‘Canal Albert and Trilogiport’ of the Walloon Region

This investment consists in extending the multimodal platform of Trilogiport in Liège, in increasing the height of three bridges (Lixhe, Haccourt and Hermalle-sous-Argenteau) above the Albert-Canal and install complementary river signaling in one bridge (Lanaye) above the Albert-Canal to allow barges to transport freight of up to 9.1 m of height (4 layers of freight). The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 August 2026.

Investment I-3.12: ‘Rail – Smart mobility’ of the Federal State

This investment consists in setting up an open data route-planner and eight IT modules with a ticketing platform interoperable with other Belgian regional transport operators (STIB-MIVB, De Lijn, TEC). The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 March 2025.

Investment I-3.13: ‘Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) deployment’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This investment consists in setting up a Brussels Data Hub to allow a swift storage, handling, analysis and exchange of mobility data generated by mobility service providers and Mobility-as-a-Service aggregators (“MaaS-aggregators”). The Brussels Data Hub shall cover not only public transport but also cycling. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 March 2025.

Investment I-3.14: ‘Modal shift grants’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This investment consists in supporting a new revised modal shift grant replacing the “Bruxelles’Air” grant, by extending it to all new types of sustainable modes of transport (car-sharing, bike-sharing, scooters) to reinforce incentives to increase demand for collective and low emission transport. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2023.

Investment I-3.15: ‘Smart move’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This investment consists in developing a mobility-as-a-service IT system (“SmartMove”) in the Brussels-Capital Region with an “app” interface to provide users with complete and accurate information on available modes of transport, including their respective cost, with particular attention to the impact on congestion and the environment. The investment also covers notably back office tracking, a website, authentication and a software for pricing and pricing simulation and for cross-referencing data with automatic number plat recognition. The IT systems include also a road charging component, with road charging still the subject of discussions between the different Regions. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2022.

H.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq.Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
99Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B)TStart of major infrastructure works for bus (smart road signals, and light metro (Charleroi)Projects02Q32023Extension metro Charleroi – WAL (I-3.07)

-Delivery of all building and environmental permits

Smart road signals – WAL (I-3.08)

-Award of contracts for all public works (contract award notification has been published)
100Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B)TOperationalisation of smart road traffic lightsNumber of crossroads with smart road traffic lights in the centralised platform
260
Q22025Smart road signals – WAL (I-3.08)

-Equipment of 260 crossroads with smart road signals.
101Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B)TCompletion of works and crossroads with smart road traffic lightsKm:

Number of crossroads with smart road traffic lights in the centralised platform
2

5,5

400
Q22026Completion of works of 5,5 km additional public transport infrastructure for zero-emission, metro extension (Charleroi) and 400 crossroads with smart traffic lights for public transport busses are operational in a centralised road signalisation platform.
102Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B)MSignature of revised public service contract of OTW (‘Organisme de Transport de Wallonie’)Revised public service contract of OTW (‘Organisme de Transport de Wallonie’)Q22024Signature of the revised public service contract of OTW (‘Organisme de Transport de Wallonie’) with committed compensation for the additional operational expenditure of the zero-emission metro of Charleroi and the tram of Liège.
103Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C)TCompletion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 1)Completed works032Q32022Completion of 27 interventions to upgrade rail infrastructure (I-3.10) and make 5 stations accessible (I-3.09) in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1300/2014 on at least 4 criteria:

- high platforms (76cm);

- platforms accessible through ramps or lifts;

- tactile warning surface guiding system; and

- at least one ticket vending machine accessible to persons with reduced mobility.

And add 6000 bicycle parking spaces.
104Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C)TCompletion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 2)Completed works3262Q32023Completion of 50interventions to upgrade rail infrastructure (I-3.10), and make 12 stations accessible (I-3.09) in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1300/2014 on at least 4 criteria:

- high platforms (76cm);

- platforms accessible through ramps or lifts;

- tactile warning surface guiding system; and

- at least one ticket vending machine accessible to persons with reduced mobility.
105Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C)TCompletion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 3)Completed works6284Q22026Completion of 59 interventions to upgrade rail infrastructure, and make 25 stations accessible (I-3.09) in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1300/2014 on at least 4 criteria:

- high platforms (76cm);

- platforms accessible through ramps or lifts;

- tactile warning surface guiding system; and

- at least one ticket vending machine accessible to persons with reduced mobility.
106Canal Albert andTrilogiport (I-3.11)MAward of contracts for the works of the bridges over Canal Albert / and a new platform at TrilogiportWritten notification of contract awardsQ12025Award of all contracts for the works of the new multimodal platform of Trilogiport in Liège and the 4 bridges above the Albert-Canal (Lanaye, Lixhe, Haccourt and Hermalle-sous-Argenteau bridges).
107Canal Albert and Trilogiport (I-3.11)TCompletion of the works of the bridges over Canal Albert / and a new platform at TrilogiportNumber of works05Q22026Completion of the works in the multimodal platform of Trilogiport in Liège (reception of “procès-verbal de reception provisoire”) and of the works to increase the height of 3 bridges above the Albert-Canal (Lixhe, Haccourt and Hermalle-sous-Argenteau bridges) and install complementary river signalling in one bridge above the Albert-Canal (Lanaye).
108Unlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility application (I-3D)TUnlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility applicationProjects03Q12025Unlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility application:

- SNCB ticketing (1 project),

- SNCB planning & realtime data (1 project)

- Brussels mobility services (1 project)
109Go Live of rail IT modules (I-3E)TGo Live of rail IT modulesModules010Q42024Go Live of rail IT modules: - Infrabel traffic management system (1 module)

SNCB-NMBS Routeplanner (1 module)

SNCB-NMBS Ticketing components (8 modules) enabling better operations and customer experience in freight and passenger railway.
110Mobiliteitsbudget (R-3.02)MAdoption of the mobility budgetAdoption of the mobility budget---Q32021Adoption of the mobility budget.
111SNCB/INFRABEL Performance (R-3.01)MApproval of the new performance contracts of NMBS-SNCB and Infrabel and the pluri-annual investment plan, contractApproval of contracts---Q22023The new performance contract shall include provisions to ensure:

- the timely execution of the works for the RER-GEN in line with the law adopting the inter-regional cooperation agreement on strategic railway investments (Annex Ia of the Loi portant assentiment à l’accord de coopération du 5 octobre 2018 entre l’Etat fédéral, la Région flamande, la Région wallonne et la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale relatif au financement des infrastructures ferroviaires stratégiques / Wet houdende instemming met het samenwerkingsakkoord van 5 oktober 2018 tussen de Federale Staat, het Vlaamse Gewest, het Waalse Gewest en het Brusselse Hoofdstedelijke Gewest betreffende de financiering van de strategische spoorweginfrastructuren, Moniteur belge – 11.03.2019 – Belgisch Staatsblad)

- Right incentives for efficiency and service quality embedded in the contract

- the completion of investments I-3.09 ‘Rail-Accessible and multimodal train stations - FED’, I-3.10 ‘Rail – efficient network - FED’ and I-3.12 ‘Rail – Smart mobility - FED’, included in this component of the RRP
112Smart Move (I-3.15)MSmart Move application is operationalGo live of Smart Move application---Q22022The Smart Move application is operational and the testing phase is completed. - Monitoring and evaluation of Hyper Care

- Evaluation of impact and identification of the enhancement processes
113Modal shift grants (I-3.14)TFirst 4 375 new modal shift grants applicationsNumber04 375Q42023First 4 375 new modal shift grants have been applied for.


I. COMPONENT 3.3: Greening road transport

The measures proposed under this component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aim to support low-emission road transport.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.3 to focus investment-related economic policy on sustainable transport, including upgrading rail infrastructure, the low carbon and energy transition […] Tackle the growing mobility challenges, by reinforcing incentives and removing barriers to increase the supply and demand of collective and low emission transport and Country Specific Recommendation 2020.3 to focus investment on the green and digital transition, in particular on infrastructure for sustainable transport.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

I.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-3F: ‘Charging stations’

The objectives of the investment are to deploy electric charging stations. This measure is composed of the following four sub-measures:

·Reform R-3.04: ‘Charging stations - WAL’ of the Walloon Region

·Reform R-3.05: ‘Charging stations - RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

·Investment I-3.18: ‘Charging stations - FED’ of the Federal State

·Investment I-3.19: ‘Charging stations - VLA’ of the Flemish Region


Investment I-3G: ‘Greening the bus fleet’

·Investment I-3.16: ‘Greening the bus fleet - VLA’ of the Flemish Region

·Investment I-3.17: ‘Greening the bus fleet - RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

·Investment I-3.20: ‘Greening the bus fleet - WAL’ of the Brussels-Capital Region


Reform R-3.03: ‘Zero-emission company cars -FED’ of the Federal State

This reform consists in phasing-out the existing company car tax scheme to conventional cars and limiting it as from 2026 to electric cars. The reformed company car taxation scheme shall foresee: (1) No deductibility of conventional company cars acquired as from 2026 (2) a progressive reduction of the tax deductibility rate of conventional company cars, acquired between July 1st and 31 December 2025, to reach 0% by 2028, (3) a progressive reduction of the tax deductibility rate of zero-emission company cars to reach at most 67,5% by 2031, and (4) a tax deductibility of petrol and diesel fuel for hybrid company cars, acquired between 2023 and 2025, reduced to 50% by January 2023. Furthermore, (5) for conventional cars acquired from July 1st 2023, the CO2 contribution shall rise at a rate of 2.25 from July 1st, 2023 and increase progressively in 2025, 2026 to a factor of 5.50 in 2027. (6) For zero-emission company cars, acquired from July 1st 2023, the minimum solidarity contribution shall increase, starting from the year 2025, in such a way that, in the long run, for the average company car, the same amount of social security contributions shall be owed as is the case at the time of adoption of the plan. The reform, including the transition periods and implementation phases mentioned above, shall be adopted by 30 September 2021 and shall enter into force on 1 January 2023.

Reform R-3.04: ‘Charging stations - WAL’ of the Walloon Region

This reform consists in adopting a legislative framework and award of concessions for charging infrastructure in the Walloon Region and installing 4 708 public charging points equivalent. The target for the number of public charging points equivalent (CPE) to be installed shall take into account of the indicative target of one CPE for ten electric vehicles. The plan to deploy electric charging stations shall be adopted by 30 September 2022 by the Walloon Government and shall be implemented immediately in order to reach its objectives by 30 June 2026.

Reform R-3.05: ‘Charging stations - RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This measure consists in adopting a legislative framework and award of concessions for charging infrastructure in the Brussels-Capital Region and installing 360 public charging points equivalent by 31 December 2023. This plan shall be in line with the Directive 2014/94/EU on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure and shall be regularly updated and shall ensure that the Region’s target is met. The decree specifying the security standards to be followed for installing off-street charging points in the Brussels-Capital Region shall be adopted by 1 March 2022 at the latest and enter into force by 31 July 2022. The implementation of the measure as a whole shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Reform R-3.06: ‘Stimulation zero-emission transport - VLA’ of the Flemish Region

This measure consists in adopting a legislative framework to incentivise the deployment of public charging points through concessions and semi-public points through grants in the Flemish Region. The legislative framework shall enable the mapping of the future charging points, launch the concession tenders for public charging points, stimulate the deployment of semi-public charging points on private properties, reduce administrative burden to shorten the lead time for the installation of charging points and stimulate smart electricity charging to balance the supply and demand of electricity. The legislative framework shall enter into force by 1 January 2022.

Reform R-3.07: ‘Emission Fraud’ of the Flemish Region

This measure consists in (i) adopting a new legal framework for NOx tests (if ongoing research yields a feasible procedure), large-scale vehicle-emission monitoring, improved road-side inspections and a efficient in service conformity test program and (ii) an IT system that integrates emission data with observations of periodic technical and roadside inspections to further improve the in service conformity test program.

The legal framework shall be published by April 2023 and enter into force according to the following timeframe. Before 1 July 2023, large-scale vehicle emission monitoring shall be deployed, improved road-side inspections implemented and efficient in service conformity test program started. In case a feasible NOx testing procedure for technical inspection is developed before 31 March 2022, it shall be implemented in 2023. At the latest by 31 December 2024 the full measure shall be completed and implemented (full completion of IT system which allows further integration of road-side and periodic technical inspection with in service conformity program).

Investment I-3.16: ‘Greening the bus fleet - VLA’ of the Flemish Region

This investment conducted for ‘VVM-De Lijn’, the Flemish regional public transport operator, consists in the:

- retrofit of at least 225 M3 low-floor hybrids buses into plug-in hybrid buses,

- procurement of at least 32 M3 low-floor plug-in hybrid buses,

- procurement of at least -54 M3 low-floor electric buses,

- installation of at least 345 bus charging stations.

The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment I-3.17: ‘Greening the bus fleet - RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This investment conducted for ‘STIB-MIVB’, the public transport operator of the Brussels-Capital Region, consists in the procurement of 12 M3 low-floor articulated electric buses buses. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment I-3.18: ‘Charging stations - FED’ of the Federal State

This investment consists in supporting a tax incentive for private and semi-public charging stations for electric cars. The tax incentive allows for the deductibility of the installation costs of a charging point at home and in shopping centres, supermarkets and corporate parking. The tax incentive shall allow for the deployment of at least 36 551 private charging points. The tax incentive shall enter into force by 30 September 2021. It is possible that other EU funds also contribute to the installation of charging stations that benefit from this tax incentive.

Investment I-3.19: ‘Charging stations - VLA’ of the Flemish Region

This investment consists in installing 27 000 charging points equivalent (public and semi-public charging points) throughout the Flemish Region. The Flemish Region shall develop plans to optimise the deployment of charging points that are accessible 24 hours and support the development of storage facilities in areas far away from charging areas in motorways. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-3.20: ‘Greening the bus fleet - WAL’ of the Walloon Region

This investment conducted for ‘Le TEC-OTW’, the public transport operator of the Wallon Region, consists in the procurement of 14 articulated electric buses, 18 bi-articulated electric buses, slow and fast charging stations, and of the construction of a bus depot for the electrical fleet. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 June 2026.


I.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
114Greening the bus fleet (I-3G)TFormal order for green busses and related charging infrastructure in Flanders and BrusselsOrders and tender offers06Q42024Greening the bus fleet – VLA

-Order placed for the retrofitting of hybrid buses into e-hybrid buses through an amendment to the existing framework contract

-Order placed for plug-in hybrid buses within the existing framework contract

-Order placed for fully electric buses

-Order placed for the installation of charging infrastructure in the depots of the (fully) electric buses and the plug-in hybrid buses

Greening the bus fleet – RBC

-Order placed for 12 articulated full electrical buses
115Greening the bus fleet –(I-3G)TGreen buses placed in service and depots technically adapted in Flanders, Brussels and WalloniaVehicles0342Q42025Greening the bus fleet – VLA

-257 New and retrofitted plug-in e-hybrid buses are delivered and placed in service (the buses are adapted to provide services in the area where they are assigned)

-54 Fully electric buses are delivered and placed in service (the buses are adapted to provide services in the area where they are assigned

-Charging infrastructure is placed in service in the bus depots in the assigned areas

Greening the bus fleet – RBC

-Delivery of 12 articulated electrical busses and tests

Greening the bus fleet – WAL

-Delivery of 14 articulated full electrical buses

-Delivery of 5 bi-articulated full electrical buses
115 bGreening the bus fleet –(I-3G)TGreen buses placed in service and depot newly built in WalloniaVehicles342355Q22026Greening the bus fleet – WAL

-Delivery of 13 bi-articulated full electrical buses

-Installation of 32 ‘slow’ charging stations and 2 ‘fast charging stations (one in the bus depot, other in a terminal line)

-The bus depot is operational.

116Stimulating zero-emission transport – VLA (R-3.06)MAdoption of a framework for the deployment of charging infrastructure in the Flemish RegionAdoption of the frameworkQ42021Adoption of a policy framework for the deployment of charging infrastructure in the Flemish Region. The policy framework shall enable to:

- map the future charging points

- launch the concession tenders for charging points on public domain

- stimulate the deployment of (semi-)public charging points on private domain

- shorten the time line for the installation of charging points by reducing the administrative burden

- stimulate smart electricity charging
117Charging stations – VLA (I-3.19)MAward of concessions for charging infrastructureWritten notification of contract awards to successful candidatesQ22022Award of concessions for charging infrastructure. The framework for the roll out of public charging infrastructure is ensured through concessions awarded by the Flemish government, while the roll out is left out to private operators.
118Charging stations – RBC (R-3.05)MAdoption of a decree specifying the security standards and of an infrastructure delivery planAdoption of the decree specifying the security standards and of an infrastructure delivery planQ12022Adoption of a decree specifying the security standards to be followed for installing off-street charging points in the Brussels-Capital Region, including a minimum ratio to be installed in each parking by 31 December 2025 at the latest. And adoption of an infrastructure delivery plan, that shall include:

- A geographical distribution of public charging points to be installed in Brussels, that shall subsequently be updated every three years
- A target of public charging points to be installed over the period 2022-2024
- An installation plan for fast chargers in the city
- An installation plan for off street charging infrastructure, discussed with all relevant stakeholders (such as public parking lots, retail sector, housing sector, office building sector).

This plan shall be in line with the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive, it shall be regularly updated and shall ensure that the Region’s target is met.
119Charging stations- WAL (R-3.04)MAdoption of a plan to deploy electric charging stationsAdoption of a plan to deploy electric charging stationsQ32022Adoption of a plan for the deployment of charging stations, which shall include :

- The number of charging points that must be installed by 31 December 2026

- The procedures to deploy the infrastructure

- The ad hoc support mechanisms to reduce the administrative burden

- The necessary basis to launch the calls for tender

- The target for the number of public charging points equivalent (CPE) to be installed till 2026, which shall take into account of the indicative target of one CPE for ten electric vehicles.
120Charging stations – FED (I-3.18)MAdoption of the tax incentive to install private and semi-public charging pointsAdoption of the tax incentiveQ42021Adoption of the tax incentive to install private and semi-public charging points.
121Charging stations (I-3F)TAdditional operational semi-public and public charging points (step 1)Charging points (CPE)08 460Q22023Reach an additional 8 460 operational semi-public and public charging point equivalents (CPE).

This target is indicatively broken down into the following sub-targets, which do not have to be reached individually provided that the above number of charging points are achieved:

(i) Flemish Region (related to I-3.19): 8 100 charging points

(ii) Brussels-Capital Region (related to R-3.05): 360 charging points
122Charging stations (I-3F)TAdditional

operational private, semi-public and public charging points (step 2)
Charging points (CPE)8 46020 160Q2-2025Reach 20 160 additional operational private, semi-public and public charging point equivalents (CPE).

This target is indicatively broken down into the following sub-targets, which do not have to be reached individually provided that the above number of charging points are achieved:

(i) Flemish Region (related to I-3.19): 19 800 charging points

(ii) Brussels-Capital Region (related to R-3.05): 360
123Charging stations (I-3F)TAdditional operational private, semi-public and public charging points (step 3)Charging points (CPE)20 16068 579Q22026Reach 68 579 additional operational private, semi-public and public charging point equivalents (CPE).


This target is indicatively broken down into the following sub-targets, which do not have to be reached individually provided that the above number of charging points are achieved:

(i) Federal level (related to I-3.18): 36 511 charging points

(ii) Flemish Region (related to I-3.19): 27 000 charging points

(iii) Walloon Region (related to R-3.04): 4 708 charging points

(iv) Brussels-Capital Region (related to R-3.05): 360 charging points
124Emission fraud (R-3.07)MAdoption of the legal framework for vehicle emission monitoring in FlandersAdoption of the legal frameworkQ12023Adoption of:

- Legislation required to implement a pragmatic NOx test procedure to strengthen periodic technical inspection available with aim to introduce test in Q3 2023

- Legal enhancements to extend the scope of roadside inspections to include all vehicle types (aim: 2022)

- New legislation: legal framework available to allow for large scale on-road vehicle emission monitoring (Remote Sensing and potentially plume chasing) and its applications for improved enforcement and policy evaluation (aim: 2022)
125Emission fraud (R-3.07)MIT system that integrates emission data with observations of periodic technical and road safety inspections operationalEntry into service of IT systemQ42024IT system that integrates emission data with observations of periodic technical and road safety inspections ready and available for all stakeholders.
126Zero-emission company cars (R-3.03)MAdoption of the law reforming the company car tax schemeAdoption of the draft adaptation of the law reforming the company car tax schemeQ32021Adoption by the federal parliament of a reformed company car taxation scheme in which new company cars need to be zero emission from 2026 onwards in order to benefit from the existing preferential scheme. The reformed company car taxation scheme shall foresee (1) No deductibility of conventional company cars acquired as from 2026 (2) a progressive reduction of the tax deductibility rate of conventional company cars, acquired between July 1st 2023 and 31 December 2025, to reach 0% by 2028, (3) a progressive reduction of the tax deductibility rate of zero-emission company cars to reach at most 67,5% by 2031, and (4) a tax deductibility of petrol and diesel fuel for hybrid company cars, acquired between 2023 and 2025, reduced to 50% as from 1st January 2023. Furthermore, (5) for conventional cars acquired from July 1st 2023, the CO2 contribution shall rise at a rate of 2.25 from July 1st, 2023 and increase progressively in 2025, 2026 to a factor of 5.50 in 2027. (6) For zero-emission company cars, acquired from July 1st 2023, the minimum solidarity contribution shall increase, starting from the year 2025, in such a way that, in the long run, for the average company car, the same amount of social security contributions shall be owed as is the case at the time of submission of the Plan.


J. COMPONENT 4.1: Education 2.0

The measures proposed under this component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aim at improving the inclusiveness of education systems while strengthening their performance to ensure that the competences taught better match those required in the labour market.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.2 to improve the performance and inclusiveness of the education and training systems and address skills mismatches.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

J.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform R-4.01: ‘Digisprong’ of the Flemish Community

This reform consists of actions related to four pillars: (1) ICT education, media literacy and computational thinking reforms, (2) promoting effective ICT school policies, by strengthening the role of ICT coordinators, (3) digitally skilled teachers and trainers for teachers and (4) creation of a knowledge and advisory centre to support schools in digitalising their educational provision. The legislation on the new ICT framework for compulsory education in Flanders shall enter into force by 31 December 2023.

Reform R-4.02: ‘Higher education advancement fund’ of the Flemish Community

This reform aims at delivering a vision paper on the following three objectives: (1) create a future-proof and flexible offer in Flemish higher education institutions, (2) further development of lifelong learning in higher education and (3) making the most of digital forms of education. Concretely, a vision note shall (i) define a new profile for higher education in Flanders to ensure that higher education institutions are state of the art and (ii) develop a vision on lifelong learning. The vision paper shall be endorsement by the Minister of education and training of the Flemish government by 31 December 2023.

Reform R-4.03: ‘Global action plan against early school leaving’ of the French Community

This reform consists of a comprehensive strategy covering three strands - prevention, intervention, compensation- and development in a coherent and concrete manner, based on a new (reinforced) coordination of stakeholders active in different fields and of different support services. The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2024.

Investment I-4.01: ‘Digisprong’ of the Flemish Community

This investment consists of the two following elements: (1) provide all schools with a digital device for each student and (2) provide teachers with effective learning tools and training to improve their digital skills. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2022.

Investment I-4.02: ‘Higher education advancement fund’ of the Flemish Community

This investment consists of (1) the creation of a future-proof and flexible offer in Flemish higher education institutions, (2) the further development of lifelong learning in higher education and (3) supporting the sustainable implementation of new digital forms of education. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2023.

Investment I-4.03: ‘Personalised guidance in compulsory education’ of the French Community

This investment is developed to respond to the psychosocial, educational and pedagogical problems of pupils in primary and secondary schools and to combat the spread of the phenomena of educational disadvantage and early school leaving, as a result of COVID-19. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2022.

Investment I-4.04: ‘Digital strategy for higher education and adult learning’ of the French Community

This investment consists of (1) equipping schools and higher education institutions with digital equipment, (2) developing the digital skills of students and teachers with the help of dedicated digital skills tools and methods. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-4.05: ‘Digital turnaround for Brussels schools’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This investment consists of (1) digital equipment for schools with a high level of vulnerable pupils and (2) strengthening the internal connectivity of Brussels schools. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.

Investment I-4.06: ‘Digital transformation of education’ of the German-speaking community,

The objective of the investment is to equip all teachers and secondary school students with laptops. The equipment of teachers takes place on a voluntary basis: laptops shall be purchased only for those teachers requesting a laptop. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-4: ‘Provision of digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools’

The objective of the investment ‘provision of digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools’ is to ensure the provision of the necessary digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools.

The investment is composed of the following sub measures/ actions:

·Investment I-4.01: ‘Digisprong’ of the Flemish Community

·Investment I-4.04: ‘Digital strategy for higher education and adult learning’ of the French Community

·Investment I-4.06: ‘Digital transformation of education’ of the German-speaking community


J.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
127Digisprong (R-4.01)MAdoption of new ICT framework for compulsory education in FlandersAdoption of new legislation by the Flemish Parliament to improve the ICT frameworkQ42023Adoption by the Flemish Parliament of the new legislation to improve the current ICT framework on two aspects:

- the role of ICT coordinators in schools

- and the ICT minimum goals.

The legislation shall allow to (i) strengthen the role of ICT coordinators in all levels of education and ensure better supervision on ICT policy in schools through the amendment of decree 31 and (ii) ratify the minimum goals for the 2nd and 3rd stage of secondary education.
128Higher education advancement Fund (R-4.02)MVision paper for a future oriented, agile, and digital higher educationAdoption of a vision note by the Flemish governmentQ42023Endorsement by the Minister of education and training of a vision note by the Flemish government laying out the profile for higher education and life-long learning in Flanders. The new text aims at setting the vision to develop a Flemish high education portfolio that is future-proof and agile. It shall be elaborated in consultation with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including higher education institutions, the professional field, and social partners.

Concretely, it shall (i) define a new profile for higher education in Flanders to ensure that higher education institutions are state of the art and (ii) develop a vision on lifelong learning.
129Global action plan against early school leaving (R-4.03)MNew comprehensive plan against school dropoutAdoption by the French Community of new legislative acts against school dropoutQ22024The overall plan against school dropout includes reviewed decrees addressing 4 key areas:

(1) ‘Centres Psycho-Médicaux-Sociaux’ (CPMS)’: the decree shall review their role to strengthen the focus of their mission on school drop-out.

(2) School exclusion: the decree shall limit the grounds for exclusion and establish a single board of appeal to ensure equal treatment of students.

(3) Prevention and intervention: the decree shall reinforce the support and prevention mechanisms for students demonstrating particular signals of potential drop out (such as students with 10 half days of unjustified absence).

(4) Compensation: the decree shall promote compensation mechanisms to allow students - especially those who have accumulated a period of absence of several months - to be taken in charge by 3rd line workers in order to provide transitional support with an SAS or within the framework of an internship or citizen project.
131Provision of digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools (I-4)TEquipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systemsNumber of schools/Institutions receiving funds03 828Q420223 828 schools and/or educational institutions in Belgium have received funds to upgrade of ICT infrastructure, including:

- Flemish community (I-4.01): 3 785 compulsory education schools

- German-speaking community (I-4.06): 43 schools (from Kindergarten to secondary school) where all teachers shall be equipped with a laptop upon request including 12 secondary schools where all students shall be equipped with a laptop.
133Provision of digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools’ (I-4)TEquipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systemsNumber of schools/institutions receiving funds3 8283 905Q220263 905 schools and/or educational institutions in Belgium have received funds to upgrade ICT infrastructure, including:

French Community (I-4.04), 40% (77) of institutions of Social Promotion Education and Higher Education.
134Higher Education Advancement Fund (I-4.02)TImproving High Education offering in Flanders to make it more future-proof and agileNumber of higher education institutions who received funds07Q420237 higher education institutions have benefitted from the Higher Education Advancement Fund.

Through the Higher Education Advancement Fund, higher education institutions, based on analyses of training portfolios, shall draw up action plans to adjust and reduce the existing offerings and, where necessary, create new ones. In addition, attention shall be paid to adapting programs, based on the requirements of the labour market and society.

All Flemish higher education institutions shall be eligible to suggest and submit projects under this call for projects. However participation in this call is not obligatory for higher education institutions, nor is submitting a plan a guarantee of acceptance.
135Personalised guidance in compulsory education (I-4.03)MAdoption of a new decree framework that sets the terms of intervention of the systemAdoption by the Parliament of the French Community of the decree framework that sets the terms of intervention of the systemQ32021Adoption by the Parliament of the French Community of a new decree framework, regulating a transitional system including provisions related to: (1) the granting of resources to schools in connection with differentiation-remediation strategies and the fight against dropping out of school, (2) the modification of PR-FPO/WBE contracts in the context of the crisis and (3) the missions of the CPMS in the context of the crisis.
136Personalised guidance in compulsory education (I-4.03)TDeployment of a reinforced support mechanism for students in needSchools (and CPMS) benefiting from support and coaching0531Q42022Deployment of additional resources (such as teachers, educators, psychological support staff) to support 531 schools/CPMS based on identified needs.
137Digital turnaround for Brussels schools (I-4.05)TEquipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systemsICT devices and WIFI hotspots installed in schools9002200Q420212200 ICT devices (such as laptops, tablets, interactive dashboards) and WIFI access points shall be installed in Brussels schools. The distribution shall be based on the needs of schools (with a focus on schools with a lower socio-economic index)
138Digital turnaround for Brussels schools (I-4.05)TEquipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systemsICT devices and WIFI hotspots installed in secondary schools2 2003 500Q420243 500 WIFI hotspots shall be delivered in Brussels schools.


K. COMPONENT 4.2: Training and employment of vulnerable groups

The measures proposed under this component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aim at strengthening the social and labour market integration of vulnerable groups, including people with a migrant background, women, people with disabilities, prisoners and people at risk of digital exclusion. Several of the measures aim at fostering digital inclusion and enhancing access to essential services, such as e-government, by combining the provision of digital equipment with training in digital skills.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.2 on strengthening the labour market integration of vulnerable groups and to Country Specific Recommendation 2020.2 on the mitigation of the employment and social impact of the crisis.

K.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform R-4.04: ‘Tackling discrimination at the labour market’ of the Federal State

The reform aims at tackling discrimination at the labour market and consists of (1) improving the regulatory framework of discrimination tests (2) improving the available tools and data for targeted checks and (3) training and strengthening social law monitoring services of the Federal Public Service for Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue in order to improve the effectiveness of discriminatory tests. The adapted regulatory framework on discrimination tests shall enter into force by 1 January 2024.

Reform R-4.05: ‘Re-qualification strategy’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

The reform aims at promoting the sustainable integration of vulnerable groups into the labour market and consists of the adoption of two regulatory texts intended to: (1) the introduction of a systematic digital and language skills assessment and/or of a development pathway for Brussels jobseekers and (2) the introduction of a specific bonus scheme to support employers in the recruitment of job seekers with disabilities. Furthermore, the commonly agreed exit rate (taux de sortie vers l'emploi) shall be transposed in the 2023-2027 management contracts of Actiris, Bruxelles Formation and VDAB Brussel, setting the framework for its implementation, monitoring and impact assessment. The regulatory acts promoting the integration of vulnerable groups into the labour market shall enter into force by 31 December 2024.

Reform R-4.06: ‘An inclusive labour market’ of Flemish Community

The reform aims at integrating people with a migrant background into the labour market and consists of (1) developing an integrated trajectory to support newcomers (migrants with a non-EU nationality) in their integration into society and in particular into the labour market and (2) strengthening the non-discrimination policy at sector level, including by enhanced monitoring and setting up of specific actions, such as trainings on how to deal with discrimination and actions specific to disadvantaged groups. The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023.

Investment I-4.07: ‘Re-qualification strategy’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

The investment aims at promoting the sustainable integration of vulnerable groups into the labour market and consists of (1) setting up a systematic training trajectory, focused on strengthening language and digital skills of unemployed, (2) providing ‘emergency’ childcare for parents that were recruited or follow a training and (3) supporting social innovation, including pilot projects linked to social innovation. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment I-4.08: ‘E-inclusion for Belgium’ of the Federal State

The investment aims at fostering the social and economic integration of vulnerable groups into society by improving their digital skills. The investment consists of a call for projects to support the digital inclusion of vulnerable groups. Projects shall aim at either (1) raising awareness for vulnerable target groups to get acquainted with relevant ICT in order to improve their personal situation and strengthen social integration, (2) improving the digital skills of vulnerable target groups in order to improve their personal situation and strengthen social integration, or (3) improving the digital skills of the caregivers of vulnerable target groups. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2024.

Investment I-4.09: ‘Digital platforms for prisoners’ of the Federal State

The investment aims at fostering the social and economic integration of prisoners into society through digital services. The investment consists of developing a digital platform within prisons to enable prisoners to follow trainings, access prison services and rehabilitation services, as well as to seek or apply for a job. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.

Investment I-4.10: ‘Gender and work’ of the Federal State

The investment aims at analysing gender inequality on the labour market and promoting the integration of women into the labour market. The investment consists of launching a call for projects focused on the integration of vulnerable women on the labour market. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.

Investment I-4.11: ‘Digibanks’ of Flemish Region

The investment aims at promoting the social and economic integration of vulnerable groups by fostering their digital inclusion at municipal level. The investment consists of (1) lending digital hardware to ensure equal access to digital technology, (2) providing training and knowledge sharing to strengthen digital skills, including technical skills (such as repair of IT equipment) and (3) providing assistance to enhance digital access to essential services (such as digital services from the Flemish Government, Tax-on-web) via so-called physical hubs. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2022.


K.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
139Re-qualification strategy (R-4.05)MAdoption of regulatory texts by the Brussels Government to promote integration of vulnerable groups into the labour marketPublication of regulatory texts in the Official JournalQ42024Adoption by the Brussels Government of two regulatory texts aimed at promoting the sustainable integration of vulnerable groups into the labour market, in particular (1) the introduction of a systematic digital and language skills assessment and/or of a development pathway for Brussels jobseekers and (2) the introduction of a specific bonus scheme to support employers in the recruitment of job seekers with disabilities.

Transposition of the commonly agreed exit rate (taux de sortie vers l'emploi) in the 2023-2027 management contracts of Actiris, Bruxelles Formation and VDAB Brussel, setting the framework for its implementation, monitoring and impact assessment.
140Tackling discrimination at the labour market (R-4.04)MAdapted regulatory framework and improved application of discriminatory testsPublication of the adapted regulatory framework in the Official JournalQ42023(1) Publication in the Official Journal of the adapted regulatory framework on discriminatory tests (art.42/1 Social Criminal Code), (2) improved tools and data for targeted checks and (3) training and strengthened social law monitoring services of the Federal Public Service for Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue in order to improve the effectiveness of discriminatory tests.
141An inclusive labour market (R-4.06)TCompletion of sectoral non-discrimination actionsSectors037Q1202337 professional sectors implement actions on non-discrimination (see Addenda non-discrimination and inclusion 2021-2022). The Flemish government assesses the implementation of each action on the basis of the individual predetermined commitments of each sector.
142An inclusive labour market (R-4.06)TNew integrated path for newcomersParticipants02 000Q420232000 newcomers, participating to the new integrated path.
143Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07)MAward of grants related to social innovation initiativesWritten notification of contract awards to successful candidatesQ22023Award of grants by the Public Employment Services to social innovation initiatives in accordance with the criteria laid down in the public procurement specifications.
144Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07)TCompetence profile and job counsellingJobseekers06 000Q420246000 jobseekers in Brussels have benefited from a competence profile and systematic job counselling, focusing on the language and digital skills introduced by the Public Employment Service.
145Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07)TSustainable integration pathway for people with disabilitiesPersons with disabilities0450Q42025450 people with disabilities (jobseekers or workers) have followed a training module of the sustainable integration pathway.
146E-inclusion for Belgium (I-4.08)TAward of grantsGrants awarded015Q22024Award of 15 grants by the competent body and the PPS Social Integration to the projects matching the criteria of document “Project e-inclusion for Belgium - grants criteria.pdf”, published on 15 December 2021. Projects shall aim at (1) raising awareness for vulnerable target groups to get acquainted with relevant ICT in order to improve their personal situation and strengthen social integration, (2) improving the digital skills of vulnerable target groups in order to improve their personal situation and strengthen social integration, and (3) improving the digital skills of the caregivers of vulnerable target groups.
147Digital platforms for prisoners (I-4.09)TCompletion of roll-outPrisons032Q42024Completion of roll out of a digital platform in 32 prisons, allowing prisoners to: (1) follow training from his/her cell or carry out the exercises requested in an online or face-to-face training course; (2) access prison services and rehabilitation services; (3) have restricted and secure access to internet to seek or apply for a job, access digital works or exchange information with relatives and support services.
148Gender and work (I-4.10)TParticipation of women to field-projectsWomen0250Q42024250 women participating in on-field projects matching the criteria set out in the call for proposals document, published in September 2022.
149Digibanks (I-4.11)TSignature of partnerships to promote digital inclusionMunicipalities0100Q42022Signature of a Digibank partnership by 100 municipalities in Flanders with the Department of Work and Social Economy of Flanders aiming at (1) ensuring equal access to digital technology through the conditional provision of laptops, screening and other hardware and support in a specific context (such as lending service); (2) strengthening digital skills, both personal skills and technical skills (such as repair of IT equipment) through training and knowledge sharing; (3) procuring digital access to essential services (such as digital services from the Flemish Government, Tax-on-web) via so-called physical hubs.


L. COMPONENT 4.3: Social infrastructure

The measures under this component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan pursue two objectives:

·increasing the supply of social housing to provide vulnerable groups (homeless, persons with disabilities or loss of autonomy) decent housing conditions, as part of a deinstitutionalisation strategy;

·improving the coverage in early childcare, in particular for vulnerable households in Wallonia, including women and single parents with low-income.

As such, this component aims at providing vulnerable groups with infrastructure to facilitate their integration in the labour market and more broadly in society.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.2 on disincentives to work and strengthening the labour market integration of vulnerable groups and to Country Specific Recommendation 2020.2 on mitigating the employment and social impact of the crisis.

L.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-4.12: ‘Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons’ of the Walloon Region

The investment includes the construction and energy-efficient renovation of (i) low-rent housing, of (ii) inclusive and solidarity-based housing, as well as of (iii) accommodation places for poorly-housed groups. Moreover, the investment consists of (iv) equipping homes of vulnerable people, that is people aged over 65 and/or people with disability, with remote assistance boxes, in order to delay or avoid institutionalisation of these people with reduced autonomy or to reduce the length of their hospitalisation. Prior to this investment, the Walloon government shall adopt a deinstitutionalisation strategy for long-term care. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-4.13: ‘Creation and renovation of early childcare infrastructure’ of the Walloon Region

The investment aims at improving the coverage in early childcare. The investment includes the construction and energy-efficient renovation of childcare places. New places shall be created in those municipalities, which combine a low childcare coverage with a low female employment rate, a high share of single parents and a low per capita income. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.


L.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
150Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12)MWalloon Strategy for deinstitutionalisation (Walloon health policy)Endorsement by the Walloon Government of a Walloon strategy for deinstitutionalisationQ42021Endorsement of a strategy of the Walloon Region on deinstitutionalisation in the context of the Walloon Health Policy, in particular for the elderly and people with disabilities: (1) specifying the concept of deinstitutionalisation, (2) establishing criteria for institutionalisation and de-institutionalisation, (3) providing a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the de-institutionalisation initiated by the host and accommodation institutions, (4) drawing up a state of play on the provision of services (5) and making recommendations for the operationalisation of the strategy.
151Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12)TAward of part of the worksHousing units0280Q22024Award of works contracts by operators for 280 of low-rent housing units.).
152Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12)TInstallation of remote assistance for people in loss of autonomyRemote assistance boxes installed05 000Q320255000 remote assistance boxes installed in the homes of vulnerable people, that is, people aged over 65 and/or people with disability.
153Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12)THousing units ready to be occupiedNumber of new or renovated housing units01 212Q320261 212 public utility housing units (low-rent housing, inclusive and solidarity-based housing, as well as accommodation places for poorly-housed groups) built or renovated in the Walloon Region are ready to be occupied.
154Building and renovation of early childcare infrastructure (I-4.13)TAward of works contracts for project promotersChildcare places0255Q42023Award of works contracts by operators (crèches) for 15 % of the newly created childcare places, i.e. 255.
155Building and renovation of early childcare infrastructure (I-4.13)TOpening of childcare placesNumber of created or renovated childcare places01 700Q320261 700 new childcare places have been created as part of the early childcare infrastructure in Wallonia. New childcare places include both places that are created as a result of the construction of new buildings or of the renovation of existing buildings.


M. COMPONENT 4.4: End of career and pensions

This component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aims at providing a policy response to the challenges of the pension system in terms of social adequacy and fiscal sustainability.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.1 to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the pension system.

M.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform R-4.07: ‘End of career and pensions’ of the Federal State

This reform aims at (1) making the pension system future-proof, (2) improving the financial sustainability of the social security system and of public finances, (3) increase the solidarity role of the pension system, (4) strengthen the ‘insurance principle’, (5) introducing a ‘gender test’, (6) ensuring the convergence between and within different pension systems, (7) improving the efficiency of the administrative services dealing with pensions. The law to reform the pension regime shall be adopted by 30 June 2024 and enter into force on 1 January 2025, it being understood that it may provide for reasonable transition periods for certain provisions.

To involve stakeholders, the federal government plans to organise a conference on employment in 2021, which shall focus on “career ends” and employment of older workers. Based on the conclusions of this conference, an action plan with proposals for concrete measures shall be put forward to the federal government.


M.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq.Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
156Pension and end of career (R-4.07)MAction plan based on output of the employment conferenceLivestreaming (and its recording) of employment conference debates and proposed action plan put on the agenda of the federal Council of MinistersQ22022Livestreaming (and its recording) of the Employment conference debates by the administration (SPF ETCS). A proposed action plan for raising employment rate of employees approaching their ends of career, based on a mapping of existing relevant federal measures, drafted by the federal ministry of labour, and the input from social partners, regions and other stakeholders before and during the conference is drafted and put on the agenda of the Council of Ministers. The objective of this action plan is to be translated in concrete regulatory proposals (legislative or administrative) to be adopted by the federal authorities (if needed the federal parliament).
157Pension and end of career (R-4.07)MPension reform proposalReform proposal submitted to the Council of Ministers of the federal governmentQ42021Proposal submitted for approval to the Council of Ministers of the federal government to reform the pension regime, which shall include the following elements:

(i) Measures to improve the financial and social sustainability of the pension system;

(ii) Measures to incentivize people to remain active on the labour market after meeting early retirement conditions;

(iii) Measures to increase its solidarity role to ensure a decent minimum pension, its insurance role, gender balance, taking into account the overall pension regime financial and social sustainability improvement objective;

(iv) Measures to ensure convergence between and within the different systems.
158Pension and end of career (R-4.07)MAdoption of the pension reformAdoption by the federal Parliament of the law to reform the pension systemQ22024Adoption of the law to reform the pension regime by the federal Parliament. The law shall include the following elements:

(i) Measures to improve the financial and social sustainability of the pension system;

(ii) Measures to incentivize people to remain active on the labour market after meeting early retirement conditions;

(iii) Measures to increase its solidarity role to ensure a decent minimum pension, its insurance role, gender balance, taking into account the overall pension regime financial and social sustainability improvement objective;

(iv) Measures to ensure convergence between and within the different systems.


N. COMPONENT 5.1: Training and labour market

This component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan is composed of measures aiming at increasing the employment rate while ensuring an inclusive labour market. The measures consist in equipping the workforce with skills corresponding to current and future labour market needs, including green and digital transitions, and increasing labour market participation through training, activation and coaching, but also by tackling employment traps and making work pay.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.2 to reduce skills mismatches and to Country Specific Recommendation 2020.2 to mitigate the employment and social impact of the crisis.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

N.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-5.01: ‘A6K/E6K Digital and Technological Innovation and Training Hub’ of the Walloon Region

The investment measure shall develop a multidisciplinary centre for engineering science (A6K), co-locating industrial enterprise teams, start-ups, universities and research centres to stimulate innovation and industrial transformation in Wallonia, as well as a technological education centre (E6K), an innovative physical platform bringing together public and private digital and technological education operators in the city centre of Charleroi offering varied training in content and duration. The investment consists in the renovation and construction of buildings hosting the centres, and the support of activities necessary for the acceleration and scaling-up of the project. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-5.02: ‘EU Biotech School and Health Hub’ of the Walloon Region

The investment measure shall cover the construction and equipment of a training centre of 5 500 m² located in the Bio-park in Gosselies (Hainaut Province, Walloon Region) focused on developing skills for the further development of the biotech/biopharma sector. The EU Biotech School & Health Hub shall focus on delivering training programmes structured around four pillars: STIM immersion, Bioproduction and supply chain, Data and digital, General and mini MBA. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 September 2025.

Investment I-5.03: ‘Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure’ of the Walloon Region

The investment measure shall cover the construction, renovation, renewal of state-of-the-art equipment, of six projects to support skills development in Wallonia: (i) the Belgrade Training Centre (Namur); (ii) the extension (273m² Seneffe site) and fitting-out (1 052m² FOREM building – 300m² Hall 3 – 700m² Liège site) of the Aptaskil Competence Centre which may also be supported by other EU funds; (iii) the extension of the Technocity Competence Centre; (iv) the renovation of the Technical Competence Centre (Seraing); (v) the extension of Forem’s classical training centre infrastructure; (vi) the creation of a Centre for Contemporaines Eco-Technologies and Continuous Training (Mons). The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-5.04: ‘Learning and career offensive’ of the Flemish Region

The measure implements the agreement concluded between the Flemish government and social partners, which includes the objective of boosting training and life-long learning. The measure consists in a set of sub-measures: (i) competency checks for enterprises; (ii) widening the online training offer; (iii) training for temporary unemployed; (iv) strong social entrepreneurship; (v) extra support to training leave. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.

Investment I-5.05: ‘Strategy for relaunching the labour market’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

The investment consists of implementing a labour market recovery strategy in the Brussels-Capital Region. The strategy focuses on the efficiency and optimisation of activation and training policies and the support of job seekers and workers towards future jobs or jobs in shortage. The investment measures consist in the support for retraining or re-orientation towards shortage occupations. To this end, 600 people benefitting from the measures of the Brussels Strategy, shall also receive support for re-training or reorientation towards shortage occupations. The retraining or redirecting shall be multiform: training, screening, testing and adaptation of the job profile in the databases. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.

Investment I-5.06: ‘Digital skills’ of the Flemish Region

The measure implements the agreement concluded between the Flemish government and social partners, which include the objective of the ‘digital transformation of Flanders’ (pillar II of the agreement). The project consists of three separate initiatives: (i) “eLearning action plan”, with calls for public training providers to develop their online training offer, (ii) “career digital tools and services”, with the development of an individual training and career account, (iii) “digital tools and services for employers and partners”, with the digital transformation of Flanders public employment service (VDAB) and of the Department of Labour and social economy (Werk & Social Economie). The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.

Investment I-5.07: ‘Digital lifelong learning’ of the Walloon Region

The investment measure aims at strengthening digital training in Wallonia. Under this objective, digital equipment shall be provided for the development of 22 immersive training spaces in training centres and 17 smart corners for local services of the Walloon Institute for Alternate Training for the Self-Employed and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (IFAPME). The basic digital training needs shall be integrated into the training programmes and 10 000 hours of pedagogical training for the digital transition shall be provided to teaching personnel and trainees.

Five new training sites of the public employment service (FOREM) shall be constructed, a new ‘reengineering and STEM’ platform shall be built and four existing sites shall be renovated. Digital equipment allowing the creation of 9 immersive training spaces (‘digital factories’) and the digitalisation of the ‘reengineering and STEM platform’ shall be provided. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Reform R-5.01: ‘Cumulation regime and mobility to sectors with shortages’ of the Federal State

The reform measure is composed of two strands with the objective of (i) making work more rewarding and (ii) promote labour mobility towards sectors facing shortages.

The first reform strand is to make employment more rewarding for those benefiting from unemployment benefits or an integration income. This shall be done by ensuring that, in case of a combination of (part-time) work and receipt of (partial) unemployment benefit or (part-time) integration income, it is financially and socially more advantageous for the person concerned to increase his/her part-time working time. After consultation of social partners, a decision shall be taken on expanding the possibilities to combine temporarily or in a limited way wage and social benefits.

For the second reform strand, the objective of the measure is to promote labour mobility of workers made redundant in a given sector towards sectors where there are shortages of skilled workers. For this purpose, the government, in consultation with the social partners, shall introduce an additional allowance for the long-term unemployed who return to work in another region or in a sector where there are shortages of.

The decision of the federal government laying down the reform shall enter into force by 1 January 2024.

Reform R-5.03: ‘Learning account’ of the Federal State

The reform measure consist in three parts. The measure aims (i) to grant an individual right to training to each worker; (ii) to develop tax advantages for companies which provide employees with more hours of training than those already provided for by law and (iii) to remove, in consultation with the federated entities, obstacles to participation in training for workers in temporary unemployment. The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023.

In order to grant each worker an individual right to training (i), an amendment to the Act of 5 March 2017 on workable and manageable work is envisaged. Under the current legislation, it is necessary to ensure at cross-industry level that each worker is entitled to an average of five days of training (or the equivalent number of hours) per year. The ambition of the reform is to achieve an individual right to training for each employee before the end of the parliamentary term. Enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and enterprises with fewer than 20 employees remain, mutatis mutandis, subject to exceptions or derogations.

For (ii) the reform entered into force on 1 January 2021 as set out in Section 4 of Chapter 1 of Title 2 of the Programme Law of 20 December 2020 published in the Official journal on 30 December 2020. Tax advantages take the form of an exemption from the payment of advance tax for employees who have completed a training course of at least 10 days in an uninterrupted period of 30 calendar days (for enterprises with shift or night work for an uninterrupted period of 60 calendar days; for small enterprises, the threshold is 5 days in an uninterrupted period of 75 calendar days).

The possibility of ensuring a better flow of data between the National Employment Office and the regional employment services (VDAB/ACTIRIS/FOREM/Arbeitsambt) is being explored for the organisation of a training offer for workers whose temporary unemployment is prolonged or more structural (iii). The information shall allow regional employment services to offer training for workers in long-term or structural temporary unemployment so as to reintegrate them into the labour market.

The amendment to the Act of 5 March 2017 on workable and manageable work shall enter into force by 1 January 2022.

Reform R-5.04: ‘Life-long learning’ of the Flemish Community

The reform measure shall pave the way towards an individual learning and career account which shall make all training incentives clearly visible together in a single central place so that citizens know clearly their learning rights and the available support. Social partners and Flemish government shall agree on a vision paper, setting out how a learning and career account shall be introduced in Flanders, taking into consideration the need to increase transparency to citizens, better inclusion of vulnerable groups and ensuring alignment with digital learning account platform set up at the federal level. The vision paper shall be delivered by 30 June 2022.

Reform R-5.05: ‘Reform of support to jobseekers in Wallonia’ of the Walloon Region

The reform measures aim to improve the efficiency of activation of jobseekers in Wallonia by adapting the decree relating to coaching and solutions-oriented support for job seekers. The new coaching and solutions-oriented support for job seekers aims to support all job seekers, to capitalize on all the information available, to verify skills upon registration and optimise collaborations between the Walloon public employment service (Forem) and support partners. The reform shall take advantage of efficient digital tools making it possible to manage distance and / or face-to-face career paths for the most independent job seekers while strengthening face-to-face support for those most in need of support. The decree relating to coaching and solutions-oriented support for job seekers shall be adopted by 30 September 2021 and enter into force ten days after its publication in the Official Journal.


N.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
159A6K/E6K

Digital and Technological Innovation and Training Hub (I-5.01)
MActivity developed through A6K-E6KReport on business steps completed delivered by the steering committeeQ12023Completion of business development steps for the establishment of the Digital and Technological Innovation and Training Hub: development of the incubation offer by setting up a venture builder, development of digital training offer, call for projects for start-ups completed, technological demonstrators and infrastructure linked to collaborative and projects operational.
160Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure (I-5.03)TBuildings and equipment for training, employment servicesm2011 374Q4202511 374 m² cover the purchase or the renovation, or the construction (and fitting-out) and/or equipment of the following buildings:

-Aptaskil

-Technocité

-Forem

-Centre des Ecotechnologies – Mons
161EU Biotech School and Health Hub (I-5.02)TBuilding and equipment of the EU Biotech School and Health Hubm205 500Q320255 500 m² of fully equipped building for training, employment and incubation services, as part of a construction by SODEVIMMO of a polyvalent building, named Biotech 5 of 25 000 m² at the BioPark in Gosselies. Equipment shall notably include virtual reality modules, a STEM immersion room, digital twin equipment, digital equipment for learning rooms and a robotized production line.
162A6K/E6K Digital and Technological Innovation and Training Hub (I-5.01)TFinalisation of A6K-E6K renovation and extensionm25 00025 000Q2202625 000 m² of fully equipped building for training, employment and incubation services.
163Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure (I-5.03)TBuildings and equipment for training, employment services11 37435 574Q22026Total of 35 574 m² constructed, renovated and/or equipped buildings, including 24 200 m² covering the ‘Ecocentre de formation’ in Belgrade, Technifutur, and the ‘Centre des Ecotechnologies’ in Jemappes.
164Learning and career offensive (I-5.04)TSupport for training leaves and online training offer in FlandersPersons0307 500Q42022307 500 persons since 2021 have made use of their training leave right or enrolled in online training offer, which includes labour market-oriented digital courses with focus on technical and/or soft skills.
165Learning and career-offensive (I-5.04)TSupport to enterprises in Flanders via competency checks and calls for projectsEnterprises0357Q42024357 enterprises falling within one of the following categories have benefitted from the support under the measure: (i) SMEs reached with a competency check (ii) social economy enterprises supported in their innovative strategic transformation through the calls ‘open innovation strategic transformation’ and ‘future-oriented training to support the most vulnerable groups in the social economy’.
166Strategy for relaunching the labour market focused on the efficiency and optimisation of activation and training policies (I-5.05)TActivation support to job seekers and workers in BrusselsPersons0600Q42024600 people shall benefit from the measures of the Brussels strategy, including the support scheme for retraining or redirecting to occupations in shortage.. The retraining or redirecting shall be multiform: training, screening, testing and even adaptation of the job profile in the databases.
167Learning and career-offensive (I-5.04)MSupport to the temporary unemployed in FlandersVDAB Report delivered attesting of the outreach effortQ42022All persons temporarily unemployed since 01/01/2021 shall be contacted by the Flemish Public Employment Service (VDAB) to enrol in a training, internship, temporary job or volunteering job.
168Life-long learning of the Flemish Community (R-5.04)MVision paper on learning and career account in FlandersPublication of agreement by the GovernmentQ22022Agreement between social partners and Flemish government on vision paper, setting out how a learning and career account shall be introduced in Flanders, taking into consideration the need to increase transparency to citizens, better inclusion of vulnerable groups and ensuring alignment with digital learning account platform set up at the federal level.
169Digital Skills (I-5.06)TDevelopment of e-learning offer in FlandersE-learning projects037Q4202237 e-learning projects are approved, launched and completed following a call for project.
170Digital Skills (I-5.06)MDigital tools and services to citizens, employers and the Flemish Public Employment Service (VDAB) partners fully deployed in FlandersManagement and policy monitoring report of VDAB and Department WSEQ42024The report certifies the full deployment of the following digital tools and services to citizens, employers and VDAB partners fully deployed in Flanders:

1. A personalised digital career platform, coupled with a personalised offer of training opportunities and incentives for citizens is accessible and operational.

2. Digital employer counter of VDAB and digital partner platform are operational, allowing VDAB mediators to actively contact all employers with vacancies under shared management and support them digitally in filling the vacancies. The follow-up of all VDAB partners is also done through the digital partner platform.

3. Digital services to employers have been extended by means of a digital employer counter of Department WSE accessible to all employers.

4. Department WSE data ecosystem for partners is made operational: 15 relevant datasets are made available on the open data platform for research and other purposes
171Digital lifelong learning (I-5.07)MModernisation of the provision of coaching and training in digital skills, including basic digital skills in Wallonia, through digital tools, state-of-the-art infrastructure, competent mentoring and innovative projects.Report confirming the completion of the different projectsQ22026ICT equipment shall be made available and operational for 39 immersive training spaces of the Walloon Institute for Alternate Training for the Self-Employed and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (IFAPME) (22 training centres & 17 local services sites). 9 sites of the Walloon public employment services (FOREM) shall be transformed and equipped in Digital factories (4 renovated and 5 built) and 1 site shall be equipped as a re-engineering & STEM platform. The basic digital training needs shall be integrated into current training programs as well as newly developed training programs in the IT sector, based on labour market needs, , and on this basis, 10 000 hours of pedagogical training for the digital transition shall be provided to teaching personnel and trainees. 6 000 m² of training infrastructures hosting digital skills training shall be constructed or adapted.
172Learning account (R-5.03)MFederal reform developing individual entitlement to training for employees.Publication in official journalQ42021Based on dialogue between social partners and the federal Government, adoption of the revision of the law of 5 March 2017 on feasible and manageable work introducing a pathway ensuring that from 2024, all workers are entitled to an average of 5 days of training per year.
173Learning account (R-5.03)MFederal reform creating incentives for companies to provide trainingPublication in official journalQ12021Adoption of the Programme Law of 20 December 2020 by the Parliament, establishing a partial exemption (11,75%) from payment of withholding tax for workers following a training of at least 10 days.
174Learning account (R-5.03)MProvisions in the decree indicating the entry into forceQ42023Entry into force of the decree establishing the obligation for the workers in long-term or structural temporary unemployment to be registered in the competent regional service.
175Cumulation regime and mobility to sectors with shortages (R-5.01)MFederal reform of cumulation regimeDecision of the federal government laying down how the reform shall enter into forceQ42023After consultation with social partners, decision of the federal government on expanding the possibilities to combine temporarily or in a limited way wage and social benefits and to ensure, in line with the tax reform on labour tax, that the persons involved shall not be fiscally punished.
176Cumulation regime and mobility to sectors with shortages (R-5.01)MFederal reform of mobility to sectors with shortagesDecision of the federal government laying down how the reform shall enter into forceQ42023After consultation of social partners, decision of the federal government to introduce an additional allowance for the long-term unemployed who return to work in another region or in a sector where there are shortages to ensure greater mobility of workers from one sector to another.
177Reform of support to jobseekers in Wallonia (R-5.05)MReform of support for jobseekers in WalloniaPublication in official journalQ32021Adoption by the Parliament of Wallonia of the decree relating to coaching and solutions-oriented support for job seekers.

O. COMPONENT 5.2: Supporting economic activity

This component of the Belgian recovery and resilient plan is aimed at contributing to the economic recovery and facilitating the transition to a greener and more digitalised economy by focussing resources on innovation and support to promising sectors. The measures brought together under this component have three more specific objectives:

·supporting the development of activities which offer promising opportunities in terms of adding value to and enhancing the value of the territory;

·advancing and supporting research and innovation in order to develop the country’s future economic potential and to ensure its excellence and competitiveness;

·encouraging the implementation of more efficient production processes based in particular on emerging technologies.

In this component, particular attention is dedicated to SMEs, which make up the bulk of Belgium’s economic fabric and have been particularly affected by the economic crisis.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.3 in that it calls for focusing on research and innovation and on the low carbon and energy transition and to Country Specific Recommendation 2020.3 calling for improving the business environment, front-loading public investment projects and promoting private investment to foster economic recovery.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

O.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-5.08: ‘Nuclear medicine’ of the Federal State

This investment addresses two challenges related to ensuring future sufficient availability of two of the most promising radioisotopes within nuclear medicine for cancer treatment – 177Lu and 225Ac. The first action addresses the need for new infrastructure at SCK CEN (the Belgian nuclear research centre), which is necessary to ensure an increase in the supply of 177Lu, taking into account projected future needs, expected to grow from 16 000 patients in 2020 to 138 000 patients in 2026 in the EU. The main objective of the second action is to carry out a study with the aim to close the gap between existing technologies and the needs identified for enabling a large-scale production of radioisotope 225Ac.The implementation of the investment shall be finalised within 30 June 2026.

Investment I-5.08bis: ‘Nuclear medicine – the theranostic approach’ of the Federal State

The purpose of this investment is to support security of the medical isotopes supply through development of innovative target technology for cyclotrons (sub-project 1) and optimizing the production process for low enriched uranium (LEU) targets (sub-project 2). This investment comprises two R&D sub-projects, which shall focus on: 1) developing an innovative target technology for cyclotron isotope production. As a result of the R&D activities, a new design is ready and allows to make prototype targets and have them irradiated for validation of the process in a new project; and 2) optimising e the LEU-based production process. As a result of the R&D activities, opportunities for improvement have been evaluated and/or tested and the most relevant shall be listed in a report. For each sub-projects a report shall be produced by mid-2026. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-5.10: ‘R&D: Minimization of waste during dismantling’ of the Federal State

This investment aims at funding the necessary investments that shall allow the scaling up to industrialisation of Belgian expertise in radiological characterisation and decontamination techniques and methodologies towards their application during the decommissioning of the Belgian nuclear power plants, to be carried out in the framework of the planned phase-out of nuclear power generation in Belgium and the possible valorisation in other decommissioning and site remediation projects. The project’s aim is to minimise the amount of waste that shall be produced during the eventual decommissioning of the Belgian nuclear power plants. For example, it shall maximise the re-use and recycling of metals and concrete. All the activities shall take place in highly secured SCK CEN facilities and shall comply with the environmental permit obtained. Finally, cradle to grave solutions shall be provided, not leading to secondary waste that cannot be managed. The project shall only focus on the re-use, recycling and final disposal of non-nuclear waste, while the disposal of radioactive waste issued from decommissioning operations is outside of the scope of the project. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-5.11: ‘Strengthen R&D’ of the Flemish Region

This investment aims at boosting innovation of Flanders’ economic operators through R&D, with a particular focus on three areas: digitalisation, sustainability and health. Two different axes are foreseen. A first axis shall target R&I projects in areas where Flanders already performs well, with a focus on sustainable, digital and health related activities. The second axis shall focus on instruments targeting R&D support to companies. Under this axis R&D projects can for example relate to the pharmaceutical sector, and to 3D printing technology. The support for the participation to the planned IPCEI on micro-electronic is also foreseen. Under the measure at least 200 projects shall be awarded covering all areas of intervention of the measure.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall exclude the following list of activities: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks 12 ; (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators 13 and mechanical biological treatment plants 14 ; and (iv) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. The terms of reference shall additionally require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 August 2026.

Investment I-5.12: ‘Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms’ of the Walloon Region

The objective of this investment is to support the development of new agricultural sectors based on the principle of short supply chains and the development of missing tools (“links”) within the existing supply chain. It is divided into two sub-measures:

·the creation of 30 small-scale pieces of infrastructure to support the production, the storage, the transport and the small-scale processing of products coming from four food chains (fruit, vegetables, cereals and vegetable proteins). It shall also include four projects, one for each food chain, to support the development and the production of seeds, seedlings and techniques adapted to climate change and cultivation without phytosanitary inputs;

·the construction of two logistic hubs dedicated to the activities of wholesalers, food processing of primary products and incubator of cooperatives, including the installation of 1700 solar panels, 15 charging points for electric vehicles and of a 200kW energy storage system. It shall be complemented by the construction of critical infrastructure (at least five pieces of infrastructure of which one storage hall, one mill, one fruit/vegetables transformation unit and one BtoB storage hall and market place) which shall contribute to the deployment of the sustainable agri-food chain throughout the Walloon Region.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall exclude the following list of activities: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use; (ii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators and mechanical biological treatment plants 15 ; and (iii) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. The terms of reference shall additionally require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-5.13: ‘Digitisation of the Walloon tourism sector’ of the Walloon Region

The objective of this investment is to make the tourism industry in the Walloon Region more resilient. The project shall focus on the digitalisation of the sector, by implementing actions to increase the on-line presence of touristic operators (SMEs, self-employed persons, and non-profit associations) and their independence from third party platforms. The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Reform R-5.06: ‘Optimisation of procedures: Faster permit and appeal procedures’ of the Flemish Region

This reform aims at the simplification of the environmental permit procedures, including by introducing conditions on the possibility to appeal decisions. It shall consist in a review of the existing regulation, with the objective to reduce the time needed to process a case and to provide greater legal certainty. At the end of the review, a report shall be published providing an overview of new and reviewed measures. The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022.

Reform R-5.07: ‘Widening the innovation base’ of the Flemish Region

This reform aims at ensuring that the existing instruments do not put constraints on the access to innovation subsidies by SMEs. It shall consist in a review of the existing instruments aimed at stimulating innovation that is more easily accessible and adapted to the needs of SMEs. At the end of the review, a report shall be published providing an overview of new and reviewed measures. The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022.

Investment I-5.18: ‘SMELD: State-of-the-art MEtal MElting Limiting waste during D&D’ of the Federal State

This investment aims at contributing to maximising the recycling of metals resulting from future nuclear decommissioning operations. It consists of fundamental R&D to improve the knowledge of metal smelting process and shall be followed by industrial R&D to fully explore practical applications. The investment aims also to expand the capacity for processing metals recycled from nuclear decommissioning operations. In that context, the investment shall consist in setting-up a melting furnace, usable with non-radioactive mode. This investment is intended to be followed by subsequent steps leading to the operation of the melting furnace with radioactive material, which is foreseen to occur only in 2027. The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.


O.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
179Nuclear medicine (I-5.08)MRadioisotope facility constructed and commissioned (FANC and FAGG)Facility constructed and operational.Q22026The 177Lu radioisotope facility has been constructed and is operational, having obtained all the necessary licenses from the Agence fédérale de Contrôle nucléaire (FANC) and the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAGG) and in compliance with all the applicable legislation on the Federal and Flemish level related to Directive 2011/92.
180Nuclear medicine (I-5.08)MTechnology package finalisedFeasibility report describing the technological package needed for investors to proceed to the large-scale production of 225Ac from 226Ra publishedQ42024A feasibility report describing the technological package needed for investors to proceed to the large-scale production of 225Ac from 226Ra has been published.

The report shall include the following elements:

1) Operational hot cell installation at SCK CEN to handle 226Ra sources

2) Electron-to-gamma converter design to be built for large scale production

3) Target and irradiation module design to be built for large scale production

4) A fully scaled-up radiochemical separation method and 226Ra recycling process - ready for large-scale implementation

5) A conceptual design of the 225Ac production facility

6) Roadmap on licensing of the building for handling of radioactivity (FANC) and GMP licensing (FAGG).
184R&D: Minimization of waste during dismantling (I-5.10)MAward of public contract for the construction of a Material Treatment facility

(MaT)
Written notification of the award of the public contract for the construction of a Material Treatment facility (MaT)Q42023Notification of the award of the contract by the Federal Minister of Economics and Labour for the construction of a Material Treatment facility (MaT), which is needed to perform cold tests and demonstrations of the technologies to be developed for the re-use, recycling and final disposal of non-nuclear waste from the decommissioning operations of nuclear plants; necessary building permits and the license from the Agence fédérale de Contrôle nucléaire (FANC) shall be obtained. Building shall be compliant with all the applicable legislation on the Federal and Flemish level related to Directive 2011/92.
185R&D: Minimization of waste during dismantling (I-5.10)MMaterial Treatment facility (MaT) constructed and commissioned; desk top study finalisedMaterial Treatment facility (MaT) operationalQ22026The Material Treatment facility (MaT), which is needed to perform cold tests and demonstrations of the technologies to be developed technologies for the re-use, recycling and final disposal of non-nuclear waste from the decommissioning operations of nuclear plants, is constructed, equipped and operational, following the completion of the selection process of the needed infrastructures and equipment. A (desktop) case study shall be finalised within the project for the complete (cradle to grave) decommissioning of a particular component (such as a steam generator) of the Belgian nuclear power plants.
186Strengthen R&D (I-5.11)MAward of public contracts for R&D and infrastructure projectsNotification of the award projectsQ42022Notification, by VLAIO and the ‘Departement Economie, Wetenschap en Innovatie’ (EWI), of the award of 200 projects to the successful candidates following the call for proposals, with terms of reference including eligibility criteria that ensure that the selected projects comply with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) through the use of an exclusion list and the requirement of compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation. For projects awarded through grant schemes that do not work with calls for projects, compliance with the technical guidelines "do no significant harm" (2021/C58/01) is also enforced through an eligibility criterion based on the same exclusion list and the requirement of compliance with relevant EU and national environmental legislation.
187Strengthen R&D (I-5.11)TCompletion of awarded R&D and infrastructure projectsProjects0200Q22026200 projects following the call for proposals and the selection through grant schemes are completed, with EUR 220 500 000 executed.
188Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12)MAward of public works contracts by the 2 intermunicipal companies (SPI, IGRETEC) for the construction of infrastructure for the food sectorWritten notification of the award of public works contracts for the constructions of infrastructure for the food sectorQ12024Award of public works contracts for the construction of 2 logistic hubs by the 2 intermunicipal bodies (SPI, IGRETEC), with specifications including eligibility criteria that ensure that the projects selected comply with the "Do no significant harm" Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) through the use of an exclusion list and the requirement of compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation.
189Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12)TSupport for 30 food relocation projects, 4 emerging sectors and 5 pieces of infrastructureProjects039Q42022Award of subsidies to 30 small scale infrastructures, 4 larger structuring projects (one for each sector: fruits, vegetables, cereals, vegetable proteins) and at least 5 pieces of infrastructure.
190Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12)TConstruction of two logistic hubs completedHubs02Q22025Construction and equipment of two logistic hubs, dedicated to the activities of wholesalers, food processing of primary products and incubator of cooperatives, for a total surface of 5 500 m² completed. The equipment of the two logistic hubs includes the installation of 1700 solar panels, 15 charging points for electric vehicles and of a 200kW energy storage system.
191Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12)TConstruction of at least 5 pieces of infrastructure, 30 small scale infrastructure and 4 larger structuring projects, is completedInfrastructure039Q22026The construction of at least 5 pieces of infrastructure (of which a storage hall, a mill, a fruit/vegetables transformation unit and a BtoB storage hall and market place), 30 small scale infrastructure and 4 larger structuring projects is completed and a budget of EUR 40 500 000 is executed.
192Digitisation of the Walloon tourism sector (I-5.13)TNumber of active users of the ‘outil regional de commercialisation’Active users0685Q42025685 tourism operators are active users of the ‘outil régional de commercialisation’. An active user is defined as a user or tourism operator using the ‘Outil regional de commercialisation’ (ORC) directly as an online reservation tool or cash register tool or whose online reservation tool is directly linked to the ORC.
193Reform - Faster permit and appeal procedures (R-5.06)MReform of the environmental permit and appeal proceduresPublication of a report and government decisions.Q42022Publication of a report endorsed by Cabinet van Flemish Minister for Justice and Enforcement, Environment, Energy and Tourism providing an overview of new and reviewed measures to simplify administrative procedures related to environmental permit procedures and government decisions.
194Reform - Broadening innovation base (R-5.07)MReform of the regulation for innovation supportPublication of a report and related government decisionsQ42022Publication of a report endorsed by Flemish minister of Economy, Innovation, Work, Social economy and Agriculture providing an overview of new and reviewed measures to improve access for SMEs to measures for innovation support, and the related government decisions.
247Nuclear medicine – the theranostic approach (I-5.08bis)MR&D development completedTwo R&D projects are completedQ22026For the sub-project ‘Innovative target technology for cyclotron isotope production’ the R&D activity is concluded. A new design is ready and allows to make prototype targets and have them irradiated for validation of the process in a new project.

For the sub-project ‘Optimizing LEU-based production process’ the R&D activity is concluded. Opportunities for improvement have been evaluated and/or tested and the most relevant shall be listed.

The R&D activities for the two sub-projects are concluded and EUR 5 967 000 are executed.
248SMELD – Fed (I-5.18)MPreparatory study on the requirements for setting up the melting furnacePreparatory study publishedQ22024The preparatory study about the requiremented for setting up the melting furnace is concluded and a report is published.
249SMELD- Fed (I-5.18)MAn industrial scale melting furnace is set upIndustrial scale melting furnace operational in non-radioactive modeQ22026The industrial scale melting furnace is set up and fully operational in non-radioactive mode.


P. COMPONENT 5.3: Circular economy

The measures under this component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aim in general to contribute to the development of a circular and low-carbon economy. In particular, they seek to develop recycling, reuse, and industrial symbiosis. In addition to promoting certain practices, the aim is to support innovation in waste and resource processing and to develop training in certain areas of the circular economy.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.3, calling on Belgium to focus investment-related economic policy on, inter alia, the low carbon and energy transition, and research and innovation, as well as Country Specific Recommendation 2020.3 inviting Belgium to focus investment on the green and digital transition, in particular on clean and efficient production, the circular economy and research and innovation.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

P.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform R-5.08: ‘Brussels Regional Strategy for the Economic Transition’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

The aim of this reform is to design a regional strategy for economic transition by mobilising all regional economic policy instruments, achieving a better coordination and cooperation between public actors, as well as active participation of the private sector. Its operational objectives are to be based on the results of 10 working groups.

The regional strategy for the economic transition shall set out targets for 2030 and an action plan for five years. It shall be adopted by Decision of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region by 31 March 2022.

Reform R-5.09: ‘Governance Circular Flanders’ of the Flemish Region

Circular Flanders is the central platform in Flanders aimed at facilitating the transition to a circular economy in cooperation with industrial partners, knowledge institutions, public administrations, banks and civil society. This reform shall significantly improve and expand the governance of this platform. In that framework, public-private partnerships shall focus on a combination of thematic work agendas, such as circular construction, chemistry/plastics, other product chains in the manufacturing industry, bio-economy and the food chain, and a number of strategic levers (financing, innovation, circular supply, research, awareness). The texts of the roadmap and work agendas are expected by 31 December 2021.

Investment I-5.14: ‘Recycling Hub’ of the Flemish Region

The Flanders recycling hub measure aims to realise at least six important investments in new recycling facilities. The focus is on missing links in a number of value chains to enable local circular production, such as the recycling of nappies, mattresses, and textiles. Investments are also sought in the plastic and chemical sectors.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall exclude the following list of activities: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use; (ii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators 16 and mechanical biological treatment plants 17 ; and (iii) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. The terms of reference shall additionally require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected.

The measure was launched in the fourth quarter of 2020. The award of contracts shall be completed by 31 December 2022. The projects shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-5.15: ‘Belgium Builds Back Circular’ of the Federal State

This investment aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Belgium. The objective is threefold:

·Avoiding market or policy fragmentation and promoting an integrated approach through the creation of a circular coalition with a specific focus on federal competences for circular economy and the interfacing of federal competences with local and regional competences, such as the design for scarcity, reuse, repair and recycling, chemical safety, verification and certification of recycled content;

·Financing a total of 10 circular projects in industry and research centers to accelerate the transition and scale up in practice, targeting in particular projects on the substitution of hazardous chemicals and projects on eco-design;

·Raising awareness and informing SMEs through targeted campaigns, a website and the creation of a self-assessment tool for SMEs.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming call for the circular projects shall exclude the following list of activities: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks 18 ; (iii) activities related to waste landfills, incinerators 19 and mechanical biological treatment plants 20 ; and (iv) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. The terms of reference shall additionally require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected. The circular coalition shall be created by 31 December 2021 and the projects shall be finalised by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-5.16: ‘Deployment of the circular economy’ in the Walloon Region

With the aim to deploy the Walloon circular economy, investments shall be implemented via a call for proposals for research and development through the creation of innovation partnerships in two priority value chains, namely metals and construction materials. Projects shall focus on circularity (reuse, upscaling and recycling) of metals, batteries and minerals.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria contained in terms of reference for upcoming calls for projects shall exclude the following list of activities: (i) activities related to fossil fuels, including downstream use; (ii) activities under the EU Emission Trading System achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks 21 ; and (iii) activities where the long-term disposal of waste may cause harm to the environment. The terms of reference shall additionally require that only activities that comply with relevant EU and national environmental legislation may be selected. The measure was launched in Q1 2021 and shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

P.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
195Brussels Regional Strategy for the Economic Transition (R-5.08)MAdoption of the Regional Strategy for Economic TransitionDecision of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region indicating the adoption of the strategyQ12022Brussels Region’s strategy for economic transition adopted by the government of the Brussels-Capital Region (Décision du Gouvernement de la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale), defining objectives for 2030, based on coordination between public actors and active participation of the private sector, including a five year action plan covering priority areas for action, putting in place a coherent package of public incentives for innovation and favourable for entrepreneurship for the ecological transition.
196Governance Circular Flanders (R-5.09)MLaunch of Steering Group of Circular FlandersSteering group for the governance of Circular Flanders appointed and Roadmap and Work Agendas adoptedQ42021Steering group for the governance of Circular Flanders appointed and Roadmap and Work Agendas for guiding circular economy projects and the development of strategic levers adopted
197Recycling Hub (I-5.14)TAward of six public contracts for recycling facilitiesFacilities06Q42022Six investment projects for recycling facilities have been selected for support. A jury shall make an assessment of the projects, the final selection shall be confirmed by the Flemish minister for Environment.

Award of the contracts to the projects selected under the competitive call for proposals with terms of reference including eligibility criteria that ensure that the selected projects comply with the ’Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) through the use of an exclusion list and the requirement of compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation.
198Recycling Hub (I-5.14)TCompletion of works in six recycling facilitiesFacilities06Q22026Six recycling facilities built, adapted or enlarged for improved recycling processes.
199Belgium Builds Back Circular (I-5.15)MAward of public contracts for circular projectsNotification of the award of public contracts to successful candidatesQ12024Operational secretariat contracted and in function to foster collaboration on circular economy actions and selection of successful candidates following call for proposal for ten circular projects. The candidates shall be private companies that need financing for the implementation of a research or operational project in ecodesign or chemical substitution. A candidate shall be considered successful when its investment project is officially selected to be funded by the coalition.

Notification of the award of public contracts to the projects selected under the competitive call for proposals with terms of reference including eligibility criteria that ensure that the selected projects comply with the ’Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) through the use of an exclusion list and the requirement of compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation.
200Belgium Builds Back Circular (I-5.15)MCompletion of awareness raising and information actions to SME’s and of circular projectsReports establishing the impact of the campaigns, reports on the completion of circular projectsQ22026At least three awareness raising and informing actions towards SME’s (annual awareness campaigns (over three years), one website and one self-assessment tool) on circular economy aspects completed and at least nine circular projects finalised.
201Deployment of the circular economy in Wallonia (I-5.16)MAward of public contracts for projects promoting circular economy in WalloniaNotification of the award of public contracts to successful candidatesQ22022Selection of successful candidates following the call for proposals for projects on recycling and reuse of metals, batteries and minerals. The call for proposals shall have terms of reference including eligibility criteria that ensure that the selected projects comply with the ‘Do no significant harm’ Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) through the use of an exclusion list and the requirement of compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation.
202Deployment of the circular economy in Wallonia (I-5.16)TCompletion of projects promoting circular economy in WalloniaProjects011Q22026At least 11 projects completed on the recycling and reuse of metals, batteries and minerals.


Q. COMPONENT 6.1: Spending reviews

This component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan is composed of measures centred on the conduct of spending reviews at different level of governments. The overall objective is to improve the quality and composition of public expenditures.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.1 on improving the composition and efficiency of public spending.

Q.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform R-6: ‘Spending reviews’

The objective of the reform is to introduce spending reviews at different government levels. The implementation of the reforms shall be completed by 31 December 2024. This measure includes the following five sub-measures:

·Reform R-6.01 ‘Spending reviews’ of the Federal State

·Reform R-6.02 ‘Spending reviews - Flemish general revision and spending norm’ of Flanders

·Reform R-6.03 ‘Spending Reviews - Zero-based budget’ of the Walloon Region

·Reform R-6.04 ‘Spending review’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

·Reform R-6.05 ‘Spending reviews’ of the French Community


Reform R-6.01: ‘Spending reviews’ of the Federal State

The reform measure aims to conduct spending reviews in a structural way at the federal level and in the social security sector. As part of the Commission’s Structural Reform Support Programme, the OECD has supported the preparation of spending reviews. In 2019 and 2020, it provided technical assistance and recommendations to effectively implement spending reviews in Belgium’s budgetary process. In line with the OECD’s recommendations, the federal government decided to launch pilot exercises in early 2021 in three main areas: tax expenditure, primary expenditure, social security sector. Working groups have been set up to that end and are due to submit their report in view of the preparation of the 2022 budget. At that point in time, the government shall select a new set of topics to be delivered for the next year. An evaluation of the process (steering committee, terms of reference, composition of working groups) shall be carried out after the pilot exercise to assess whether the planned structure and timing are optimal or may be improved. By the completion of the pilots, the government shall decide in 2022 how spending reviews would become a recurrent process and an integral part of the budgetary procedure.

Reform R-6.02: ‘Spending reviews - Flemish general revision and spending norm’ of Flanders

The reform measure plans to re-prioritise the expenditures of Flanders’s regional government and limit it where possible: on the one hand, through the development of an expenditure norm and, on the other hand, through the so-called “Vlaamse Brede Herovering (VBH)”, which aims to structurally anchor spending reviews in the Flemish budgetary process in the coming years. The expenditure norm to be adopted in 2022 shall define the maximum growth path of government expenditure, taking into account the trend in revenue growth and the budgetary targets set. The purpose of the VBH programme is to carry out an evaluation on ten policy domains by mid-2021 which shall serve as basis to define the scope of spending reviews. The measure aims at supporting spending reviews in eleven policy domains from September 2021 to October 2025.

Reform R-6.03: ‘Spending Reviews — Zero-based budget’ of the Walloon Region

The reform measure consists in a zero-based budgeting exercise and of spending reviews covering all expenditures and revenues structured around seven policy fields and covering all departments of the Walloon administration as well as 170 public administration units. The zero-based budgeting approach, which shall require full justification of spending on a yearly basis, shall focus on operating and investment expenditures, while spending reviews shall address intervention expenditures involving a transfer of public resource to undertakings, household and local authorities. The exercise shall be conducted in a series of four waves from October 2020 to June 2022 with the support of external consultants. Upon the conclusion of the exercise, the Walloon government shall decide how spending reviews are to be integrated in the budgetary process in a permanent way.

Reform R-6.04: ‘Spending review’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

The reform measure consists in the conduct and finalisation of two pilot spending reviews and the subsequent integration of spending reviews in the budgetary process of the Brussels Region. With the support of the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP), the Brussels Region initiated two spending review pilots in the areas of mobility and social housing. Their main objective is to strengthen the capacity within the Administration (in particular the Brussels Administration for Finance and Budget and the Brussels Institute for Statistics and Analysis) and to draw lessons to anchor the tool in a structural way. Also thanks to the SRSP, the Brussels government benefited from a comprehensive gap analysis of its public financial management system thanks to a Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessment to be concluded in July 2021. Based on the experiences in conducting the pilot reviews and the results of the PEFA analysis, the Brussels government shall decide on how to integrate spending reviews in a structural way in the budgetary process.

Reform R-6.05: ‘Spending reviews’ of the French Community

The reform measure consist in the conduct of pilot spending reviews and the subsequent integration of spending reviews in the budgetary process of the French-speaking Community. A first wave of pilot reviews were selected for the elaboration of the 2022 budget. A second wave shall follow and be concluded by mid-2022. In the framework of the EU Technical Support Instrument, the Government of the French-speaking Community shall benefit from technical support to integrate spending reviews in its budgetary cycle allowing the Government to decide in Q2 2023 as how to integrate spending reviews in the budgetary cycle.


Q.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
205Spending reviews (R-6)MSpending review pilot or integration into budgetary process (1)Completed pilots and associated reportsQ42021For the federal, Walloon Region, and Brussels Capital Region authorities: Spending review pilot completion and drafting of report. For the Flemish Region authorities: Spending review integration into budgetary process (1): Government decisions defining how spending reviews (or similar approach) are integrated into budgetary process. The decisions define the spending review strategy and a calendar for future reviews, potentially including quantified targets. In line with the Eurogroup guidance, ensure, amongst other elements, clear scope and design of the reviews as well as transparent monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
206Spending reviews (R-6)MSpending review integration into budgetary process (1) or pilot completionGovernment decisionQ42022For the federal, Walloon Region, and Brussels Capital Region authorities: Spending review integration into budgetary process (1): Government decisions defining how spending reviews (or similar approach) are integrated into budgetary process. The decisions define the spending review strategy and a calendar for future reviews, potentially including quantified targets. In line with the Eurogroup guidance, ensure, amongst other elements, clear scope and design of the reviews as well as transparent monitoring, reporting and evaluation. For the French Community authorities: Spending review pilot completion and report redaction.
207Spending reviews (R-6)MSpending review integration into budgetary process (1) or (2)Government decisionQ42023For the French Community authorities: Spending review integration into budgetary process (1): Government decisions defining how spending reviews (or similar approach) are integrated into budgetary process. The decisions define the spending review strategy and a calendar for future reviews, potentially including quantified targets. In line with the Eurogroup guidance, ensure, amongst other elements, clear scope and design of the reviews as well as transparent monitoring, reporting and evaluation. For the federal, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Brussels Capital-Region, and French Community authorities: Spending review integration into budgetary process (2): Systematic inclusion of the outcome of spending reviews into annual and multiannual budget planning as of the preparation of the budgetary law for 2024. This shall include, among others, the quantification ex-post of the outcomes, including savings, associated to the spending review programme.
208Spending reviews (R-6)MSpending review ex-post analysisAssessment reportQ42024For the federal, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Brussels-Capital Region, and French Community authorities: Spending review ex-post analysis: Publication of assessment report of spending reviews.

REPowerEU Chapter

R. COMPONENT 7.1: Renovation of buildings

The REPowerEU chapter addresses the challenge of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and boost energy efficiency. The objective of this component of the REPowerEU chapter of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan is to renovate the existing building stock and make it more energy and resource efficient. The component is focused on the renovation of private and public buildings, including social infrastructure and residential housing, and more generally the less performing buildings in terms of energy efficiency. Therefore, this component contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering growth in sustainable construction, as well as social resilience through the reduction of energy bills.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendations 2022.4 and 2023.4, calling on Belgium to reduce overall reliance on fossil fuels by stepping up energy efficiency improvements and the reduction of fossil fuel use in buildings.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

R.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform R-7.01: ‘Revision of the code on air, climate and energy’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This reform consists in amending the Brussels code on air, climate and energy (COBRACE), introducing new obligations on the renovation of buildings and new buildings. An Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) certificate shall be required for all residential and non-residential EPB units. For residential building stock, any EPB unit shall have to undergo renovation work in order to meet the following primary energy consumption requirements: EPB units of the residential building stock must at least correspond to a primary energy consumption level of less than 275 kWh/m²/year (limit of class E) within 10 years or by 2033 at the latest, and less than 150 kWh/m²/year (limit of class C) for the requirements to be achieved within 20 years.

As from 1 January 2025, all new buildings shall have only heating systems for which heat generators meet the eco-design requirements of Directive 2009/125/EC and produce heat only from electricity and/or energy from renewable sources and/or are connected to an efficient district heating system. Secondly, as from 2027, any new construction owned, occupied or intended to be occupied by a public authority shall meet the ‘zero-emission’ objective and be equipped with an installation for the production of energy from solar energy. Thirdly, as from 2030, the zero-emission objective shall have to be achieved by any new construction.

The transition period for the implementation of the reform shall start on 30 June 2024 with the entry into force of the eco-design requirements for heating systems as of 1 January 2025.

The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2024.

Investment I-7.01: ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This measure shall finance grants of the RENOLUTION renovation subsidy programme for energy efficiency renovations for low-income households. The investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.

Investment I-7.02: 'Scaled-up measure: Improved energy subsidy scheme' of the Flemish Region

This investment scales up reform R-1.01, sub-investment (i) ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the Flemish Region under component 1.1: Renovation. The scaled-up part of this measure shall finance the increase in subsidy per final recipient for energy efficient renovations of private housing. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.03: ‘Energy grants for private housing’ of the German-speaking Community

This measure was the investment component of R-1.03 ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the German-speaking Community, under component 1.1: Renovation. The measure consists in granting energy premiums for the renovation of private housing contributing to the reduction in energy consumption. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2024.

Investment I-7.04: ‘Renovation of social housing’ of the Walloon Region

This investment consists in equipping social housing units with solar panels and heat pumps. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.05: 'Energy-climate measures in public buildings' of the Federal state

This investment consists in equipping federal public buildings with charging stations, solar panels and LED lights. The objective of the investment as far as charging infrastructure is concerned shall be in line with Directive (EU) 2023/2413 amending the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment I-7: ‘Energy saving in public buildings’ of the Flemish Region

The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026. The investment is composed of the following sub-measures/actions:

·Investment I-7.06: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Flemish Region

·Investment I-7.07: ‘Energy measures for public schools’ of the Flemish Region

·Investment I-7.08: ‘Energy measures for care buildings’ of the Flemish Region

·Investment I-7.09: ‘Energy measures for the VRT building’ of the Flemish Region

Investment I-7.06: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Flemish Region

This investment consists in the energy-efficient renovation of four public buildings: (1) Martelaarsplein 7, Martelaarsplein 19 and Kreupelenstraat 2, Brussel, (2) Winston Churchillkaai 2, Oostende, (3) Justitiehuis, Ieper, (4) Koolstraat 35, Brussel. The measure shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.07: ‘Energy measures for public schools’ of the Flemish Region

This investment consists in the deployment of solar panels on public schools, based on a preparatory study. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.08: ‘Energy measures for care buildings’ of the Flemish Region

This investment consists in (1) performing energy audits and (2) completing energy measures in care buildings. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.09: ‘Energy measures for the VRT building’ of the Flemish Region

This investment consists in the deployment of heat pumps and solar panels, as well as LED lights, roof insulation and intelligent energy monitoring in the new VRT (Vlaamse Radio en Televisie) building. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.10: ‘Energy measures for AWV buildings’ of the Flemish Region

This investment consists in completing four projects of installing in AWV (Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer) buildings: insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and LED lights. The measure shall reduce on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

R.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related MeasureM/TNameQualitative indicators (for milestones)Quantitative indicators (for targets)Timeline for completionDescription of milestone/target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
211Revision of the code on air, climate and energy - RBC (R-7.01)MNew obligations for building renovationProvision in the legal act indicating the entry into force of the ordinance amending COBRACEQ22024The entry into force of the Ordinance amending the Brussels code on air, climate and energy.  Those new obligations shall include that (i) an Energy Performance of Buildings (EPC) certificate shall be required for all residential and non-residential EPB units, (ii) EPB units of the residential building stock must at least correspond to a primary energy consumption level of less than 275 kWh/m²/year (limit of class E) within 10 years or by 2033 at the latest, and (iii) less than 150 kWh/m²/year (limit of class C) for the requirements to be achieved within 20 years. As from 1 January 2025, (iv) all new buildings shall have only heating systems whose heat generators meet the eco-design requirements of Directive 2009/125/EC and produce heat only from electricity and/or energy from renewable sources and/or are connected to an efficient district heating system.
212Improved energy subsidy scheme’ - RBC (I-7.01)TEnergy grants for low-income householdsNumber01 749Q420241 749 residential dwellings renovated with the support of energy grants achieving primary energy demand reduction for the benefit of low-income households.
213Improved energy subsidy scheme of the Flemish Region (I-7.02)MIncreased energy subsidy scheme of the Flemish RegionEntry into force of the amendment of the decree concerning the energy subsidy scheme of the Flemish governmentQ12022Entry into force of the amendment to the decree concerning the energy subsidy scheme related to R-1.01, sub-reform (i). It shall define an increase of maximum percentages of the subsidy scheme for the two lowest income target groups, as well as an increase in the grants for roof insulation and the grants for heat pumps.
214Energy grants - German-speaking Community (I-7.03)TRenovation of private housingNumber0774Q22024774 private housing units have been renovated with the support of energy grants.
215Renovation of social housing – WAL (I-7.04)TSolar panels and heat pumps in social housingNumber3 600Q220263 600 social housing units have been equipped with solar panels including 285 social housing units have been equipped with solar panels and heat pumps.
216Energy-climate measures in public buildings – Federal state (I-7.05)TCompleted energy measuresNumber03 622Q42025The 50 selected projects of installing LED lights, solar panels and charging points in federal buildings have been completed, including at least 224 kW LED lights, 3 300 Mwp solar panels and 98 charging points. The objective of the charging infrastructure shall be in line with Directive (EU) 2023/2413 amending the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001.
217Energy measures for AWV buildings (I-7.10)TCompleted energy measure projectsNumber04Q42025Four projects of installing in AWV buildings: heat pumps, insulation, solar panels and LED lights have been completed, reducing on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings.
218Saving energy in public buildings - VLA (I-7)TEnergy-efficient renovation of public buildingsNumber0555Q22026Four public buildings have been renovated: (1) Martelaarsplein 7, Martelaarsplein 19 and Kreupelenstraat 2, Brussel, (2) Winston Churchillkaai 2, Oostende, (3) Justitiehuis, Ieper, (4) Koolstraat 35, Brussel (I-7.06), reducing on average at least 30% of primary energy consumption, as defined in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2019/786 on the renovation of buildings. The reduction of at least on average 30% of primary energy consumption will be proven with ex-ante and ex-post Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for each of these buildings. In accordance with Annex I of the EPBD (Directive 2010/31/EU), the EPCs ex-ante and ex-post can be based on calculated energy use in line with the relevant (national) energy performance methodology.

At least 100 public school buildings have been equipped with at least 100 000 cumulative m² of solar panels (I-7.07).

At least 400 care buildings have had an energy audit. At least 50 care buildings have completed the energy measures for which a grant was received (I-7.08).

The VRT building has been equipped with heat pumps and solar panels, as well as LED lights, roof insulation and intelligent energy monitoring (I-7.09).

S. COMPONENT 7.2: New emerging energy technologies

This component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aims at providing a strong impetus to technological developments to support the energy transition and reduce CO2 emissions, with emphasis on system integration and industrial decarbonisation.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2022.4 and 2023.4, calling on Belgium to reduce overall reliance on fossil fuels, inter alia, by further stimulating the decarbonisation of industry and to step up policy efforts aimed at the acquisition of skills and competences for the green transition.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

S.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-7.11: ‘Research platform for energy transition’ of the French Community

This measure consists of investments in a series of R&D facilities and equipment for the benefit of French-speaking universities. The technologies targeted by this measure relate to one or more of the following areas: renewable and low carbon energy production; energy production, conversion and storage; CO2 capture and valorisation; rational use of energy in buildings and in mobility; electricity grid operation. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment I-7.12: ‘Energy import infrastructure’ of the Federal State

This measure consists in supporting demonstration or R&D projects with the aim of optimising the infrastructure for the import of hydrogen or electricity. Two calls for projects shall be organised: i) a call for projects to support the research, development and demonstration of technologies and infrastructures that can contribute to the import of hydrogen into Belgium and ii) a call for projects to support, through the award of grants, research, development and demonstration of technologies and infrastructures for the import of electricity or hydrogen into Belgium. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.13: ‘Call for the decarbonisation of industry’ of the Walloon Region

This measure consists in providing financial incentives for energy investments in Walloon industries and for the development of new industries in green technologies. These investments shall cover projects on energy efficiency, such as the management of industrial heat, on carbon capture and storage (CCS) where CO2 captured stems from unavoidable process emissions, on fuel switching, on the production of renewable energy, or the set-up of new industrial elements of the value chain of technologies linked to the green transition, such as the batteries value chain (in production or in critical materials management) and the renewable or fossil-free hydrogen value-chain.

In order to ensure that the measure complies with the ‘Do no significant harm’ principle under the Recovery and Resilience Facility as set out in the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01), the eligibility criteria in the upcoming call shall exclude activities under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS), achieving projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not lower than the relevant benchmarks. Where the activity achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower, but still lower than the relevant benchmarks, an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible should be provided. In addition, the measure can also support, in sites registered as ETS installations, interventions which do not affect the emissions of the ETS installation and hence are actions that are not within the ETS installation boundaries (see the guidance of the interpretation of those boundaries). Benchmarks established for the free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, are set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.14: ‘Call for climate action in agriculture’ of the Flemish Region

This investment consists in supporting energy-saving techniques (such as insulation, heat storage, heat recovery, monitoring the frequency of pumps and fans, pre-cooling), green heat and renewable energy (such as solar water heaters, heat pumps, sustainable and local use of biomass), aimed at reducing the greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector. The measure shall be implemented, using the same modalities applied to the measure “3.23 – VLIF Productive investments in agricultural holdings” included in the Flemish strategic plan under the Common Agricultural Policy. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.


S.2 Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. NbRelated Measure (Reform or Investment)M / TNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
219Research platform for energy transition (I-7.11)MRelease of public tenders for equipmentRelease of public tendersQ22024Release of public tenders to procure targeted equipment under the project “Research platform for energy transition” (Fedération Wallonie-Bruxelles) satisfying the following conditions as regards the intended research and innovation (R&I) activities:

- The R&I exclusively or primarily focuses on low-impact options (such as renewable hydrogen production or zero emission environmental innovations); or

- The R&I is dedicated to improving “best in class” technology (such as technologies with the most limited impact (but not zero / low impact) among those currently available), and appropriate flanking measures are put in place to prevent lock-in effects (measures enabling the uptake of low impact technologies, or their development); or

- The results of the R&I process are technologically neutral at the level of their application (i.e. they may be applied across all available technologies).
220Research platform for energy transition (I-7.11)MProcurement of equipmentFinal Project ReportQ42025EUR 21 182 204 executed upon completion of the procurement of equipment and the remaining EUR 2 353 578 has been ordered.
221Energy import infrastructure (I-7.12)MAward of contracts under the calls for projectsWritten notification to successful candidatesQ22024Award of contracts to the demonstration projects or R&D projects selected under the calls for projects on the optimisation of import infrastructures for hydrogen or electricity.
222Energy import infrastructure (I-7.12)MCompletion of projects awarded under the calls for projectsFinal project report approvedQ22026Completion of projects awarded under the calls for projects on the optimisation of import infrastructures for hydrogen or electricity, with at least EUR 12 000 000 executed.
223Call for the decarbonisation of industry (I-7-13)MAward of contracts under the call for projectsWritten notification to successful candidatesQ22024Award of contracts to projects, in line with the DNSH requirement specified in the measure description, following the call for projects on energy efficiency, on topics such as the management of industrial heat, carbon capture and storage (CCS) where CO2 captured stems from unavoidable process emissions, fuel switching, the production of renewable energy, or the set-up of new industrial elements of the value chain of technologies linked to the green transition, such as the batteries value chain (in production or in critical materials management) and the renewable or fossil-free hydrogen value-chain.
224Call for the decarbonisation of industry (I-7.13)MCompletion of projects awarded under the call for projectsFinal project report approvedQ22026Completion of projects awarded under the call for projects “Decarbonisation of industry” with at least EUR 64 000 000 executed.
225Call for climate measures in agriculture (I-7.14)TCompletion of projects awarded under the call for proposalsNumber0270Q22026Completion of at least 270 projects in agriculture on energy-saving techniques, green heat or renewable energy, aimed at reducing the greenhouse gas emissions.


T.3. Description of the reforms and investments for the loan

Investment I-7.15 ‘Backbone for H2’ of the Federal State

This investment consists in the development of a hydrogen transport network, with primary focus on the main industrial clusters of Flanders (Antwerp, Ghent), Wallonia (Hainaut, Liège) and Brussels. The projects to be implemented shall be determined on the basis of a validation of market needs, and shall form part of a planned wider cross-border Important Project of Common European Interest (“IPCEI”) on hydrogen. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.


T.4. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for the loan

Seq Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)M/TNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
226Backbone for H2 (I-7.15)MAdoption of the investment plan for H2 backbone infrastructureAdoption of the investment plan “Backbone for H2” by the Federal governmentQ42023Adoption by the Federal Government of the investment plan “Backbone for H2” to develop the first clusters for H2 backbone projects, after consultation with the competent regulatory body (CREG).

The investment plan shall contain a proposed selection of projects, meeting the following conditions (DNSH conditions):

1. Construction or operation of new transport networks dedicated to hydrogen (within this point shall fall also the expansion of existing dedicated hydrogen pipelines and changes made to these pipelines to assure more connection points and an open access methodology);

2. Conversion/repurposing of existing natural gas networks to 100% hydrogen.
227Backbone for H2 (I-7.15)TConstruction and operation of 150 km of pipeline for H2km0150Q22026Construction and operation of 150 km of pipeline for H2 (or realized via re-purposing of pipelines hitherto used for transporting other gases).

The following conditions shall be met (DNSH conditions):

1. Construction or operation of new transport networks dedicated to hydrogen (within this point shall fall also the expansion of existing dedicated hydrogen pipelines and changes made to these pipelines to assure more connection points and an open access methodology);

2. Conversion/repurposing of existing natural gas networks to 100% hydrogen.

T. COMPONENT 7.3: Renewable energy

The objective of this component is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by supporting the production of electricity from renewable sources, ensuring greater interconnection, and flexibility of the electricity system, as well as accelerating the integration of renewable energy sources. In particular, the measures under this component shall support renewable energy generation capacity through investments in offshore wind and solar in particular, and by reforming the regulatory framework to stimulate the installation of wind turbines and photovoltaic panels and shorten the time taken by legal proceedings related to energy transition projects.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2022.4 and 2023.4, calling on Belgium to reduce overall reliance on fossil fuels by ‘accelerating the deployment of renewable energies and related grid infrastructure by further streamlining the permitting procedures, including by reducing the length of appeal procedures, and by adopting legal frameworks to further boost investments in renewable energy installations and facilitate energy sharing.’

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

T.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Reform R-7.02: 'Reform of the appeal procedures of the Council of State’ of the Federal State

This reform of the Council of State consists in (1) reducing the time taken to deal with appeal procedures relating to decisions on energy investments and renewable energy projects (insofar the Council of State is the competent body), (2) granting priority to the treatment of energy transition files. This measure aims at increasing the share and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy in Belgium by removing the administrative bottlenecks linked to appeal procedures in the process of executing the investments in renewable energy. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2024.

Reform R-7.03: ‘PV-obligation for large consumers’ of the Flemish Region

This reform introduces an obligation to install solar photovoltaic panels for private buildings located in Flanders that are connected to electricity offtake points where, from calendar year 2021, there is an offtake of more than 1 GWh per year and the buildings of public organizations located in Flanders that are connected to electricity offtake points where, from calendar year 2021, there is an offtake of more than 250 MWh per year. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2023.

Reform R-7.04: ‘Accelerating the energy transition’ of the Walloon Region

This reform consists in shortening permitting procedures for renewable energy projects and more generally, in facilitating the development of such projects by: (1) reforming the Nature Conservation Act, (2) revising the 2013 Wind Reference Framework, (3) revising the development and permitting framework for renewable energy, (4) banning coal and heating oil for heating and domestic hot water in buildings. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2025.

Investment I-7.16: ‘Floating solar’ of the Federal State

This investment consists in R&D advancing the technical, economic, and financial feasibility of floating solar panels in the North Sea and increasing the technology readiness level of that technology from four to seven (on a nine-level scale), and as a result shall lead to installing and making operational a full scale floating solar panel demonstrator installed and operational with a capacity between 1 and 5 MW. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 31 December 2025.

Investment I- 7.17: 'Optimisation of energy distribution’ of the Walloon Region

This investment consists in awarding subsidies to the two main electricity network operators in the Walloon region (ORES and RESA) to make grids smarter and implement the reinforcement of the network. The subsidies awarded to each of the operators shall be proportional to their share in the overall number of network users. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.18: ‘Innovative renewable energy production initiatives’ of the Flemish Region

This measure consists in awarding subsidies to companies investing in research and development activities related to the production of innovative technologies in the field of solar energy (photovoltaic cells, solar thermal systems, energy storage and incorporation into energy grids (electric or thermal)), as well as to companies investing in the electrification of port infrastructure in Flanders (shore-side electricity). To this end, a call for projects shall be launched, targeting projects in these two areas. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.19: ‘Removing barriers to renewable energy’ of the Federal State

This measure targets the reduction of restrictions in the neighbourhood of airports (e.g. distance from radars, height restrictions, area and location of exclusion zones) imposed by air traffic control services on building wind turbines, in view of increasing the share and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy. This measure consists of rationalising the systems of air navigation, introducing new technologies and optimising operational procedures, which shall contribute to reducing the protection areas around airports, thus freeing up additional space for the construction of new wind farms, thus increasing the share and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.


T.2 Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)M/TNameQualitative indicators

(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators

(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
228Appeal procedure to the Council of State (R-7.02)MEntry into force of legislationProvision in the law indicating the entry into force of the law shortening procedures for obtaining renewable energy permitsQ22024(1) Entry into force of the law reforming the appeal procedures against decisions relating to renewable energy installations and energy investments before the Administrative Litigation Division of the Council of State.

This law aims at shortening procedures for obtaining renewable energy permits, by

·abolishing the provisional intervention order,

·limiting the time in which the auditorate submits its report on the case to 6 months,

·amending the suspension procedures,

·giving priority to energy transition cases,

·reducing the time taken to deal with proceedings before the Administrative Litigation Section and

·reducing the time taken to deal with an ordinary action for annulment, except if a procedural incident occurs, to a maximum of 18 months.

(2) Entry into force of the Royal Decree which

·gives priority treatment to appeals concerning renewable energy deployment and energy transition files,

·establishes clearly the priority choices for case handling, internal organization and reinforcement of chambers or sections to ensure faster treatment of procedures for dealing with energy transition cases,

·reduces the time taken to deal with appeals in these cases to 15 months (except in the case of procedural incidents).
229PV-obligation for large consumers (R-7.03)MEntry into force of legislationProvision in the legal act indicating the entry into force of provisions introducing the obligation to install solar panels for certain buildingsQ22023Entry into force of the decree introducing an obligation to install photovoltaic solar panels for: (1) buildings located in Flanders that are connected to electricity offtake points where, from calendar year 2021, there is an offtake of more than 1 GWh per year and (2) the buildings of public organizations located in Flanders that are connected to electricity offtake points where, from calendar year 2021, there is an offtake of more than 250 MWh per year.
230Acceleration of the energy transition (R-7.04)MEntry into force of legislationProvision in the law indicating the entry into force of provisions revising the Nature Conservation Act and the revised Wind Energy Reference FrameworkQ42024(1) Entry into force of the reform of the Nature Conservation Act, simplifying the procedures for assessing the impact of projects of power generation facilities from renewable sources on biodiversity in areas which shall be defined as ‘renewables acceleration areas’.

(2) Entry into force of the revised Wind Energy Reference Framework, with a view to enshrining the overriding public interest in renewable energy; adapting the distance from the masts to the habitats, modulating the obligation to install a minimum number of masts; adapting the ambitions of renewable energy installations to the best available technologies.
231Acceleration of the energy transition (R-7.04)MEntry into force of legislationProvision in the law indicating the entry into force of provisions banning coal and fuel oil for heatingQ22025Entry into force of the revision of the Walloon government decree on the energy performance of buildings, banning coal and fuel oil for heating and domestic hot water in new buildings from 1 March 2025 and in existing buildings from 1 January 2026.
232Floating Solar (I-7.16)MFull scale demonstrator operationalInstallation and operationalisationQ42025Full scale floating solar panel demonstrator installed and operational with a capacity between 1 and 5 MW.
233Optimization of energy distribution (I-7.17)MAward of subsidies to the two main electricity network operators in the Walloon RegionWritten notification of subsidy awards by the Walloon governmentQ12024Award of subsidies to the two main electricity network operators in the Walloon Region (proportional to their share in the overall number of network users) in view of installation of smart meters, deployment of IT solutions for smartgrid management or implementation of network reinforcement investments.
234Optimization of energy distribution (I-7.17)MCompletion of projectsFinal project report approvedQ22026Completion of installation of smart meters, as well as the deployment of IT solutions for smartgrid management or network reinforcement investments with at least EUR 68 400 000 has been executed.
235Call for innovative renewable energy production initiatives (I-7.18)MAward of contracts under the calls for projectsWritten notification of contract awards to successful candidatesQ22024Award of contracts for the projects aimed at investments in shore power and R&D for solar energy production initiatives, selected through a call for projects.
236Call for innovative renewable energy production initiatives (I-7.18)MCompletion of projectsSelected projects completed and operationalQ22026Projects selected through a call for projects and corresponding investments in shore power and R&D for solar energy production initiatives have been completed.
237Removing barriers to renewable energy (I-7.19)MCompletion of projectsCompletion of projects by Skeyes and DefenseQ22026Acquisition and installation of 4 X-band radars by Defence and the new surveillance technology – 40 Wide Area Multilateration (WAM) units by Skeyes.
238Removing barriers to renewable energy (I-7.19)MEntry into force of regulationProvision in the law indicating the entry into force of regulationQ22026Entry into force of new regulation reducing the restrictions from civil and military air traffic control around airports on building wind turbines.


U.3. Description of the reforms and investments for the loan

Investment I-7.20: ‘Off-shore energy island’ of the Federal State

This investment measure aims at developing an offshore energy hub (‘energy island’) in the Belgian part of the North Sea. The realisation of this energy hub has two main objectives. First, it shall allow the connection of at least 3.15 GW of future offshore wind energy to the onshore electricity grid. Second, it shall facilitate the integration and import of more renewable energy in and around the North Sea by connecting to other countries or regions. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

U.4. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for the loan

Seq. NbRelated Measure (Reform or Investment)M/TNameQualitative indicators
(for milestone)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
239Off-shore energy island (I-7.20)MFinalisation of FEED and environmental studiesPublication of FEED and environmental studiesQ42022Finalisation of FEED (Front-end engineering design) and environmental studies for the measure “Off-shore energy island”. The island must be ready for offshore connection cables between the shore and the energy island. The island shall enable interconnection link with (an)other country(ies).
240Off-shore energy island (I-1.7.20)MEnvironmental permits for energy island obtainedEnvironmental permits for energy island obtainedQ32023Environmental permits obtained by the Transmission System Operator for an energy island in the North Sea, comprising five hectares of useful surface and environmental permits for the deployment of offshore connection cables between the shore and the energy island.
241Off-shore energy island (I-7.20)MCompletion of works related to the energy islandCompletion of worksQ22026Completion of the works related to the energy island, comprising five hectares of useful surface and ready for offshore connection cables between the shore and the energy island. Island shall enable future interconnection link with (an)other country(ies).


U. COMPONENT 7.4: Mobility

The measures proposed under this component of the Belgian recovery and resilience plan aim to support low-emission road transport and support the modal shift by investing in rail.

The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2022.4 and 2023.4 to reduce overall reliance on fossil fuels by promoting the use and supply of public transport as well as soft mobility.

It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).

U.1. Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

Investment I-7.21: ‘Greening of the bus fleet – RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region

This measure was part of investment I-3.17: ‘Greening of the bus fleet - RBC’, under component 3.3: Greening Road Transport. The measure consists in the acquisition of additional electric buses: 23 M3 low floor articulated and 24 standard electric buses. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.22: 'Charging stations - FED' of the Federal State

This measure was part of investment I-3.18: ‘Charging stations – FED’, under component 3.3: Greening Road Transport. The investment shall allow for the deployment of 1 832 bidirectional charging stations for electric cars, following the revision of the tax incentive mentioned in investment I-3-18 ‘Charging stations - FED’ to include the deductibility of the costs of these bidirectional charging stations. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.23: 'Public LED lighting' of the Flemish Region

This investment consists in replacing old luminaires (equipped with high and low-pressure sodium lamps) with LED luminaires on motorways and in tunnels in the Flemish Region. This investment comprises the installation of 18 500 LED luminaires on motorways and 4 250 of LED luminaires in five tunnels. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

Investment I-7.24: ‘Rail – efficient network’ of the Federal State

This measure was part of investment I-3.10: ‘Rail – efficient network’ of the Federal State, under component 3.2: Modal Shift. The measure consists in the electrification of rail line 11. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.


U.2 Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)M/TNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
242Greening the bus fleet –BCR (I-7.21)TElectric buses in serviceNumber1259Q2202623 M3 low floor articulated electric buses and 24 standard electric buses are delivered and placed in service.
243Charging Stations – FED (I-7.22)TDeployment bidirectional charging stationsNumber01 832Q22026Deployment of 1 832 bidirectional charging stations.
244Public LED lighting – VLA (I-7.23)TLED lighting installedNumber022 750Q2202618 500 LED luminaires installed on motorways and 4 250 LED lamps installed in five tunnels.
245Rail efficient network - FED (I-7.24)TElectrification of rail linesNumber (or km)013Q22026Electrification of 13 km of rail (in both directions) in line 11 completed.


V.3. Description of the reforms and investments for the loan

Investment I-7.25: 'Charging infrastructure for busses' of the Brussels-Capital Region

This investment consists in installing charging infrastructure for electric buses in Brussels-Capital Region. The charging infrastructure shall include overnight and opportunity charging stations with the respective electrical infrastructure in one bus depot, and opportunity charging stations with the respective electrical infrastructure in five bus line terminals. The implementation of the measure shall be completed by 30 June 2026.

V.4. Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for the loan

Seq. Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)M/TNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
246Charging infrastructure for busses - BCR (I-7.25)TCharging infrastructure installedNumber092Q22026Complete installation of 76 overnight and 16 opportunity charging stations (with the respective electrical infrastructure) in one bus depot and in five bus line terminals.


V. AUDIT AND CONTROL


V.1.    Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support

A repository system for recording and storing all relevant data related to the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan - the achievement of milestones and targets, data on final recipient, contractors, subcontractors and beneficial owners - shall be operational before the first payment request is submitted. Belgium shall submit a dedicated audit report before the first payment request confirming the effectiveness of the functionalities of the repository system.

In addition, as well before making the first payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Belgium will ensure that the implementation of adequate coordination arrangements, including cross-checks, shall be put in place at the level of the coordinating body at inter-federal level allowing to avoid double funding from the Facility and other Union programmes in accordance with the principle of sound financial management.

In order to ensure robust internal control systems adequate to Belgium's specific setup, the coordinating bodies, in collaboration with the implementing bodies if necessary, shall adapt their manual of procedures describing the management and control system and issue instructions to the implementing bodies. The manuals/documents shall include procedures in relation to obtaining assurance for the signature of the management declarations accompanying the payment request submitted to the Commission.

In addition, where the Inspectorate of Finance has been tasked with responsibility for such controls, the coordinating bodies shall adopt and send a communication to the Inspectorate of Finance concerning the ex-ante verification of compliance with Union and national law and the protection of financial interest of the Union to be carried out in line with Regulation (EU) 2021/241.

Finally, the coordinating bodies shall issue instructions to all implementing bodies regarding the ex-ante verification of the risk of conflict of interest in the implementation of RRF measures before the signature of contracts or award of grants. This shall include mandatory declarations of absence of conflict of interest by the persons involved at all stages of the selection procedures for both calls for tenders and calls for projects, and, on a risk basis, the use of an appropriate risk assessment tool to carry out the conflict of interest checks set out in the instructions.

The milestones 250 and 251 under this measure shall be fulfilled by the time of submission of the next payment request to the Commission following the adoption of this Implementing Decision and shall be a prerequisite for any future payment.


V.2.    Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support

Seq Nb.Related Measure (Reform or Investment)Milestone / TargetNameQualitative indicators
(for milestones)
Quantitative indicators
(for targets)
Indicative timeline for completionDescription of each milestone and target
Unit of measureBaselineGoalQuarterYear
209Monitoring and implementation of the planMRepository system for Audit and Controls: information for monitoring implementation of RRFAudit report confirming repository system functionalitiesBefore the first payment requestBefore the first payment requestA repository system for monitoring the implementation of the RRF shall be in place and operational.

The system shall include, as a minimum, the following functionalities:

(a) collection of data and monitoring of the achievement of milestones and targets;

(b) collect, store and ensure access to the data required by Article 22(2)(d)(i) to (iii) of the RRF Regulation.
210Monitoring and implementation of the planMProtection of EU financial interestImplementation of arrangementsBefore the first payment requestBefore the first payment requestThe implementation of adequate coordination arrangements, including cross-checks, shall be put in place at the level of the coordinating body at inter-federal level allowing to avoid double funding from the Facility and other Union programmes in accordance with the principle of sound financial management.
250Monitoring and implementation of the planMAdaptation of the management and control system for the Recovery and Resilience PlanAdapted manual of procedures and instructions to the implementing bodies. Adoption and sending of a communication to the Inspectorate of Finance, where relevant.Before the second payment requestBefore the second payment requestThe coordinating bodies in the Belgian Recovery and Resilience Plan, in collaboration with the implementing bodies if necessary, shall adapt their manual of procedures/documents outlining their management and control system and issue related instructions to the implementing bodies with the objective to strengthen the framework to prevent, detect, and correct any serious irregularities such as fraud, conflict of interest, corruption and double funding. The updated manual of procedures and related instructions shall include, as a minimum:

(a) Provisions for anti-fraud and anti-corruption strategies/policies in all implementing bodies taking into consideration all the elements outlined in the Guidance Note on Fraud Risk Assessment and Effective and Proportionate Anti-Fraud Measures for ESIF 2014-2020;

(b) Procedures ensuring that persons signing the management declaration(s) to the Commission obtain assurance about the satisfactorily fulfilment of the milestones and targets set in the RRP, that the funds were managed in accordance with all applicable rules, in particular rules on avoidance of conflicts of interest, fraud, prevention of corruption and double funding;

(c) Provisions requiring functional internal and external whistleblowing channels within all bodies;

(d) Provisions requiring on-the spot verifications by the implementing bodies or the coordinating body (Brussels-Capital Region), with particular focus to the protection of the financial interests of the Union;

(e) Procedures on the reporting of irregularities to OLAF and other competent authorities within all bodies;

(f) Procedures with regard to the verification of compliance with Union and national law, in particular concerning public procurement and State aid, within the implementing bodies.

In addition, where the Inspectorate of Finance has been tasked with responsibility for such controls, the relevant coordinating body shall adopt and send a communication to the Inspectorate of Finance with regard to the ex-ante verifications on compliance with Union and national law and on the protection of the financial interests of the Union to be conducted in line with Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
251Monitoring and implementation of the planMPrevention, detection and deterrence of conflict of interestIssued instructionsBefore the second payment requestBefore the second payment requestThe coordinating bodies in the Belgian Recovery and Resilience Plan shall issue instructions to all implementing bodies with regard to ex-ante verifications before the signature of the contract or the award of the grant, of the risk for conflict of interest in the implementation of RRF measures. This shall include (i) mandatory declarations on the absence of conflict of interest from the persons involved at all stages of the selection procedures for both calls for tenders and calls for projects and (ii) on a risk basis, the use of an appropriate risk-scoring tool in view of performing the checks on conflict of interest outlined in the instructions. The instructions shall define conflict of interest in line with Article 61 of the Financial Regulation.


2.Estimated total cost of the recovery and resilience plan

The estimated total cost of the modified recovery and resilience plan including the REPowerEU chapter of Belgium is EUR 5 299 439 854. The estimated total cost of the REPowerEU chapter is EUR 725 603 658. In particular, the estimated total cost of the measures referred to in Article 21c(3), point (a) of Regulation (EU) 2023/435 is EUR 0 whilst the cost of the other measures in the REPowerEU chapter is EUR 725 603 658.


SECTION 2: FINANCIAL SUPPORT

1.Financial contribution

The instalments referred to in Article 2(2) shall be organised in the following manner:

First Instalment (non-repayable support):

Seq. nbName of the measureM/TName
56Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice)MProject management in place for the digital transformation of justice following the adoption of a decree
70Regional data exchange platform (I-2.10)MAward of the public contract
72Digitalisation of citizen-business processes (I-2.11)MEntry in operation of new digital platforms
89Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03)MEU Connectivity Toolbox
90Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03)MPublication of 5G spectrum assignment legislative framework
110Mobiliteitsbudget (R-3.02)MAdoption of the mobility budget
116Stimulating zero-emission transport – VLA (R-3.06)MAdoption of a framework for the deployment of charging infrastructure in the Flemish Region
120Charging stations – FED (I-3.18)MAdoption of the tax incentive to install private and semi-public charging points
126Zero-emission company cars (R-3.03)MAdoption of the law reforming the company car tax scheme
135Personalised guidance in compulsory education (I-4.03)MAdoption of a new decree framework that sets the terms of intervention of the system
137Digital turnaround for Brussels schools (I-4.05)TEquipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems
150Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12)MWalloon Strategy for deinstitutionalisation (Walloon health policy)
157Pension and end of career (R-4.07)MPension reform proposal
172Learning account (R-5.03)MFederal reform developing individual entitlement to training for employees
173Learning account (R-5.03)MFederal reform creating incentives for companies to provide training
177Reform of support to jobseekers in Wallonia (R-5.05)MReform of support for jobseekers in Wallonia
196Governance Circular Flanders (R-5.09)MLaunch of Steering Group of Circular Flanders
205Spending reviews (R-6)MSpending review pilot or integration into budgetary process (1)
209Monitoring and implementation of the planMRepository system for Audit and Controls: information for monitoring implementation of RRF
210Monitoring and implementation of the planMProtection of EU financial interest
Instalment amountEUR 973 994 000


Second instalment (non-repayable support):

Seq. nbName of the measureM/TName
1Improved energy grant scheme in the Flemish region (R-1.01)MImproved energy grant schemes in Flanders
2Improved energy grant scheme of the Brussels-Capital region (R-1.02)MEntry into force of new regulation on energy grant schemes in Brussels
3Improved energy grant scheme of the German-speaking Community (R-1.03)MEntry into force of new regulation on energy grant schemes in the German-speaking Community
11Public building renovations (I-1.08)MAdaptation of the electricity ordinance to introduce a one-stop shop for renovation
18An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15)MAward of contracts under the call for tender
21An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16)MAward of contracts to hydrogen IPCEI projects
22An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16)MAward of contracts for non-IPCEI hydrogen projects
24An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.17)MAward of contracts for hydrogen IPCEI projects
27Developing the low-carbon industry (I-1.18)MAward of contracts
45Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01)MDelivery of first cybersecurity awareness campaign
54Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (sub-measure: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12)MRequirements are defined
57Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice)MPublication of the JustOnWeb online portal
62eHealth Services and Health Data (I-2.06)MEntry into force of the law setting up the Health Data Authority
63eHealth Services and Health Data (I-2.06)MDesign and solution for the subprojects
68Digitalization of the Flemish Government (I-2.09)MContract award for 11 projects
78E-government: tendering procedure (R-2.02)MEntry into force of a new regulatory context
81Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14)MCompletion of pilot projects by the AI for the Common Good Institute
91Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03)M5G auction
92Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03)MStatus Connectivity Toolbox implementation
93Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03)MRevision of the legislative framework of the three regions on radiation standards
103Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C)TCompletion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 1)
112Smart Move (I-3.15)MSmart Move application is operational
117Charging stations – VLA (I-3.19)MAward of concessions for charging infrastructure
118Charging stations – RBC (R-3.05)MAdoption of a decree specifying the security standards and of an infrastructure delivery plan
119Charging stations – WAL (R-3.04)MAdoption of a plan to deploy electric charging stations
131Provision of digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools (I-4)TEquipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems
136Personalised guidance in compulsory education (I-4.03)TDeployment of a reinforced support mechanism for students in need
149Digibanks (I-4.11)TSignature of partnerships to promote digital inclusion
156Pension and end of career (R-4.07)MAction plan based on output of the employment conference
164Learning and career offensive (I-5.04)TSupport for training leaves and online training offer in Flanders
167Learning and career-offensive (I-5.04)MSupport to the temporary unemployed in Flanders
168Life-long learning of the Flemish Community (R-5.04)MVision paper on learning and career account in Flanders
169Digital Skills (I-5.06)TDevelopment of e-learning offer in Flanders
186Strengthen R&D (I-5.11)MAward of public contracts for R&D and infrastructure projects
189Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12)TSupport for 30 food relocation projects, four emerging sectors and 5 pieces of infrastructure
193Reform - Faster permit and appeal procedures (R-5.06)MReform of the environmental permit and appeal procedures
194Reform - Broadening innovation base (R-5.07)MReform of the regulation for innovation support
195Brussels Regional Strategy for the Economic Transition (R-5.08)MAdoption of the Regional Strategy for Economic Transition
197Recycling Hub (I-5.14)TAward of six public contracts for recycling facilities
201Deployment of the circular economy in Wallonia (I-5.16)MAward of public contracts for projects promoting circular economy in Wallonia
206Spending reviews (R-6)MSpending review integration into budgetary process (1) or pilot completion
213Improved energy subsidy scheme of the Flemish Region (I-7.02)MIncreased energy subsidy scheme of the Flemish Region
250Monitoring and implementation of the planMAdaptation of the management and control system for the Recovery and Resilience Plan
251Monitoring and implementation of the planMPrevention, detection and deterrence of conflict of interest
Instalment amountEUR 1 006 646 610


Third instalment (non-repayable support) :

Seq. nbName of the measureM/TName
5Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A)TRenovation of private residential and social housing (step1)
9Renovation of private and social housing (R-1.01(iii))TAward of grants for home batteries in Flanders
38Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22)MAward of contracts to projects for creation of two national parks
41Blue Deal (I-1.24)MStart of projects to reinforce biodiversity and/or mitigate climate change effects
42Blue Deal (I-1.24)MLand purchases to reinforce biodiversity and/or mitigate climate change effects
47Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01)MGlobal cybersecurity governance framework within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
58Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice)MInternal centralization of court decisions
77Simplification of administrative procedures (R-2.01)MEntry into force of measures to simplify the online creation of a business
82Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14)MTeam of experts created within the AI for the Common Good Institute
99Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B)TStart of major infrastructure works for bus (smart road signals, and light metro (Charleroi))
104Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C)TCompletion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 2)
111SNCB/INFRABEL Performance (R-3.01)MApproval of the new performance contracts of NMBS-SNCB and Infrabel and the pluri-annual investment plan, contract
113Modal shift grants (I-3.14)TFirst 4375 new modal shift grants applications
121Charging stations (I-3F)TAdditional operational semi-public and public charging points (step 1)
124Emission fraud (R-3.07)MAdoption of the legal framework for vehicle emission monitoring in Flanders
127Digisprong (R-4.01)MAdoption of new ICT framework for compulsory education in Flanders
128Higher education advancement Fund (R-4.02)MVision paper for a future oriented, agile, and digital higher education
134Higher Education Advancement Fund (I-4.02)TImproving high education offering in Flanders to make it more future-proof and agile
140Tackling discrimination at the labour market (R-4.04)MAdapted regulatory framework and improved application of discriminatory tests
141An inclusive labour market (R-4.06)TCompletion of sectoral non-discrimination actions
142An inclusive labour market (R-4.06)TNew integrated path for newcomers
143Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07)MAward of grants related to social innovation initiatives
154Building and renovation of early childcare infrastructure (I-4.13)TAward of works contracts for project promoters
159A6K/E6K Digital and Technological Innovation and Training Hub (I-5.01)MActivity developed through A6K-E6K
174Learning account (R-5.03)MProvisions in the decree indicating the entry into force
175Cumulation regime and mobility to sectors with shortages (R-5.01)MFederal reform of cumulation regime
176Cumulation regime and mobility to sectors with shortages (R-5.01)MFederal reform of mobility to sectors with shortages
184R&D: Minimization of waste during dismantling (I-5.10)MAward of public contract for the construction of a Material Treatment facility (MaT)
207Spending reviews (R-6)MSpending review integration into budgetary process (1) or (2)
229PV-obligation for large consumers (R-7.03)MEntry into force of legislation
Instalment amountEUR 711 711 283


Fourth instalment (non-repayable support) :

Seq. nbName of the measureM/TName
6Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A)TRenovation of private residential and social housing (step 2)
12Public building renovations (I-1B)TRenovation of public buildings (step 1)
15Regulatory framework for the H2 market (R-1.04)MEntry into force of the new or modified laws and related regulations to enable market development of H2
15bisRegulatory framework for the CO2 market in Flanders (R-1.05)MEntry into force of the new or modified decrees and related regulations to enable market development of CO2 in Flanders
15terRegulatory framework for the CO2 market in Wallonia (R-1.06)MEntry into force of the new or modified decrees and related regulations to enable market development of CO2 in Wallonia
19An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15)MAward of contracts under the 2nd call for tender
36Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22)TLand management measures applied (forests, protected area) and remeandering projects in progress
44Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01)TNotification of award for eight public tenders
46Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01)TInstruments to increase cyber resilience available to the general public
51Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04) (sub-measure 2)TAll Public Institute for Social Security (IPSS) communications are digital and data is centralized / consolidated
59Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice)MDatabase for the collection of real-time data
71Regional data exchange platform (I-2.10)T10 public administrations are supported for the deployment of projects on the regional data platform
79E-government: tendering procedure (R-2.02)MImplementation of the new tool
83Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14)TAI services delivered by the AI for the Common Good Institute
94Cycling infrastructure (I-3A)MStart of all cycling and walking projects
95Cycling infrastructure (I-3A)TNew and refurbished cycling roads
102Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B)MSignature of revised public service contract of OTW (‘Organisme de Transport de Wallonie’)
109Go Live of rail IT modules (I-3E)TGo Live of rail IT modules
114Greening the bus fleet (I-3G)TFormal order for green busses and related charging infrastructure in Flanders and Brussels
125Emission fraud (R-3.07)MIT system that integrates emission data with observations of periodic technical and road safety inspections operational
129Global action plan against early school leaving (R-4.03)MNew comprehensive plan against school dropout
138Digital turnaround for Brussels schools (I-4.05)TEquipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems
139Re-qualification strategy (R-4.05)MAdoption of regulatory texts by the Brussels Government to promote integration of vulnerable groups into the labour market
144Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07)TCompetence profile and job counselling
146E-inclusion for Belgium (I-4.08)TAward of grants
147Digital platforms for prisoners (I-4.09)TCompletion of roll-out
148Gender and work (I-4.10)TParticipation of women to field-projects
151Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12)TAward of part of the works
158Pension and end of career (R-4.07)MAdoption of the pension reform
165Learning and career-offensive (I-5.04)TSupport to enterprises in Flanders via competency checks and calls for projects
166Strategy for relaunching the labour market focused on the efficiency and optimisation of activation and training policies (I-5.05)TActivation support to job seekers and workers in Brussels
170Digital Skills (I-5.06)MDigital tools and services to citizens, employers and the Flemish Public Employment Service (VDAB) partners fully deployed in Flanders
180Nuclear medicine (I-5.08)MTechnology package finalised
188Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12)MAward of public works contracts by the 2 intermunicipal companies (SPI, IGRETEC) for the construction of infrastructure for the food sector
199Belgium Builds Back Circular (I-5.15)MAward of public contracts for circular projects
208Spending reviews (R-6)MSpending review ex-post analysis
211Revision of the code on air, climate and energy - RBC (R-7.01)MNew obligations for building renovation
212Improved energy subsidy scheme- RBC (I-7.01)TEnergy grants for low-income households
214Energy grants - German-speaking Community (I-7.03)TRenovation of private housing
219Research platform for energy transition (I-7.11)MRelease of public tenders for equipment
221Energy import infrastructure (I-7.12)MAward of contracts under the call for projects
223Call for the decarbonisation of industry (I-7.13)MAward of contracts under the call for projects
228Appeal procedure to the State Council (R-7.02)MEntry into force of legislation
230Acceleration of the energy transition (R-7.04)MEntry into force of legislation
233Optimization of energy distribution (I-7.17)MAward of subsidies to the two main electricity network operators in the Walloon Region
235Call for innovative renewable energy production initiatives (I-7.18)MAward of contracts under the calls for projects
248SMELD – FED (I-5.18)MPreparatory study on the requirements for setting up the melting furnace
Instalment amountEUR 1 022 767 247


Fifth instalment (non-repayable support) :

Seq. nbName of the measureM/TName
7Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A)TRenovations of private residential and social housing (step 3)
13Public building renovations (I-1B)TRenovation of public buildings (step 2)
20An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15)MCompletion of all awarded projects in the calls for tender
49Cybersecurity: 5G (I-2.02)MReinforced interception capabilities of the judicial police in a 5G context
50Cybersecurity: NTSU/CTIF interception and safeguard (I-2.03)MDigital registry of intercepted private communications managed by the National Technical and Tactical Support Unit of the Belgian federal police
60Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice)MNew Case Management System for seven entities
61Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 10: Single Digital Gateway)MThe front-end interface is developed
64eHealth Services et Health Data (I-2.06)MFull roll-out of the project
65Digitalisation of ONE (I-2.07)MEntry in operation of new digital platforms
69Digitalization of the Flemish Government (I-2.09)MDevelopment of 4 new digital features
73Digitalisation of citizen-business processes (I-2.11)TEntry in operation of 3 online platforms (town planning permit, town planning information and environmental permit)
84Improving the connectivity of 35 business parks in Wallonia (I-2.15)TFibre connectivity for 35 business parks
100Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B)TOperationalisation of smart road traffic lights
106Canal Albert and Trilogiport (I-3.11)MAward of contracts for the works of the bridges over Canal Albert / and a new platform at Trilogiport
108Unlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility application (I-3D)TUnlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility application
115Greening the bus fleet (I-3G)TGreen buses placed in service and depots technically adapted in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia
122Charging stations (I-3F)TAdditional operational private, semi-public and public charging points (step 2)
145Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07)TSustainable integration pathway for people with disabilities
152Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12)TInstallation of remote assistance for people in loss of autonomy
160Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure (I-5.03)TBuildings and equipment for training, employment services
161EU Biotech School and Health Hub (I-5.02)TBuilding and equipment of the EU Biotech School and Health Hub
190Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12)TConstruction of two logistic hubs completed
192Digitisation of the Walloon tourism sector (I-5.13)TNumber of active users of the ‘outil regional de commercialisation’
216Energy-climate measures in public buildings – Federal state (I-7.05)TCompleted energy measures
217Energy measures in AWV buildings (I-7.10)TCompleted energy measure projects
220Research platform for energy transition (I-7.11)MProcurement of equipment
231Acceleration of the energy transition (R-7.04)MEntry into force of legislation
232Floating Solar (I-7.16)MFull scale demonstrator operational
Instalment amountEUR 560 013 071


Sixth instalment (non-repayable support) :

Seq. nbName of the measureM/TName
14Public building renovations (I-1B)TRenovation of public buildings (step 3)
23An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16)MCompletion of projects awarded under the call for tender
26An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.17)MCompletion of all projects IPCEI awarded under the call for tender
28Developing the low-carbon industry (I-1.18)MCompletion of projects awarded under the call for tender
37Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22)TLand management measures applied (forests and protected area) and remeandering projects finalised
39Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22)TCompletion of two projects for national parks
40Ecological defragmentation (I-1.23)TCompletion of projects on ecological defragmentation
43Blue Deal (I-1.24)TCompletion of Blue Deal projects
48Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01)MDelivery of cyber resilience services to Belgian society at large by the Ministry of Defence
52Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04) (sub-measure 1)MDigital solution available - web interface (IPSS)
53Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04) (sub-measure-3)MDigital solution available - Interactive platform (IPSS)
55Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (sub-measure: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12)MProjects are completed and the output is operational
66Digitalisation of the cultural and media sector (I-2.08)TCompletion of projects for digitized and enhanced audio visual and audio works
67Digitalisation of the cultural and media sector (I-2.08)TIntegration by pilot cultural and media operators of technological tools
80Coverage of white areas by developing very high speed fibre optic networks (I-2.13)TCoverage
96Cycling infrastructure (I-3A)TNew and refurbished cycling roads
97Cycling infrastructure – VeloPlus – RBC (I-3.03a)TNew public cycling parking for residents
101Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B)TCompletion of works and crossroads with smart road traffic lights
105Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C)TCompletion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 3)
107Canal Albert and Trilogiport (I-3.11)TCompletion of the works of the bridges over Canal Albert / and a new platform at Trilogiport
115 bGreening the bus fleet –(I-3G)TGreen buses placed in service and depot newly built in Wallonia
123Charging stations (I-3F)TAdditional operational private, semi-public and public charging points (step 3)
133Provision of digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools’ (I-4)TEquipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems
155Building and renovation of early childcare infrastructure (I-4.13)TOpening of childcare places
153Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12)THousing units ready to be occupied
162A6K/E6K Digital and Technological Innovation and Training Hub (I-5.01)TFinalisation of A6K-E6K renovation and extension
163Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure (I-5.03)TBuildings and equipment for training, employment services
171Digital lifelong learning (I-5.07)MModernisation of the provision of coaching and training in digital skills, including basic digital skills in Wallonia, through digital tools, state-of-the-art infrastructure, competent mentoring and innovative projects
179Nuclear medicine (I-5.08)MRadioisotope facility constructed and commissioned (FANC and FAGG)
185R&D: Minimization of waste during dismantling (I-5.10)MMaterial Treatment facility (MaT) constructed and commissioned; desk top study finalised
187Strengthen R&D (I-5.11)TCompletion of awarded R&D and infrastructure projects
191Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12)TConstruction of at least five pieces of infrastructure, 30 small scale infrastructure and 4 larger structuring projects, is completed
198Recycling Hub (I-5.14)TCompletion of works in six recycling facilities
200Belgium Builds Back Circular (I-5.15)MCompletion of awareness raising and information actions to SME’s and of circular projects
202Deployment of the circular economy in Wallonia (I-5.16)TCompletion of projects promoting circular economy in Wallonia
215Renovation of social housing – WAL (I-7.04)TSolar panels and heat pumps in social housing
218Saving energy in public buildings – VLA (I-7)TEnergy-efficient renovation of public buildings
222Energy import infrastructure (I-7.12)TCompletion of projects awarded under the calls for projects
224Call for the decarbonisation of industry (I-7.13)TCompletion of projects awarded under the calls for projects
225Call for climate measures in agriculture (I-7.14)TCompletion of projects awarded under the calls for proposals
234Optimization of energy distribution (I-7.17)MCompletion of projects
236Call for innovative renewable energy production initiatives (I-7.18)MCompletion of projects
237Removing barriers to renewable energy (I-7.19)MCompletion of projects
238Removing barriers to renewable energy (I-7.19)MEntry into force of regulation
242Greening the bus fleet –BCR (I-7.21)TElectric buses in service
243Charging Stations – FED (I-7.22)MDeployment bidirectional charging stations
244Public LED lighting – VLA (I-7.23)TLED lighting installed
245Rail efficient network – FED (I-7.24)TElectrification of rail lines
247Nuclear medicine – the theranostic approach (I-5.08bis)MR&D development completed
249SMELD – FED (I-5.18)MAn industrial scale melting furnace is set up
Instalment amountEUR 758 818 024


2.Loan

The instalments referred to in Article 3(2) shall be organised in the following manner:

First instalment (loans) :

Seq. nbName of the measureM/TName
54bDigitalisation SPF (I-2.05)[L]MRequirements are defined
239Off-shore energy island (I-7.20)MFinalisation of FEED and environmental studies
Instalment amountEUR 48 036 364


Second instalment (loans) :

Seq. nbName of the measureM/TName
226Backbone for H2 (I-7.15)[L]MAdoption of the investment plan for H2 backbone infrastructure
240Off-shore energy island (I-7.20)MEnvironmental permits for energy island obtained
Instalment amountEUR 48 036 364


Third instalment (loans) :

Seq. nbName of the measureM/TName
96aCycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus – Federal State (I-3.03b)[L]MStart of all cycling and walking projects
Instalment amountEUR 24 018 181


Fourth instalment (loans) :

Seq. nbName of the measureM/TName
55bDigitalisation SPF (I-2.05)[L]MProjects are completed and the output is operational
96bCycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus - Federal State (I-3.03b)[L]TNew and refurbished cycling roads
98Cycling & walking infrastructure – Schuman (I-3.04)[L]TNew public space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport at Schuman
241Off-shore energy island (I-7.20)MCompletion of works related to the energy island
227Backbone for H2 (I-7.15)[L]TConstruction and operation of 150 km of pipeline for H2
246Charging infrastructure for busses - BCR (I-7.25)TCharging infrastructure installed
Instalment amountEUR 144 109 091


(1) IPCEIs are subject to the notification requirement and stand-still obligation in Article 108(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The selection and specificities of the proposed projects may require adjustments to ensure compliance with the applicable rules.
(2) See footnote 1.
(3) ISO27000 (also known as the 'ISMS Family of Standards' or 'ISO27K') comprises information securitystandards published jointly by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
(4) The CIS 20 (Center for Internet Security) Critical Security Controls for Effective Cyber Defense norms are bestpractice guidelines for computer security.
(5) The timeline for the implementation of this milestone is without prejudice to Belgium’s obligations under Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012.
(6) Digital twins are virtual replicas of objects, processes or places from the physical world.
(7) As defined in the Commission Recommendation of 18.9.2020 on a common Union toolbox for reducing the cost of deploying very high capacity networks and ensuring timely and investment-friendly access to 5G radio spectrum, to foster connectivity in support of economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis in the Union.
(8) Cf. Annex Ia of the Loi portant assentiment à l’accord de coopération du 5 octobre 2018 entre l’Etat fédéral, la Région flamande, la Région wallonne et la Région de Bruxelles-Capitale relatif au financement des infrastructures ferroviaires stratégiques / Wet houdende instemming met het samenwerkingsakkoord van 5 oktober 2018 tussen de Federale Staat, het Vlaamse Gewest, het Waalse Gewest en het Brusselse Hoofdstedelijke Gewest betreffende de financiering van de strategische spoorweginfrastructuren, Moniteur belge – 11.03.2019 – Belgisch Staatsblad
(9) This follows up CSR 3 2018: “Tackle the growing mobility challenges, in particular through investment in new or existing transport infrastructure and reinforcing incentives to use collective and low emission transport”
(10) Diest, Gent Dampoort, Herentals, Leuven, Mechelen-Nekkerspoel
(11) Barvaux, Dinant, Fexche-le-haut-clocher, Marche-en-famenne, Zwijndrecht, Alken, Buggenhout, Eupen, Fleurus, Louvain-la-Neuve, Sint-Agatha-Berchem, Watermael, Ans, Antwerpen-Zuid, Blankenberge, Diest, Mechelen-Nekkerspoel, Visé, Huy, Luttre, Meiser, Sint-Job, Tubize, Verviers-Central,Waremme, Kiewit, Sint-Truiden and Diepenbeek.
(12) Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible should be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
(13) This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
(14) This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
(15) This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
(16) This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
(17) This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
(18) Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible should be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
(19) This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
(20) This exclusion does not apply to actions under this measure in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions under this measure are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions under this measure do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants; for which evidence is provided at plant level.
(21) Where the activity supported achieves projected greenhouse gas emissions that are not significantly lower than the relevant benchmarks an explanation of the reasons why this is not possible should be provided. Benchmarks established for free allocation for activities falling within the scope of the Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/447.
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