Background information

The war in Ukraine has led to significant increases in energy prices. Because of the extent of these price increases, the Belgian federal government has undertaken several measures to lessen the financial impacts on people.

Some of these measures already existed (social tariffs for those in precarious living conditions), while others are new (for instance, the reduction in VAT).

Content of measure

To compensate for the increase in energy prices, the government decided on several temporary measures:

• An extension until 30 September 2022 of the right to a social rate (for gas and/or electricity). This measure applies to persons who are entitled to increased health care allowances.
• Value added tax (VAT) on electricity will be reduced from 21% to 6% from 1 March to 30 September 2022. This will be reflected on the advance invoices starting April 2022. In addition, there is also a reduction in VAT on natural gas from 21% to 6% from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022.

Use of measure

No information available yet.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Does not apply to businesses	Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

Unknown.

Views and reactions

Unknown.

Sources

• 01 March 2022: Maatregelen van de overheid naar aanleiding van de hoge energieprijzen (www.vlaanderen.be)
• 30 May 2023: Maatregelen van de overheid naar aanleiding van de hoge energieprijzen (www.vlaanderen.be)