Background information

The measures are introduced against a background of persistently high energy prices due to conflicts worldwide and particularly the blocking of the Hormuz Straight.

Legally, the agreement is implemented through federal legislation and subordinate regulations, which create a temporary framework for targeted support to vulnerable households. The scheme builds on existing definitions of 'vulnerable households' in Belgian social and energy law and uses the established channels of local social services (OCMW/CPAS) for the practical allocation of support.

Powers are delegated to the competent ministers to specify technical details by royal or ministerial decree within the limits set by Parliament.

Content of measure

The energy agreement establishes a temporary support package of €80 million for the months of May, June and July of which 15 million are allocated to this type of support.

For households in a vulnerable position that heat with fossil fuels, €15 million is allocated to the energy funds of the Public Centres for Social Welfare (OCMW/CPAS), enabling them to intervene directly in heating bills.

The support scheme is introduced as a three-month pilot and will be evaluated thereafter with a view to possible adjustment or extension, subject to budgetary constraints.

In practice, households may receive a partial contribution towards their heating costs for a limited period, rather than a standard flat-rate payment, and the exact amount will differ between households and municipalities.

Use of measure

Too early as it is stell in a testing phase (May-July 2026).

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Does not apply to businesses	People on social benefits People on low incomes

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

No info on involvement but the measure was established and signed by the Federal government. It is possible social partners were consulted.

Views and reactions

No formal and publicly stated reactions found.

Sources

• 22 April 2026: 10 cent meer per kilometer voor woon-werkverkeer en 15 miljoen voor OCMW's: dit staat in het energieakkoord (www.vrt.be)