Belgium SPF Justice

Belgian Penal Code Implementation Delayed to September 2026

The Belgian government announced on March 20, 2026, that the entry into force of the new Penal Code is postponed from April 8 to September 1, 2026. The Cabinet's decision, made in the restricted committee, must still be confirmed by Parliament. Federal and regional departments are expected to ensure their regulations are aligned with the new Penal Code during the transitional period.

SPF Justice Strategic Plan 2026-2029 Signed by Minister Verlinden

SPF Justice signed its 2026-2029 strategic plan on 10 February 2026 with Minister Annelies Verlinden and Acting President Mathilde Steenbergen. The plan formalises shared commitments with the federal government and serves as a reference framework for implementing political and administrative priorities. Key priorities include a more accessible justice system, strengthening trust, service quality, a human-centred approach, and the central role of staff in achieving these goals. Annual operational plans will translate strategy into concrete projects and actions.

Belgium Kosovo Sign Criminal Judicial Cooperation Agreement

Belgium and Kosovo signed a new bilateral judicial cooperation agreement on April 22, 2026, updating mutual legal assistance provisions for criminal cases. The agreement covers witness and suspect hearings via videoconference, extended asset seizure and confiscation regimes, joint investigation teams, and data protection guarantees. It replaces the obsolete 1971 agreement between Belgium and the former Yugoslavia, with ratification procedures now underway.