Eurogroup Statement on Belgian Draft Budgetary Plan for 2026

EU Council Sanctions Press Releases

Published March 9th, 2026

Detected March 10th, 2026

Summary

The Eurogroup has welcomed Belgium's draft budgetary plan for 2026, noting its compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact. The group will continue to monitor economic and fiscal developments in Belgium and across the EU.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The Eurogroup has issued a statement welcoming Belgium's draft budgetary plan for 2026, which was submitted on January 14, 2026. The statement acknowledges the Commission's opinion that the plan is compliant and invites Belgium to implement its fiscal policy in line with the Stability and Growth Pact requirements. This follows a Council Recommendation from June 2025 to address an excessive deficit by 2029 and an activation of the national escape clause for defense expenditure in July 2025.

This notice serves as an acknowledgement and endorsement of Belgium's fiscal planning. While it does not impose new direct obligations on regulated entities, it signifies ongoing EU fiscal surveillance. Compliance officers should note the continued emphasis on adherence to the Stability and Growth Pact and the Eurogroup's commitment to monitoring economic and fiscal developments, which may influence future policy coordination and recommendations.

Source document (simplified)

Eurogroup
Statements and remarks
9 March 2026 16:55

Eurogroup statement on the Belgian draft budgetary plan for 2026

We welcome Belgium’s submission of its draft budgetary plan (DBP) for 2026 on 14 January 2026 as well as the Commission Opinion on the DBP, published on 17 February 2026.

On 20 June 2025 the Council adopted a revised Recommendation under Article 126(7) TFEU, with a view to bringing an end to the situation of the excessive deficit by 2029 and a Recommendation endorsing the national medium-term fiscal-structural plan of Belgium. The recommendations set out a path for maximum growth of net expenditure for the years 2025 to 2029. On 8 July 2025, the Council also activated the national escape clause for Belgium for 2025 to 2028 related to defence expenditure.

We agree with the Commission assessment that Belgium’s DBP for 2026 is considered to be compliant. The Eurogroup invites Belgium to implement its fiscal policy in 2026 in line with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP).

The Eurogroup will continue to closely monitor economic and fiscal developments regularly and continue its strong policy coordination.

Visit the meeting page

Press contacts

Johannes Kleis Spokesperson for Eurogroup President
+32 478 83 26 64
+32 2 281 75 32 If you are not a journalist, please send your request to the public information service.

Topics
- Economy and finance
- Budget
- Coordination of economic policies