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Document 52023PC0731
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
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
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
COM/2023/731 final
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Brussels, 16.11.2023
COM(2023) 731 final
2023/0415(NLE)
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}
2023/0415 (NLE)
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
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility 1 , and in particular Article 20(1) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Whereas:
(1)Following the submission of the national recovery and resilience plan (‘RRP’) by Belgium on 30 April 2021, the Commission has proposed its positive assessment to the Council. The Council approved the positive assessment by means of the Council Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 2 .
(2)Pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the maximum financial contribution for non-repayable financial support of each Member State should be updated by 30 June 2022 in accordance with the methodology provided therein. On 30 June 2022, the Commission presented the results of that update to the European Parliament and the Council.
(3)On 20 July 2023, Belgium submitted a modified national RRP, including a REPowerEU chapter in accordance with Article 21c of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, to the Commission.
(4)The modified RRP also takes into account the updated maximum financial contribution in accordance with Article 18(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and includes a reasoned request to the Commission to propose to the Council to amend the Council Implementing Decision in accordance with Article 21(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 considering the RRP to be partially no longer achievable due to objective circumstances. The modifications to the RRP submitted by Belgium concern 63 measures.
(5)The modified RRP also includes a request for loan support in accordance with Article 14(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
(6)On 14 July 2023, the Council addressed recommendations to Belgium in the context of the European Semester. In particular, the Council recommended that Belgium wind down emergency energy support measures, ensure prudent fiscal policy, preserve nationally financed public investment, strengthen efforts to improve the efficiency of long-term care, pursue the reform of the taxation and benefit system and review tax expenditures. The Council also recommended to address labour shortages and skills mismatches and to improve the performance and equity of the education and training systems. On energy, the Council recommended that Belgium reduce its overall reliance on fossil fuels by stepping up energy efficiency improvements and the reduction of fossil fuel use in buildings, by further stimulating the decarbonisation of industry and by promoting the use and supply of public transport and soft mobility. The Council also recommended that Belgium accelerate the deployment of renewable energies and related grid infrastructure by further streamlining 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.
(7)The submission of the modified RRP followed a consultation process, conducted in accordance with the national legal framework, involving local and regional authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders. The summary of the consultations was submitted together with the modified national RRP. Pursuant to Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the Commission assessed the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and coherence of the modified RRP, in accordance with the assessment guidelines set out in Annex V to that Regulation.
Updates based on Article 18(2) of Regulation 2021/241
(8)The modified RRP submitted by Belgium updates 43 measures to take into account the updated maximum financial contribution. Belgium has explained that because the maximum financial contribution decreased from EUR 5 923 953 327 3 to EUR 4 523 383 959 4 , it is no longer possible to finance all the measures of the original RRP. Belgium proposed to remove seven investments, to reduce the level of required implementation of 29 investments compared to the original plan, and to include in the REPowerEU chapter, in accordance with Article 21c (2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 seven measures that were already included in the adopted Council Implementing Decision.
(9)The modified RRP no longer contains certain measures under components 1.1: Renovation; 1.2 Emerging Energy Technologies; 2.2 Public Administration; 3.3: Modal Shift; 5.2: Supporting Economic Activity; and 5.3: Circular Economy. These measures concern investment I-1.06: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Walloon Region; I-1.13: ‘Renolab: Renovation laboratory’ of the Brussels-Capital Region; I-1.20: ‘Renewable heat networks’ of the Flemish Region; I-2.12: ‘Digitalisation of regional and local government’ of the Walloon Region; I-3.05: ‘High Service Level Bus’ of the Walloon Region; I-5.09: ‘R&D: Call for proposals in support of R&D of the aeronautics and space sector’ of the Federal State; and investment I-5.17: ‘Circular economy & circular construction’ of the Flemish Region. The description of these measures and their associated milestones and targets should therefore be removed from the Council Implementing Decision.
(10)Furthermore, the modified RRP submitted by Belgium changes measures under components 1.1: Renovation; 1.2: Emerging Energy Technologies; 1.3: Climate and Environment; 2.2: Public Administration; 2.3: Optic Fibre, 5G and New Technologies; 3.1: Cycling and Walking Infrastructure; 3.2: Modal Shift; 4.1: Education 2.0; 4.3: Social Infrastructure; 5.1: Training and Labour Market; 5.2: Supporting Economic Activity; and 5.3: Circular Economy to reflect the updated maximum financial contribution. This concerns milestone 1, target 5, target 6, target 7, description of reform R-1.01 ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the Flemish Region and description of investment I-1.03: ‘Renovation of social housing’ of the German-speaking Community, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 12, target 14 and description of investment I-1.07: ‘Renovation of public buildings - local authorities & sport’ of the Walloon Region, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 11, target 14 and description of investment I-1.08: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Brussels-Capital Region, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 13, target 14 and description of investment I-1.09: ‘Renovation of public buildings - schools’ of the French Community, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 13, target 15 and description of investment I-1.10: ‘Renovation of public buildings - sport & IPPJ’ of the French Community, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 13, target 16 and description of investment I-1.11: ‘Renovation of public buildings - universities’ of the French Community, under component 1.1: Renovation; milestone 23 of investment I-1.16 ‘An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition’ of the Flemish Region, under component 1.2: Emerging Energy Technologies; milestone 25, milestone 26 and description of investment I-1.17 ‘An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition’ of the Walloon Region, under component 1.2: Emerging Energy Technologies; milestone 27 and milestone 28 of investment I-1.18 ‘Developing the low-carbon industry’ of the Walloon Region, under component 1.2: Emerging Energy Technologies; target 36, target 37, target 38, target 39 and description of investment I-1.22: ‘Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change’ of the Walloon Region, under component 1.3: Climate and Environment; milestone 41, milestone 42, target 43 and description of investment I-1.24: ‘Blue Deal’ of the Flemish Region, under component 1.3: Climate and Environment; milestone 65 of investment I-2.07: ‘Digitalisation of ONE’ of the French Community, under component 2.2: Public Administration; target 66, target 67 and description of investment I-2.08: ‘Digitalisation of the cultural and media sector’ of the French Community, under component 2.2: Public Administration; milestone 68 and description of investment I-2.09: ‘Digitalisation of the Flemish Government’ of the Flemish Region, under component 2.2: Public Administration; target 85, milestone 86, target 87, target 88 and description of investment I-2.15: ‘Improving the connectivity of schools (internal), but also of the 35 business parks in Wallonia’ of the Walloon Region, under component 2.3: Optic Fibre, 5G and New Technologies; milestone 94, target 95, target 96, description of investment I-3.01: ‘Cycling infrastructure’ of the Flemish Region and description of investment I-3.03: ‘Cycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus - RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region, under component 3.1: Cycling and Walking Infrastructure; target 113 of investment I-3.14: ‘Modal shift grants’ of the Brussels-Capital Region, under component 3.2: Modal Shift; target 114, target 115 and description of investment I-3.17: ‘Greening the bus fleet - RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region, under component 3.3: Greening Road Transport; description of investment I-4.01: ‘Digisprong’ of the Flemish Community, under component 4.1: Education 2.0.; target 151, target 152, target 153 and description of investment I-4.12: ‘Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons’ of the Walloon Region, under component 4.3: Social Infrastructure; target 160 and description of investment I-5.03: ‘Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure’ of the Walloon Region, under component 5.1: Training and Labour Market; target 165 and description of investment I-5.04: ‘Learning and career offensive’ of the Flemish Region, under component 5.1: Training and Labour Market; target 166 and description of investment I-5.05: ‘Strategy for relaunching the labour market’ of the Brussels-Capital Region, under component 5.1: Training and Labour Market; target 169 of investment I-5.06: ‘Digital skills’ of Flemish Region, under component 5.1: Training and Labour Market; milestone 171 and description of investment I-5.07: ‘Digital lifelong learning’ of the Walloon Region, under component 5.1: Training and Labour Market; milestone 186 and target 187 of investment I-5.11 ‘Strengthen R&D’ of the Flemish Region, under component 5.2: Supporting Economic Activity; target 192 of investment I-5.13: ‘Digitisation of the Walloon tourism sector’ of the Walloon Region, under component 5.2: Supporting Economic Activity; milestone 201, target 202 and description of investment I-5.16 ‘Deployment of the circular economy’ in the Walloon Region, under component 5.3: Circular Economy. Those descriptions, milestones and targets are changed to decrease the level of required implementation compared to the original plan in order to reflect the decreased allocation. The Council Implementing Decision should be amended accordingly.
(11)In accordance with Article 21c(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, due to the decrease in the maximum financial contribution, the REPowerEU chapter submitted by Belgium also includes three measures already included in the Council Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021. In particular, Belgium includes in the REPowerEU chapter three investments: investment I-1.14: ‘Backbone for H2 and CO2’ of the Federal State and its associated milestones (16 and 17); investment I-1.19: ‘Research platform for energy transition’ of the Walloon Region and its associated milestones (29 and 30); investment I-1.21: ‘Off-shore energy island’ of the Federal State and its associated milestones (33, 34 and 35), which are all investments under component 1.2: Emerging Energy Technologies. Belgium has also included in the REPowerEU chapter part of three investments and part of one reform already included in the Council Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021. This concerns investment I-3.10: ‘Rail - efficient network’ of the Federal State, under component 3.2: Modal Shift; investment I-3.17: ‘Greening the bus fleet - RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region, under component 3.3: Greening Road Transport; investment I-3.18 ‘Charging stations - FED’ of the Federal State, under component 3.3: Greening Road Transport, and reform R-1.03: ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the German-speaking Community, under component 1.1: Renovation. On this basis, the Council Implementing Decision should be amended to reflect the modified measures.
(12)The Commission considers that the reasons put forward by Belgium justify the update pursuant to Article 18(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
Loan request based on Article 14(2) of Regulation 2021/24
(13)The modified RRP submitted by Belgium includes a request for loan to support three measures that were supported by the non-repayable financial contribution of the Council Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021, but which Belgium proposes to support with loans instead. This concerns investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF, sub-measure 7: Digitalisation of asylum and immigration management processes’ of the Federal State, under component 2.2: Public Administration; investment I-3.03 ‘Cycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus - FED’ of the Federal State, under component 3.2: Modal Shift; and investment I-3.04: ‘Cycling and walking infrastructure – Schuman’ of the Federal State, under component 3.1: Cycling and Walking Infrastructure.
(14)The request for loan also includes support of three measures included in the REPowerEU chapter: investment I-7.15: ‘Backbone for H2’ of the Federal State, under component 7.2: New Emerging Energy Technologies; investment I-7.20: ‘Off-shore energy island’ of the Federal State, under component 7.3: Renewable Energy; and investment I-7.25: 'Charging infrastructure for busses' of the Brussels-Capital Region, under component 7.4: Mobility.
(15)The Commission has assessed the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter against the assessment criteria laid down in Article 19(3) of Regulation 2021/241.
Amendments based on Article 21 of Regulation 2021/241
(16)The amendments to the RRP submitted by Belgium because of objective circumstances concern 34 measures.
(17)Belgium has explained that 12 measures are no longer totally achievable, due to high inflation, particularly affecting raw materials and labour costs. This concerns target 12 and target 14 of investment I-1.07: ‘Renovation of public buildings - local authorities & sport’ of the Walloon Region, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 13 and target 14 of investment I-1.09: ‘Renovation of public buildings - schools’ of the French Community, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 13 and target 14 of investment I-1.10: ‘Renovation of public buildings - sport & IPPJ’ of the French Community, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 11 and target 14 of investment I-1.11: ‘Renovation of public buildings - universities’ of the French Community, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 36, target 37, milestone 38 and target 39 of investment I-1.22: ‘Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change’ of the Walloon Region, under component 1.3: Climate and Environment; milestone 94, target 95, target 96 and description of investment I-3.01: ‘Cycling infrastructure’ of the Flemish Region, under component 3.1: Cycling and Walking Infrastructure; target 95, target 96, and description of investment I-3.02 ‘Cycling infrastructure – Corridors Vélo of the Walloon Region, under component 3.1: Cycling and Walking Infrastructure; description of investment I-3.03: ‘Cycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region, under component 3.1: Cycling and Walking Infrastructure; target 121, target 122, target 123 and description of investment I-3.18: ‘Charging stations - FED’ of the Federal State, under component 3.3: Greening Road Transport; target 151, target 153 and description of the investment I-4.12: ‘Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons’ of the Walloon Region, under component 4.3: Social Infrastructure; target 190 of investment I-5.12: ‘Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms’ of the Walloon Region, under component 5.2: Supporting Economic Activity; and target 192 of investment I-5.13: ‘Digitisation of the Walloon tourism sector’ of the Walloon Region, under component 5.2: Supporting Economic Activity. On this basis, Belgium has requested to decrease the level of required implementation of the aforementioned measures. The Council Implementing Decision should be amended accordingly.
(18)Belgium has explained that investment I-1.12: ‘Renovation of public buildings - culture’ of the French Community’, under component 1.1: Renovation, is no longer achievable given that the initial cost estimate provided in the original RRP was increased due to high inflation. However, taking into account the resources that were freed up by the removal of other measures under Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, Belgium has maintained the level of required implementation of the associated targets.
(19)Belgium has also explained that three measures are no longer totally achievable, because of high inflation and supply chain disruptions, particularly affecting raw materials, labour or electronic chips. This concerns target 122, target 123 and description of reform R-3.04 ‘Charging stations - WAL’ of the Walloon Region, under component 3.3: Greening Road Transport; target 160 and target 163 of investment I-5.03 ‘Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure’ of the Walloon Region, under component 5.1: Training and Labour Market; and milestone 171 of investment I-5.07: ‘Digital lifelong learning’ of the Walloon Region, under component 5.1: Training and Labour Market. On this basis, Belgium has requested to amend the aforementioned measures, and the Council Implementing Decision should be amended accordingly.
(20)Belgium has explained that five measures are no longer totally achievable due to unexpected legal difficulties outside the control of the authorities, in particular, the need to adopt a new legal act following a judgment of the Constitutional Court, the lack of competence in a certain area of regulation by the Federal State, unexpected Union law compliance issues or extended stakeholder negotiations. Depending on the measures concerned, those difficulties relate for instance to the need to adopt a new legal act following the decision of the Constitutional Court, the lack of competence in a certain area of regulation by the Federal State, or unexpected Union law compliance issues. This concerns milestone 15 and description of reform R-1.04: ‘Regulatory framework for the H2 and CO2 markets’ of the Federal State, under component 1.2: Emerging Energy Technologies; milestone 23 of investment I-1.16: ‘An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition’ of the Flemish Region, under component 1.2: Emerging Energy Technologies; milestone 127 and description of reform R-4.01: ‘Digisprong’ of the Flemish Community, under component 4.1: Education 2.0; and milestone 129 and description of reform R-4.03: ‘Global action plan against early school leaving’ of the French Community, under component 4.1: Education 2.0; and milestone 139 and description of reform R-4.05: ‘Re-qualification strategy’ of the Brussels-Capital Region, under component 4.2: Training and Employment of Vulnerable Groups. On this basis, Belgium has requested to amend the aforementioned measures, and the Council Implementing Decision should be amended accordingly.
(21)Belgium has explained that five measures are no longer totally achievable, due to unexpected technical difficulties outside the control of the authorities. These comprise for instance of difficulties in hiring specialised staff and unexpected safety concerns. This concerns milestone 19 of investment I-1.15: ‘An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition’ of the Federal State, under component 1.2: Emerging Energy Technologies; milestone 61 of investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF of sub-measure 10: Single Digital Gateway’ of the Federal State, under component 2.2: Public Administration, milestone 106, target 107 and description of investment I-3.11: ‘Canal Albert and Trilogiport’ of the Walloon Region, under component 3.2: Modal Shift; target 144 of investment I-4.07: ‘Re-qualification strategy’ of the Brussels-Capital- Region, under component 4.2: Training and Employment of Vulnerable Groups; milestone 170 of investment I-5.06: ‘Digital skills’ of Flemish Region, under component 5.1: Training and Labour Market. On this basis, Belgium has requested to amend the aforementioned milestones and targets, and the Council Implementing Decision should be amended accordingly.
(22)Belgium has also explained that due to unexpected technical difficulties the investment I-5.08 ‘Nuclear medicine’ of the Federal State, under component 5.2: Supporting Economic Activity is no longer totally achievable as originally planned. R&D findings demonstrated the unviability of the SMART project. Belgium has requested to replace this project by two new projects and to extend the timeline of implementation of the entire measure. This concerns deleting milestone 178, amending milestone 179 and the description of investment I-5.08: ‘Nuclear medicine’ of the Federal State, as well as adding two new measures I-5.08bis: ‘Nuclear medicine - the theranostic approach’ of the Federal State, and I-5.18: ‘SMELD: State-of-the-art MEtal MElting Limiting waste during D&D’. On this basis, Belgium has requested to make the aforementioned changes, and the Council Implementing Decision should be amended accordingly.
(23)Belgium also explained that due to a failed procurement process due to circumstances beyond its control, investment I-3.06: ‘Tram extension’ of the Walloon Region is no longer achievable as originally planned. For this reason, Belgium has requested to replace this project with a new investment, namely Investment I-3.20: ‘Greening the bus fleet - WAL’, under component 3.3 Greening Road Transport. This entails the deletion of the description of investment I-3.06: ‘Tram extension’ of the Walloon Region and the amendment of targets 99, 100 and 101. On this basis, Belgium has requested to make the aforementioned changes, and the Council Implementing Decision should be amended accordingly.
(24)Belgium has explained that six measures have been modified to implement better alternatives in order to achieve the original ambition of the measure. This concerns target 44 and description of investment I-2.01: ‘Cybersecure and resilient digital society’ of the Federal State, under component 2.1: Cybersecurity, in order to provide a more permanent solution for ensuring the reliability of websites through the creation of browser plug-ins rather than through the purchase of certificates which are only valid temporarily. This also concerns milestone 77 and description of reform R-2.01 ‘Simplification of administrative procedures: e-government for businesses, simplification of administrative procedures’ of the Federal State, under component 2.2: Public Administration, in order to digitalise procedures related to the creation, modification and dissolution of a business. This concerns the description of the investment I-2.13: ‘Coverage of white areas by developing very high-speed fibre optic networks’ of the German-speaking Community, under component 2.3: Optic Fibre, 5G and New Technologies, in order to reflect a capital structure for the cooperation with the private sector that better corresponds to the expectations of the private sector. This concerns target 146 of investment I-4.08: ‘E-inclusion for Belgium’ of the Federal State, under component 4.2: Training and Employment of Vulnerable Groups, in order to reduce operational costs freeing up resources to fund more projects; milestone 175 and description of reform R-5.01: ‘Cumulation regime and mobility to sectors with shortages’ of the Federal State, target 174 and description of reform R-5.03: ‘Learning account’ of the Federal State, under component 5.1: Training and Labour Market, in order to facilitate access to training to the temporarily unemployed. On this basis, Belgium requested to amend the aforementioned measures, and the Council Implementing Decision should be amended accordingly.
(25)The Commission considers that the reasons put forward by Belgium justify the amendment pursuant to Article 21(2) of that Regulation.
Corrections of clerical errors
(26)14 clerical errors have been identified in the text of the Council Implementing Decision, affecting ten milestones and targets and 20 measures. The Council Implementing Decision should be amended to correct those clerical errors that do not reflect the content of the RRP submitted to the Commission on 30 April 2021, as agreed between the Commission and Belgium. Those clerical errors relate to: milestone 2 of reform R-1.02: ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the Brussels-Capital Region, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 12, target 13 and description of investment I-1.04 ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Federal State, under component 1.1: Renovation; target 13 and target 14 and description of investment I-1.05 ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Flemish Region, under component 1.1: Renovation; description of investment I-2.02 ‘Cybersecurity: 5G’ of the Federal State; milestone 58 and the description of investment I-2.05: ‘Digitalisation SPF’ of the Federal State, under component 2.2: Public Administration; description of the investment I-3.04: ‘Cycling and walking infrastructure – Schuman’ of the Federal State; description of investment I-3.10: ‘Rail – efficient network’ of the Federal State, under component 3.2: Modal Shift; milestone 126 and description of reform R-3.03: ‘Zero-emission company cars - FED’ of the Federal State; description of reform R-3.05: ‘Charging stations - RBC’ of the Brussels-Capital Region; description of reform R-3.07: ‘Emission Fraud’ of the Flemish Region; description of investment I-3.19: ‘Charging stations - VLA’ of the Flemish Region; description of investment I-3.07: ‘Metro extension’ of the Walloon Region, under component 3.2: Modal Shift; description of investment I-3.09: ‘Rail-Accessible and multimodal train stations’ of the Federal State, under component 3.2: Modal Shift; description of the investment I-3.16: ‘Greening the bus fleet - VLA’ of the Flemish Region, under component 3.3: Greening Road Transport; description of reform R-4.02: ‘Higher education advancement fund’ of the Flemish Community, under component 4.1: Education 2.0; target 134 of investment I-4.02: ‘Higher education advancement fund’ of the Flemish Community, under component 4.1: Education 2.0; target 133 of investment I-4.04: ‘Digital strategy for higher education and adult learning’ of the French Community, under component 4.1: Education 2.0; target 131, target 132, target 133 and description of investment I-4.06: ‘Digital transformation of education’ of the German-speaking Community, under component 4.1: Education 2.0; description of reform R-5.04: ‘Life-long learning’ of the Flemish Community, under component 5.1: Training and Labour Market; and description of reform R-6.02: ‘Spending reviews - Flemish general revision and spending norm’ of Flanders, under component 6.1: Spending Reviews. Those corrections do not affect the implementation of the measures concerned.
The REPowerEU chapter based on Article 21c of Regulation 2021/241
(27)The REPowerEU chapter includes four new reforms and 17 new investments. The first reform consists in the revision of the Brussels Code for Air, Climate and Energy Management (COBRACE), which consolidates several environmental and energy efficiency regulations (R-7.01). This reform introduces obligations to renovate buildings to increase their energy efficiency. The second reform consists of reviewing the appeal procedure at the Council of State level for decisions regarding energy investments and renewable energy projects, granting them priority and shortening the timelines of the respective procedure (R-7.02). The third reform introduces an obligation to install solar photovoltaic panels in private buildings with an electricity consumption of more than 1 gigawatt hours per year and in public buildings with an electricity consumption of more than 250 megawatt hours per year in Flanders (R-7.03). The fourth reform consists in streamlining and shortening permitting procedures for renewable energy projects in Wallonia (R-7.04).
(28)Eight new investments boost energy efficiency in buildings, under component 7.1: Renovation of Buildings. These concern the energy subsidy scheme for private housing renovations to support low-income households in the Brussels-Capital Region (I-7.01); the installation of heat pumps and solar panels in social housing units in the Walloon Region (I-7.04); equipping federal public buildings with charging stations, solar panels and LED lights (I-7.05); the renovation of four public buildings of the Flemish Region (I-7.06); the deployment of solar panels on public schools in the Flemish Region (I-7.07); energy audits and completion of energy measures in care buildings in the Flemish Region (I-7.08); the completion of energy works in the new Vlaamse Radio en Televisie building of the Flemish Region (I-7.09) and the completion of insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and LED lights in the Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer buildings of the Flemish Region (I-7.10).
(29)Three new investments support emerging energy technologies, under component 7.2: New Emerging Energy Technologies. These concern R&D projects to optimise the infrastructure to import hydrogen or electricity of the Federal State (I-7.12); financial incentives for energy efficiency projects, such as industrial heat management or carbon capture and storage, and for the production of renewable energy and for the set-up of hydrogen or electric batteries value chains of the Walloon Region (I-7.13); and the support for energy-saving techniques, green heat and renewable energy projects in the agricultural sector of the Flemish Region (I-7.14).
(30)Four new investments contribute to the deployment of renewable energy, under component 7.3: Renewable Energy. These concern the technical, economic and financial feasibility studies for floating solar panels in the North Sea, increasing their technology readiness level from of 4 to 7 (I-7.16); support to transform the electricity network in the Walloon Region into a smart grid (I-7.17); support for new technologies in the field of photovoltaic cells and solar energy as well as in the electrification of port infrastructure (I-7.18); and the reduction of restrictions in the neighbourhood of airports to build wind turbines (I-7.19).
(31)Two new investments contribute to reducing energy demand and decarbonising road transport, under component 7.4: Mobility. These concern the replacement of old luminaires (high and low-pressure sodium lamps) with LED luminaires on motorways and LED lamps in tunnels in the Flemish Region (I-7.23); and the deployment of overnight and opportunity charging stations for electric busses in the Brussels-Capital Region (I-7.25).
(32)The REPowerEU chapter also contributes to addressing energy poverty with the energy subsidy scheme for private housing renovations to support low-income households in the Brussels-Capital Region (I-7.01) and the investment in heat pumps and solar panels for social housing units in the Walloon Region (I-7.04).
(33)The REPowerEU chapter includes one scaled-up measure, under component 7.1: Renovation of Buildings. Investment I-7.02: ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the Flemish Region, which introduces a substantive improvement in the level of ambition of measure R-1.01, sub-investment (i) ‘Improved energy subsidy scheme’ of the Flemish Region, already included in the original RRP.
(34)Considering the decrease in the maximum financial contribution of EUR 1 400 569 368, Belgium has included in the REPowerEU chapter nine measures which were already contained in the Council Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021, in accordance with Article 21c(2). Those measures were reflected in that Implementing Decision under components 1.1: Renovation, 1.2: Emerging Energy Technologies; 3.2: Modal Shift and 3.3: Greening Road Transport. The estimated costs of these measures amount to EUR 324 941 685.
(35)The Commission has assessed the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter and the request for loan support in accordance with Article 19(3) of Regulation 2021/241.
Balanced response contributing to the six pillars
(36)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (a), of and Annex V, criterion 2.1, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter represents to a large extent (Rating A) a comprehensive and adequately balanced response to the economic and social situation, thereby contributing appropriately to all of the six pillars referred to in Article 3 of that Regulation, taking into account the specific challenges faced by and the financial allocation for the Member State concerned.
(37)The original RRP represented a comprehensive and adequately balanced response (Rating A) to the economic and social situation at the time, contributing appropriately to all of the six pillars referred to in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
(38)The modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter continues to cover in a comprehensive manner the six pillars and contains a significant number of components supporting more than one pillar. In spite of the measures taken out of the original RRP on the basis of Articles 18 and 21 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the range of actions of the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter corresponds to the objectives of the Facility with an appropriate overall balance between pillars due to measures reintroduced into the REPowerEU chapter under Article 21c (3) of that Regulation. In particular, the measures included in the REPowerEU chapter contribute to the pillars of green transition, and social and territorial cohesion.
Addressing all or a significant subset of challenges identified in country-specific recommendations
(39)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (b), of and Annex V, criterion 2.2, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter is expected to contribute to effectively addressing all or a significant subset of challenges (Rating A) identified in the relevant country-specific recommendations addressed to Belgium, including fiscal aspects thereof, or challenges identified in other relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission in the context of the European Semester.
(40)In particular, the modified RRP takes into account the country-specific recommendations formally adopted by the Council prior to the assessment of the modified plan by the Commission. As the maximum financial contribution for Belgium has been adjusted downwards, the 2022 and 2023 recommendations not related to energy challenges are not considered in the overall assessment.
(41)Having assessed progress in the implementation of all relevant country-specific recommendations at the time of submission of the modified national RRP, the Commission finds that the recommendation on providing liquidity to SMEs (CSR 2020.3.1) was considered fully implemented. Substantial progress has been achieved with respect to the recommendation to expand public investment for green and digital transitions and energy security (CSR 2022.1.2); to focus investment on research and innovation (CSR 2019.3.3, 2020.3.9); to reinforce the overall resilience of the health system (CSR 2020.1.2) and to mitigate the employment and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis (CSR 2020.2.1).
(42)The modified RRP includes an extensive set of mutually reinforcing reforms and investments that contribute to effectively addressing all or a significant subset of the economic and social challenges outlined in the country-specific recommendations addressed to Belgium by the Council in the context of the European Semester, notably large investments in the digitalisation of public administration (CSR 2019.4, 2020.3), a reform of the pension system to improve its financial sustainability (CSR 2019.1.4), investments in education and skills (CSR 2019.2.2, 2019.2.3, 2020.2.2) and investments in the circular economy (CSR 2020.3.7).
(43)The REPowerEU chapter addresses the challenges identified in the CSRs related to energy policy and the green transition. Notably, the REPowerEU chapter includes measures that directly address CSR 2023.4.2 and CSR 2022.4.2 on the need to step up energy efficiency improvements and the reduction of fossil fuel use in buildings, such as measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, in particular through thermal renovation and the installation of solar panels and heat pumps.
(44)The REPowerEU chapter also includes measures that directly address CSR 2023.4.3 and CSR 2022.4.3 on the need to further stimulate the decarbonisation of industry, such as: (i) support for R&D projects to optimise the infrastructure for hydrogen or electricity imports; (ii) financial incentives for investments in energy efficiency projects such as industrial heat management, or carbon capture and storage (CCS); (iii) support for energy-saving techniques, green heat and renewable energy projects in the agricultural sector. Moreover, measures in the REPowerEU chapter directly address CSR 2023.4.4 and CSR 2022.4.3 on the need to promote the supply and use of public transport as well as soft mobility, such as the purchase of electrical buses and deployment of respective charging infrastructure.
(45)Finally, the REPowerEU chapter includes measures that directly address CSR 2023.4.5 and CSR 2022.4.4 on the need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energies and related grid infrastructure, such as: (i) a reform of the Council of State’s appeal procedures to shorten the decision time on energy projects; (ii) a revision of the legal framework to streamline permitting procedures for renewable energy projects; (iii) a reduction of the restrictions in the neighbourhood of airports to facilitate the depoyment of wind turbines (iv) an investment in the electricity distribution network to create ‘smart grids’.
Contribution to growth potential, job creation and economic, social and institutional resilience
(46)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (c), of and Annex V, criterion 2.3, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter is expected to have a high impact (Rating A) on strengthening the growth potential, job creation, and economic, social and institutional resilience of Belgium, contributing to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including through the promotion of policies for children and youth, and on mitigating the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis, thereby enhancing the economic, social and territorial cohesion and convergence within the Union.
(47)The assessment of the original RRP, in accordance with Article 19(3), point (c), of and Annex V, criterion 2.3, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, found that the original RRP was expected to have high impact on strengthening the growth potential, job creation, and economic, social and institutional resilience (Rating A).
(48)The modified RRP continues to include significant investments and reforms to address vulnerabilities of the economy and economic cohesion. This includes reforms to increase the quality of public spending; reforms to increase labour market participation; investments in digitalisation, training and up-skilling; and investments in research, development and innovation.
(49)The modified RRP continues to include significant investments and reforms to address social challenges and improve social cohesion, including the integration of vulnerable groups. For example, reforms to tackle discrimination on the labour market, in particular the low employment rate of people with a migrant background; reforms of energy subsidy schemes to help alleviate energy poverty; and investments in social infrastructure, including in the renovation and construction of social housing and childcare facilities.
(50)As part of the modification of the RRP, the required level of implementation of some of the above mentioned economic and social measures has been reduced, impacting proportionally their expected outcome. However, the result of the original assessment of the impact of the plan on strengthening the growth potential, job creation, and economic, social and institutional resilience remains unchanged.
Do no significant harm
(51)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (d), of and Annex V, criterion 2.4, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter is expected to ensure that no measure (Rating A) for the implementation of reforms and investments projects included in this RRP does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council 5 (the principle of ‘do no significant harm’).
(52)The modifications of the measures included in the original RRP do not have an impact on the assessment of the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ which remains identical.
(53)Belgium submitted an assessment of the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ for each new and revised measure of the modified plan, including the REPowerEU chapter. The information provided shows that the plan is expected to ensure compliance with this principle. In addition, for those measures that require the selection of projects in the future, specific relevant safeguards should be introduced in associated milestones and targets for that purpose.
Contribution to the REPowerEU objectives
(54)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (da), of and Annex V, criterion 2.12, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the REPowerEU chapter is expected to effectively contribute to a large extent (Rating A) to energy security, the diversification of the Union’s energy supply, an increase in the uptake of renewables and in energy efficiency, an increase of energy storage capacities or the necessary reduction of dependence on fossil fuels before 2030.
(55)The implementation of the measures included in the REPowerEU chapter is expected to contribute notably to supporting the objectives in Article 21c (3), points (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
(56)Through the new measures on renovations of less energy-efficient performing private and public buildings, the REPowerEU chapter reinforced the ambition to effectively improve energy efficiency in buildings in line with the objectives set out in Article 21c (3), point (b) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. Several measures (including measures I-7.04, I-7.05, I-7.07, I-7.09, I-7.10) involve the installation of solar panels or heat pumps, or installation of LED lighting. A new reform of the Brussels-Capital Region (R-7.01) envisages the amendment of Brussels code on air, climate and energy (COBRACE) to introduce new obligations on building renovation. The renovation component of the REPowerEU chapter also includes one scaled-up measure from the Flemish Region (I-7.02) consisting of subsidies for energy efficient renovations of private housing. Furthermore, the measures in the REPowerEU components 7.2: New Emerging Energy Technologies and 7.3: Renewable Energy support the objective of decarbonising industry and increasing the share and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy referred to under point (b) of Article 21c (3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. The measure I-7.13: ‘Call for decarbonisation of industry’ of the Walloon Region provides financial incentives for energy investments in Walloon industries and for the development of new industries in green technologies. The measure I-7.14: ‘Call for climate action in agriculture’ of the Flemish Region aims at supporting investments that help decarbonising the agricultural sector. The decarbonisation of industry will also be pursued by reducing the use of natural gas via the development of transport networks for hydrogen by the Federal State (I-7.15), and the support to demonstration or R&D projects aiming to optimise the infrastructure for the import of hydrogen or electricity by the Federal State (I-7.12). Investment I-7.17: 'Optimisation of energy distribution’ of the Walloon Region aims at making electricity grids smarter in order to cope with the growing production of decentralised renewable energy production. Other investment measures in the REPowerEU chapter support the diversification of the Union’s energy supply by furthering the deployment of renewable energy, including a pilot project of floating solar panels in the North Sea (I-7.16) and the offshore energy island (I-7.20) of the Federal State, which consists of a hub for connecting offshore wind energy to the onshore electricity grid. Investment I-7.19: ‘Removing barriers to renewable energy’ of the Federal State aims at reducing the restrictions in the neighbourhood of airports for the development of wind energy projects, by investing in new air navigation systems. The new reform R-7.03: ‘PV obligation for large consumers’ of the Flemish Region aims to support the further deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Reform R-7.04: ‘Accelerating the energy transition’ of the Walloon Region aims at facilitating and shortening permitting procedures for renewable energy projects. Reform R-7.02: ‘Reform of the appeal procedures of the Council of State’ of the Federal State is expected to shorten the time to deal with appeal procedures relating to decisions on energy investments and renewable energy projects.
(57)The REPowerEU chapter also includes measures that are expected to effectively contribute to addressing energy poverty in line with the objective set out in Article 21c(3), point (c) of Regulation (EU) 2021/24. This concerns measures that provide support for energy-efficient renovations to vulnerable households, such as the scaled-up measure of the Brussels-Capital Region (I-7.01 Improved energy subsidy scheme) supporting subsidies to low-income households and the measure on renovation of social housing of the Walloon Region (I-7.04) which consists in the installation of solar panels and heat pumps in social housing units.
(58)Several measures in the REPowerEU chapter also effectively contribute to incentivising the reduction of energy demand referred to in Article 21c(3), point (d) of Regulation (EU) 2021/24, by incentivising energy-efficient renovations, such as measures R-7.01, I-7.01 and I-7.02. Other renovation measures aim at achieving, on average, at least a 30% reduction of the primary energy consumption (I-7.06: ‘Renovation of public buildings’ of the Flemish Region, and I-7.10: ‘Energy measures for AWV buildings’ of the Flemish Region). The replacement of old luminaires with LED lamps along motorways and in tunnels aims at significantly reducing the related electricity consumption (I-7.23: 'Public LED lighting' of the Flemish Region).
(59)Investments in zero-emission buses (I-7.21: ‘Greening of the bus fleet’ of the Brussels-Capital Region), in charging stations for electric cars (I-7.22: ‘Charging stations’ of the Federal State) and charging infrastructure for buses (I-7.25: ‘Charging infrastructure for busses’ of the Brussels-Capital Region), as well as investments in rail freight (I-7.24: ‘Rail Efficient network’ of the Federal State) effectively contribute to supporting zero emission transport and its infrastructure, including railways as set out in Article 21c(3), point (e) of Regulation (EU) 2021/24.
(60)Investments I-7.16: ‘Floating Solar’ of the Federal State and I-7.18: ‘Innovative renewable energy production initiatives’ of the Flemish Region contribute to supporting the value chains in technologies linked to the green transition in accordance with Article 21c(3), point (f) of Regulation (EU) 2021/24, by investing in R&D relating to the production of innovative technologies in the field of solar energy, energy storage and incorporation into energy grids. The measure I-7.11: ‘Research platform’ of the French Community, consists of investments in equipment for a shared platform used by universities and integrated in strategic value chains linked to the energy transition and contribute to the development of green skills related to complex energy systems.
(61)The REPowerEU chapter is consistent with Belgium’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The measures reinforce those included in the original RRP on energy efficiency and incentivise the reduction of energy demand, by increasing the pace for renovation of buildings (addressing at the same time energy poverty) and by supporting zero-emission transport and its infrastructure, including railways.
(62)The REPowerEU chapter also addresses the need to diversify away from fossil fuels by accelerating the deployment of renewable energy and the integration of renewable energy sources and support innovation for the uptake of fossil-free and renewable hydrogen, thus increasing Belgium’s security of supply of energy.
Measures having a cross-border or multi-country dimension or effect
(63)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (db), of and Annex V, criterion 2.13, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the measures included in the REPowerEU chapter are expected to a large extent (Rating A) to have a cross-border or multi-country dimension or effect.
(64)The REPowerEU chapter contributes to reducing dependency on fossil fuels and to reducing energy demand by improving the energy efficiency of buildings, by supporting the decarbonisation of industry, and by developing the production of renewable energy.
(65)The total estimated costs of these measures account for a total of EUR 658 million, representing 90.6% of the estimated costs of the REPowerEU chapter, above the indicative target of 30%.
(66)The measures included in the REPowerEU chapter to boost the production of renewable energy also contribute to the exports of clean energy to other Member States. Similarly, the measures to decarbonise industry are also expected to contribute to the Union’s decarbonisation.
Contribution to the green transition including biodiversity
(67)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (e), of and Annex V, criterion 2.5, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter, contains measures that contribute to a large extent (Rating A) to the green transition, including biodiversity, or to addressing the challenges resulting therefrom. The measures supporting climate objectives account for an amount which represents 51% of the RRP’s total allocation and 88% of the total estimated costs of measures in the REPowerEU chapter calculated in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex VI to that Regulation. In accordance with Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter is consistent with the information included in the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030.
(68)The measures removed or where the level of required implementation has been reduced do not impact the overall ambition of the plan regarding the green transition while the REPowerEU chapter brings a significant effort to supporting further the green transition of Belgium, as all reforms and investments contribute to reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, increasing energy efficiency and accelerating the deployment of renewable energies, notably by improving the framework conditions for wind energy and by further streamlining the permitting procedures and accelerating appeal procedures.
(69)The modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter continues to significantly contribute to the green transition, including biodiversity, as well as to the achievement of the Union 2030 climate targets while complying with the objective of EU climate neutrality by 2050.
Contribution to the digital transition
(70)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (f), of and Annex V, criterion 2.6, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the modified RRP contains measures that contribute to a large extent to the digital transition or to addressing the challenges resulting from it. The measures supporting digital objectives account for an amount which represents 27% of the modified RRP’s total allocation calculated in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex VII to that Regulation.
(71)The modification of the plan does not materially impact its ambition towards the digital transition. In spite of the removal of a few investments with a digital dimension, the modified RRP continues to significantly contribute to the digital transition with a cross-cutting approach, by supporting cybersecurity, the digitalisation of businesses and public administration, and connectivity, including high-speed connectivity. It also contributes to the digitalisation of the transport sector, to increasing the digital skills of the workforce, pupils and the population more broadly, including vulnerable groups.
Lasting impact
(72)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (g), of and Annex V, criterion 2.7, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter is expected to have a lasting impact on Belgium to a large extent (Rating A).
(73)The assessment of the original RRP, in accordance with Article 19(3), point (g), of and Annex V, criterion 2.7, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, found that the original RRP was expected to have a lasting impact on Belgium to a large extent (Rating A).
(74)The modified RRP takes into account the reduced maximum financial contribution, the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 crisis, inflation and supply chain disruptions. Belgium requested loan support to compensate for the reduction in the maximum financial contribution. In addition to the existing measures, the REPowerEU chapter is expected to have lasting positive effects on the Belgian economy and further boost its green transition. In particular, the measures included in the REPowerEU chapter are expected to support Belgium’s decarbonisation effort, the greening of its transport network, energy transition and to reduce its energy dependence. The REPowerEU measures for the decarbonisation of industry and energy renovation of private and public buildings are expected to have a lasting impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The REPowerEU chapter contains new investments on the optimisation of energy distribution, research and development on the production of innovative technologies in the field of solar energy and photovoltaic cells, studies on the technical and economic feasibility of floating solar panels in the North Sea which will contribute to the green transition.
(75)Reforms included in the REPowerEU chapter are also expected to have a long-lasting impact on Belgium notably by contributing to achieve its objective in terms of energy efficiency and renewable energy. The reform of the appeal procedures of the Council of State of the Federal State is expected to shorten the time to deal with appeal procedures relating to decisions on energy investments and renewable energy projects and to allow for a quicker deployment of onshore wind projects and the related expansion of the power grid which are currently severely hampered by long delays related to permit-granting procedures, in particular due to repetitive and lengthy appeal procedures. Other reforms reinforce the ambition to improve energy efficiency in buildings.
Monitoring and implementation
(76)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (h), of and Annex V, criterion 2.8, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the arrangements proposed in the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter are adequate (Rating A) to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of the RRP, including the envisaged timetable, milestones and targets, and the related indicators.
(77)The assessment of the original RRP, in accordance with Article 19(3), point (h), of and Annex V, criterion 2.8, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241 found that the original RRP was adequate (Rating A) to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of the RRP, including the envisaged timetable, milestones and targets, and the related indicators.
(78)The nature and extent of the proposed modifications to Belgium’s RRP do not have an impact on the previous assessment of the effective monitoring and implementation of the RRP. In particular, the milestones and targets that accompany the modified and new measures, including those in the REPowerEU chapter, are clear and realistic and the proposed indicators for those milestones and targets are relevant, acceptable and robust. Milestones and targets are also relevant for measures already completed which are eligible under Article 17(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. The satisfactory fulfilment of these milestones and targets over time is required to justify a disbursement request.
Costing
(79)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (i), of and Annex V, criterion 2.9, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the justification provided in the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter on the amount of the estimated total costs of the RRP is to a medium extent (Rating B) reasonable and plausible, is in line with the principle of cost efficiency and is commensurate to the expected national economic and social impact.
(80)The original assessment of the RRP determined that Belgium had provided estimated costs for each investment included in the RRP, with, for the most part, detailed and well-substantiated cost breakdowns. The justification provided by Belgium on the amount of the estimated total costs of the RRP was, to a medium extent (Rating B), reasonable and plausible, in line with the principle of cost-efficiency and commensurate to the expected national economic and social impact.
(81)Belgium has provided individual estimated costs for all the new measures that entail a cost in the RRP including the REPowerEU chapter, as well as individual justifications for all the measures whose modifications entailed a change in the cost estimates or a related target. The cost information provided by Belgium is mostly sufficiently detailed and substantiated. For new measures and measures where the reduction in the ambition is more than proportionate to the reduction in the financial envelope, Belgium provided estimates including references to actual tender data as well as information on the methodology used. Belgium provided further information and evidence upon request. The assessment of the cost estimates and supporting documents shows that the majority of the costs of the new measures are well justified, reasonable and plausible. Moreover, the changes in the cost estimates of the modified measures are sufficiently justified. Finally, the estimated total cost of the RRP is in line with the principle of cost-efficiency and commensurate to the expected national economic and social impact.
(82)Belgium has provided sufficient information and evidence that the costs for all new measures, including those in the REPowerEU chapter will not be funded at the same time by other Union funding sources. The commitment to put in place safeguards which are meant to prevent double funding remains and has not been altered by the plan’s modification.
Protection of the financial interests of the Union
(83)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (j), of and Annex V, criterion 2.10, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the arrangements proposed in the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter are adequate (Rating A) to prevent, detect and correct corruption, fraud and conflicts of interests when using the funds provided under that Regulation, and the arrangements are expected to effectively avoid double funding under that Regulation and other Union programmes. This is without prejudice to the application of other instruments and tools to promote and enforce compliance with Union law, including for preventing, detecting and correcting corruption, fraud and conflicts of interest, and for protecting the Union budget in line with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 of the European Parliament and of the Council 6 .
(84)The original assessment had concluded on the adequacy of the control and audit arrangements proposed by Belgium (Rating of A) under criterion 2.10 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, subject to the timely fulfilment of two milestones: (i) pertaining to a repository system for monitoring the implementation of the RRP including the minimum functionalities and (ii) on the implementing of adequate coordination arrangements, including cross-checks, 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.
(85)The internal control system described in the modified Belgian RRP is based on robust processes and structure. The distribution of roles and responsibilities remains in place for the revised RRP. The first-level controls have been assigned to different public bodies that are part of the existing internal control framework for budget implementation in the six entities and no changes have been proposed in the modified plan. The mandates of the audit bodies and their respective administrative capacity have not been subject to modifications.
(86)Each competent government developed and uses its own repository system to ensure the collection of data and monitoring of the achievement of the milestones and targets, as well as the collection and storage of the data required by Article 22(2)(d)(i)-(iii) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. The legislative framework has been amended to allow all competent bodies, at all levels of government, to have direct access to the data recorded in the Belgian Ultimate Beneficial Owner register and to collect the data thereof. The completeness and reliability of the data collected and stored is assessed under the first payment request submitted by Belgium.
(87)Each entity exercises its powers autonomously in its own areas and organises the implementation of the plan, including to avoid double EU funding. The adequacy of arrangements to avoid double EU funding is assessed under the first payment request submitted by Belgium.
(88)Since its previous assessment, the Commission has had access to information on the actual implementation of the different control procedures for the prevention, detection and correction of fraud, corruption and conflict of interest. Additional milestones are therefore introduced to improve the audit and control arrangements of the modified Belgian RRP. In order to ensure robust internal control systems adequate to Belgium's constitutional framework, the coordinating bodies, in collaboration with the implementing bodies if necessary, should adapt their manual of procedures describing the management and control system and issue instructions to the implementing bodies, including as a minimum provisions requiring anti-fraud and anti-corruption strategies, functional internal and external whistleblowing channels, on-the-spot verifications, procedures on the reporting of irregularities to OLAF and other competent authorities, and procedures with regard to the verification of compliance with Union and national law, in particular concerning public procurement and state aid. The manuals or documents should 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 Finances has been tasked with responsibility of such controls, the relevant coordinating bodies should 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 the protection of financial interest of the Union to be conducted in line with Regulation (EU) 2021/241. Furthermore, the coordinating bodies should issue instructions to all implementing bodies with regard to ex-ante verifications, before the signature of contracts or award of grants, of the risk for conflict of interest in the implementation of measures, including mandatory declarations on the 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. These milestones should be fulfilled at the latest by the time of submission of the second request for payment to the Commission.
Coherence of the RRP
(89)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (k), of and Annex V, criterion 2.11, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter includes to a medium extent (Rating B) measures for the implementation of reforms and public investment projects that represent coherent actions.
(90)The assessment of the original RRP, in accordance with Article 19(3), point (k), of and Annex V, criterion 2.11, to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, considered the original RRP included to a medium extent (Rating B) measures for the implementation of reforms and public investment projects that represent coherent actions.
(91)The modification of the RRP affects five out of six axes, and brings an additional (7th) axis, the REPowerEU chapter. The modifications made to the existing axes do not alter the overall coherence of the plan, taking into account the way the components are mutually reinforcing and complementary. The additional REPowerEU chapter is broadly consistent with the measures deployed under the initial RRP to support the green transition and further reinforces the ambition of some of them, particularly those aimed at reducing overall energy dependency. The REPowerEU chapter brings a consistent mix of reforms and investments that are mutually reinforcing and complementary. However, it is rather scattered with many investments of limited size, whilst the scaled-up measures are a minority.
Consultation process
(92)Belgium has carried out additional consultations of stakeholders in the context of the amendment of the plan and for the preparation of the REPowerEU chapter. This consultation process involved the Federal State, the three Regions, the three Linguistic Communities as well as social partners and the civil society.
Positive assessment
(93)Following the positive assessment of the Commission concerning the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter, with the finding that the plan satisfactorily complies with the criteria for assessment set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/241, in accordance with Article 20(2) of and Annex V to that Regulation, the reforms and investment projects necessary for the implementation of the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter, the relevant milestones, targets and indicators, and the amount made available from the Union for the implementation of the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter in the form of non-repayable financial and loan support should be set out.
Financial contribution
(94)The estimated total cost of the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter of Belgium is EUR 5 299 439 854. As the amount of the estimated total cost of the modified RRP is higher than the updated maximum financial contribution available for Belgium, the financial contribution calculated in accordance with Article 11 allocated for Belgium’s modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter should be equal to the total amount of the financial contribution available for Belgium’s modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter. This amount is equal to EUR 4 523 383 959.
(95)Pursuant to Article 21a(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, on 20 July 2023 Belgium submitted a request for the allocation of the revenue referred to in Article 21a (1) of that Regulation, shared between Member States on the basis of the indicators set out in the methodology in Annex IVa to Regulation (EU) 2021/241. The estimated total costs of the measures referred to in Article 21c(3), points (b) to (f) included in the REPowerEU chapter is EUR 725 603 658. As this amount is higher than the allocation share available for Belgium, the additional non-repayable financial support available for Belgium should be equal to the allocation share. This amount is equal to EUR 281 716 188.
(96)Additionally, in accordance with Article 4a of Regulation (EU) 2021/1755 7 , on 21 March 2023 Belgium submitted a reasoned request to transfer part of its remaining provisional allocation from the resources of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to the Facility, amounting to EUR 228 850 088. That amount should be made available to support the reforms and investments in the REPowerEU chapter as additional non-repayable financial support.
(97)The total financial contribution available to Belgium should be EUR 5 033 950 235.
Loan
(98)Furthermore, in order to support additional reforms and investments, Belgium has requested a total loan support of EUR 264 200 000, in particular, EUR 215 000 000 to support the reforms and investments in the REPowerEU chapter and EUR 49 200 000 to support the other reforms and investments in the RRP. The maximum volume of the loan requested by Belgium is less than 6,8% of its 2019 gross national income in current prices. The amount of the estimated total costs of the RRP is higher than the combined financial contribution available for Belgium, including the REPowerEU chapter and the updated maximum financial contribution for non-repayable financial support, the revenue from the emission trading system under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 8 , and the resources from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
REPowerEU Pre-financing
(99)Belgium has requested the following funding for the implementation of its REPowerEU chapter: transfer of EUR 228 850 088 from the provisional allocation from the resources of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, and EUR 281 716 188 from the revenue from the Emissions Trading System under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, EUR 215 000 000 in the form of loan.
(100)For those amounts, pursuant to Article 21d of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, on 27 July 2023 Belgium has requested pre-financing of 20% of the funding requested. Subject to available resources, that pre-financing should be made available to Belgium subject to the entry into force of, and in accordance with, agreements to be concluded between the Commission and Belgium pursuant to Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 (the 'financing agreement') and pursuant to Article 15(2) of that Regulation (the ‘loan agreement’).
(101)Council Implementing Decision 10161/21 of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the RRP for Belgium should therefore be amended accordingly. For the sake of clarity, the Annex to that Implementing Decision should be replaced entirely,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
Implementing Decision (EU) 10161/21 is amended as follows:
(1) Article 1 is replaced by the following:
“Article 1
Approval of the assessment of the RRP
The assessment of the modified RRP of Belgium on the basis of the criteria provided for in Article 19(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 is approved. The reforms and investment projects under the RRP, the arrangements and timetable for the monitoring and implementation of the RRP, including the relevant milestones and targets and the additional milestones and targets related to the payment of the loan, the relevant indicators relating to the fulfilment of the envisaged milestones and targets, and the arrangements for providing full access by the Commission to the underlying relevant data are set out in the Annex to this Decision.”;
(2) In Article 2, paragraphs 1 and 2 are replaced by the following:
“1. The Union shall make available to Belgium a financial contribution in the form of non-repayable support amounting to EUR 5 033 950 235. 9 That contribution includes:
(a)an amount of EUR 3 645 626 483 that shall be available to be legally committed by 31 December 2022;
(b)an amount of EUR 877 757 476 that shall be available to be legally committed from 1 January 2023 until 31 December 2023;
(c)an amount of EUR 281 716 188 10 , in accordance with Article 21a(6) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, exclusively for measures referred to in Article 21c of that Regulation, with the exception of measures referred to in Article 21c (3), point (a);
(d)an amount of EUR 228 850 088, transferred from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to the Facility.
2. The Union financial contribution shall be made available by the Commission to Belgium in instalments in accordance with the Annex to this Decision. An amount of EUR 770 113 933 shall be made available as pre-financing in accordance with Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
An amount of EUR 102 113 255 shall be made available as pre-financing in accordance with Article 21d of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. That pre-financing may be disbursed by the Commission in up to two payments.
The pre-financing and instalments may be disbursed by the Commission in one or several tranches. The size of the tranches shall be subject to the availability of funding.”
(3) The following Article is inserted:
“Article 2a
Loan support
1.The Union shall make available to Belgium a loan amounting to a maximum of EUR 264 200 000.
2.The loan support referred to in paragraph 1 shall be made available by the Commission to Belgium in instalments in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.
An amount of EUR 43 000 000 shall be made available as pre-financing in accordance with Article 21d of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. That pre-financing may be disbursed by the Commission in up to two payments.
The pre-financing and instalments may be disbursed by the Commission in one or several tranches. The size of the tranches shall be subject to the availability of funding.
3.The pre-financing referred to in paragraph 2 shall be released subject to the entry into force and in accordance with the loan agreement. Pre-financing shall be cleared by being proportionally deducted against the payment of the instalments.
4.The release of instalments in accordance with the Loan Agreement shall be conditional on available funding and a decision by the Commission, taken in accordance with Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, that Belgium has satisfactorily fulfilled the additional milestones and targets covered by the loan and identified in relation to the implementation of the modified RRP including the REPowerEU chapter. In order to be eligible for payment, Belgium shall complete the additional milestones and targets no later than 31 August 2026.
(4) The Annex is replaced by the text in the Annex to this Decision:
Article 2
Addressee
This Decision is addressed to Belgium.
Done at Brussels,
For the Council
The President
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. Nb |
Related Measure (Reform or Investment) |
Milestone / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
1 |
Improved energy grant scheme in the Flemish region(R-1.01) |
M |
Improved energy grant schemes in Flanders |
Publication in Official journal |
- |
- |
- |
Q1 |
2022 |
Adoption 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. |
|
2 |
Improved energy grant scheme of the Brussels-Capital region (R-1.02) |
M |
Entry into force of new regulation on energy grant schemes in Brussels |
Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the new regulation |
- |
- |
- |
Q1 |
2022 |
Entry into force of regulation to reform the energy grant schemes for residential and private renovations in Brussels-Capital Region |
|
3 |
Improved energy grant scheme of the German-speaking Community (R-1.03) |
M |
Entry 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 |
- |
- |
- |
Q1 |
2022 |
Entry into force of regulation to reform the energy grant schemes for residential and private renovations in the German-speaking Community. |
|
5 |
Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A) |
T |
Renovation of private residential and social housing (step1) |
Dwellings |
0 |
64 112 |
Q2 |
2023 |
64 112 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. |
|
|
6 |
Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A) |
T |
Renovation of private residential and social housing (step 2) |
Dwellings |
64 112 |
131 731 |
Q2 |
2024 |
Additional 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. |
|
|
7 |
Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A) |
T |
Renovations of private residential and social housing (step 3) |
Dwellings |
131 731 |
198 107 |
Q2 |
2025 |
Additional 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. |
|
|
9 |
Renovation of private and social housing (R-1.01(iii)) |
T |
Award of grants for home batteries and smart control appliances in Flanders |
Grants awarded |
0 |
8 460 |
Q2 |
2023 |
Grants awarded for home batteries for private housing in Flanders since Q2 2021. |
|
|
11 |
Public building renovations (I-1.08) |
M |
Adaptation of the electricity ordinance to introduce a one-stop shop for renovations |
Publication in Official Journal of the electricity ordinance |
Q1 |
2022 |
Entry 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. |
|||
|
12 |
Public building renovations (I-1B) |
T |
Renovation of public buildings (step 1) |
m² |
0 |
4 500 |
Q2 |
2024 |
Federal 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. |
|
|
13 |
Public building renovations (I-1B) |
T |
Renovation of public buildings (step 2) |
m² |
4 500 |
256 690 |
Q2 |
2025 |
Additional 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. |
|
|
14 |
Public building renovations (I-1B) |
T |
Renovation of public buildings (step 3) |
m² |
256 690 |
694 470 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Additional 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
15 |
Regulatory framework for the H2 market (R-1.04) |
M |
Entry into force of the new or modified laws and related regulations to enable market development of H2 |
Publication of the new or modified laws and related regulations (Official Journal) |
Q1 |
2024 |
Entry into force of the new or modified laws to: -enable market development of H2, -cover topics such as supervision, non-discriminatory access and tariffs. |
|||
|
15bis |
Regulatory framework for the CO2 market in Flanders (R-1.05) |
M |
Entry into force of the new or modified decrees and related regulations to enable market development of CO2 in Flanders |
Publication of the new or modified decrees and related regulations (Official Journal) |
Q1 |
2024 |
Entry 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. |
|||
|
15ter |
Regulatory framework for the CO2 market in Wallonia (R-1.06) |
M |
Entry into force of the new or modified decrees and related regulations to enable market development of CO2 in Wallonia |
Publication of the new or modified decrees and related regulations (Official Journal) |
Q1 |
2024 |
Entry 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. |
|||
|
18 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15) |
M |
Award of contracts under the call for tender |
Written notification of contract awards to successful candidates |
|
|
|
Q2 |
2022 |
Award 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. |
|
19 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15) |
M |
Award of contracts under the 2nd call for tender |
Written notification of contract award to successful candidates |
|
|
|
Q2 |
2024 |
Award 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. |
|
20 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15) |
M |
Completion of all awarded projects in the calls for tender |
Final Project Report approved |
Q4 |
2025 |
Completion 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. |
|||
|
21 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16) |
M |
Award of contracts to hydrogen IPCEI projects |
Written notification of contract awards to successful candidates |
Q4 |
2022 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
22 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16) |
M |
Award of contracts for non-IPCEI hydrogen projects |
Written notification of contract awards to successful candidates |
Q4 |
2022 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
23 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16) |
M |
Completion of projects awarded under the call for tender |
Final Project Report approved |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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. |
|||
|
24 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.17) |
M |
Award of contracts for hydrogen IPCEI projects |
Written notification of contract awards to successful candidates |
Q1 |
2022 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
26 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.17) |
M |
Completion of all projects IPCEI awarded under the call for tender |
Final Project Report approved |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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. |
|||
|
27 |
Developing the low-carbon industry (I-1.18) |
M |
Award of contracts |
Written notification of contract awards to successful candidates |
Q2 |
2022 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
28 |
Developing the low-carbon industry (I-1.18) |
M |
Completion of projects awarded under the call for tender |
Final Project Report approved |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
36 |
Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22) |
T |
Land management measures applied (forests, protected area) and remeandering projects in progress |
hectare |
0 |
1 935 |
Q2 |
2024 |
Land 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. |
|
|
37 |
Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22) |
T |
Land management measures applied (forests and protected area) and remeandering projects finalised |
hectare |
1 935 |
3 735 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Land management measures applied to 3 735 hectares to enhance biodiversity and resilience to climate change in forests and protected area and remeandering projects finalised. |
|
|
38 |
Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22) |
M |
Award of contracts to projects for creation of two national parks |
Written notification of contract awards to successful candidates |
Q1 |
2023 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
39 |
Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22) |
T |
Completion of two projects for national parks |
projects |
0 |
2 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion of infrastructure works for two national parks of total area between 10 000 and 70 000 hectares. |
|
|
40 |
Ecological defragmentation (I-1.23) |
T |
Completion of projects on ecological defragmentation |
projects |
0 |
15 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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. |
|
|
41 |
Blue Deal (I-1.24) |
M |
Start of projects to reinforce biodiversity and/or mitigate climate change effects. |
Written contractual or legal document to testify the start |
Q2 |
2023 |
Written 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). |
|||
|
42 |
Blue Deal (I-1.24) |
M |
Land purchases to reinforce biodiversity and/or mitigate climate change effects |
Title deeds |
Q4 |
2023 |
Land purchases finalised for wetland restoration projects (I) and for areas for nature-based solutions (G) (Approximately 1 000 hectares) |
|||
|
43 |
Blue Deal (I-1.24) |
T |
Completion of Blue Deal projects |
projects |
0 |
41 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
44 |
Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01) |
T |
Notifica-tion of award for eight public tenders |
Written notification of awards sent to successful candidates |
Awards for public tenders |
0 |
8 |
Q2 |
2024 |
Notification 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. |
|
45 |
Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01) |
M |
Delivery of first cybersecu-rity awareness campaign |
First cybersecurity awareness campaign targeted towards SMEs and self-employed on cyber resilience risks delivered |
Q4 |
2022 |
First 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. |
|||
|
46 |
Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01) |
T |
Instruments to increase cyber resilience available to the general public |
Number of Instruments |
0 |
4 |
Q4 |
2024 |
Four 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. |
|
|
47 |
Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01) |
M |
Global cybersecurity governance framework within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Global cybersecurity governance framework within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs implemented and in force |
Q4 |
2023 |
A global cybersecurity governance framework based on ISO27000 and CIS20 norms is in force and implemented within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |
|||
|
48 |
Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01) |
M |
Delivery of cyber resilience services to Belgian society at large by the Ministry of Defence |
Entry in operation of Ministry of Defence cyber resilience platform and publication of cyber threats report |
Q2 |
2026 |
Cyber 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. |
|||
|
49 |
Cybersecuri-ty: 5G (I-2.02) |
M |
Reinforced interception capabilities of the judicial police in a 5G context |
Reinforced interception capabilities of the judicial police in a 5G context on the entire Belgian territory through five operational elements |
Q4 |
2025 |
Interception 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. |
|||
|
50 |
Cybersecuri-ty: NTSU/CTIF interception and safeguard (I-2.03) |
M |
Digital registry of intercepted private communications managed by the National Technical and Tactical Support Unit of the Belgian federal police |
Entry in operation of the digital registry of intercepted private communications |
Q2 |
2025 |
Digital 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
51 |
Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04) (sub-measure 2) |
T |
All Public Institute for Social Security (IPSS) communications are digital and data is centralized / consolidated |
% |
0 |
100 |
Q2 |
2024 |
100% 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. |
|
|
52 |
Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04)(sub-measure 1) |
M |
Digital solution available - web interface (IPSS) |
Final version of the IPSS web interface is operational |
Q1 |
2026 |
The 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. |
|||
|
53 |
Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04) (sub-measure 3) |
M |
Digital solution available - Interactive platform (IPSS) |
Interactive platform for self-employed is fully operational. |
Q2 |
2026 |
A 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. |
|||
|
54 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (sub-measure: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12) |
M |
Requirements are defined |
Requirements, design and solutions for the different sub-measures are defined and approved |
Q2 |
2022 |
The 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. |
|||
|
55 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (sub-measure: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12) |
M |
Projects are completed and the output is operational |
Projects are completed and operational |
Q2 |
2026 |
Projects 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. |
|||
|
56 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice) |
M |
Project management in place for the digital transformation of justice following the adoption of a decree |
Adoption of the ministerial Decree of a program management office, which set up for the digital transformation of justice |
Q4 |
2021 |
Adoption 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. |
|||
|
57 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice) |
M |
Publication of the JustOnWeb online portal |
The JustOnWeb basic portal is put on line. |
Q4 |
2022 |
The 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. |
|||
|
58 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice) |
M |
Internal centralization of court decisions |
Judicial verdicts are available for consultation through the just-on-web portal. |
Q4 |
2023 |
The 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. |
|||
|
59 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice) |
M |
Database for the collection of real-time data |
A database for the collection of real-time data on the progress of legal proceedings is operational |
Q4 |
2024 |
A 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. |
|||
|
60 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice) |
M |
New Case Management System for seven entities |
A new case management system shall be developed and deployed for seven entities |
Q4 |
2025 |
A 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. |
|||
|
61 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 10: Single Digital Gateway) |
M |
The front-end interface is developed |
A Fully Only Once-compliant front end has been developed, tested and validated for 10 domains of activities. |
Q4 |
2025 5 |
A 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. |
|||
|
62 |
eHealth Services and Health Data (I-2.06) |
M |
Entry into force of the law setting up the Health Data Authority |
Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the law |
Q1 |
2022 |
Entry 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. |
|||
|
63 |
eHealth Services and Health Data (I-2.06) |
M |
Design and solution for the subprojects |
Publication of the technical specifications for the eHealth sub-projects |
Q2 |
2022 |
The requirements, design and solutions necessary for the different eHealth subprojects are defined. |
|||
|
64 |
eHealth Services et Health Data (I-2.06) |
M |
Full roll-out of the project |
Successful completion of the different eHealth sub-projects |
Q4 |
2025 |
All sub-projects related to eHealth services and Health Data resulted in full operational and integrated services and capabilities. |
|||
|
65 |
Digitalisation of ONE (I-2.07) |
M |
Entry in operation of new digital platforms |
Digital platforms have been created and are available to all users. |
Q4 |
2025 |
Digital 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. |
|||
|
66 |
Digitalisation of the cultural and media sector (I-2.08) |
T |
Completion of projects for digitized and enhanced audiovisual and audio works |
Projects be completed |
0 |
37 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Full completion of 37 projects falling within the following categories: · digitized and enhanced audiovisual and audio works: 30 projects ·native digital works created: 7 projects |
|
|
67 |
Digitalisation of the cultural and media sector (I-2.08) |
T |
Integration by pilot cultural and media operators of technological tools |
Number of operators |
0 |
5 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Integration 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. |
|
|
68 |
Digitalisation of the Flemish Government (I-2.09) |
M |
Contract award for 11 projects |
Notification of award for a number of projects |
Q4 |
2022 |
Notification 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) |
|||
|
69 |
Digitalisation of the Flemish Government (I-2.09) |
M |
Development of 4 new digital features |
All awarded projects are completed |
Q4 |
2025 |
All 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. |
|||
|
70 |
Regional data exchange platform (I-2.10) |
M |
Award of the public contract |
A mission order document shall be published |
Q2 |
2021 |
A 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. |
|||
|
71 |
Regional data exchange platform (I-2.10) |
T |
10 public administrations are supported for the deployment of projects on the regional data platform |
Public administrations |
0 |
10 |
Q4 |
2024 |
A 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. |
|
|
72 |
Digitalisation of citizen-business processes (I-2.11) |
M |
Entry in operation of new digital platforms |
A new platform (CRM) facilitating the interaction between the administration and citizens/enterprises and between administrations is operational in the Brussels Region |
Q2 |
2021 |
A 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). |
|||
|
73 |
Digitalisation of citizen-business processes (I-2.11) |
T |
Entry in operation of 3 online platforms (town planning permit, town planning information and environmental permit) |
Digital platforms |
0 |
3 |
Q4 |
2025 |
Three 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. |
|
|
77 |
Simplification of administrative procedures (R-2.01) |
M |
Entry into force of measures to simplify the online creation of a business |
Publication 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 forms |
Q4 |
2023 |
Entry 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. |
|||
|
78 |
E-government : tendering procedure (R-2.02) |
M |
Entry into force of a new regulatory context |
Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the new Royal Decree |
Q2 |
2022 |
Entry 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 |
|||
|
79 |
E-government : tendering procedure (R-2.02) |
M |
Implementation of the new tool |
A new e-procurement platform is operational |
Q4 |
2024 |
A 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.
|
Related Measure (Reform or Investment) |
Milestone / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
54b |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05)[L] |
M |
Requirements are defined |
Requirements, design and solutions are defined and approved |
Q2 |
2022 |
The requirements, design and solutions necessary are defined by the competent administrations and approved by the competent Ministry. |
|||
|
55b |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05)[L] |
M |
Projects are completed and the output is operational |
Project is completed and operational |
Q2 |
2026 |
Project 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
80 |
Coverage of white areas by developing very high speed fibre optic networks (I-2.13) |
T |
Coverage |
% (percentage) |
0 |
20 |
Q2 |
2026 |
20% of households (7.400 homes) in the German-speaking Community in fibre white zones receive access to very high-capacity fixed fibre networks. |
|
|
81 |
Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14) |
M |
Completion of pilot projects by the AI for the Common Good Institute |
Final report approved on pilot projects by the AI for the Common Good Institute |
Q2 |
2022 |
Four 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. |
|||
|
82 |
Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14) |
M |
Team of experts created within the AI for the Common Good Institute |
Multi-disciplinary team of experts on AI, Data & Robotics created within the AI for the Common Good Institute |
Q4 |
2023 |
A 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. |
|||
|
83 |
Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14) |
T |
AI services delivered by the AI for the Common Good Institute |
Number |
0 |
3 |
Q4 |
2024 |
Three 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). |
|
|
84 |
Improving the connectivity of 35 business parks in Wallonia (I-2.15) |
T |
Fibre connectivi-ty for 35 business parks |
Number |
0 |
35 |
Q4 |
2025 |
35 public regional business parks in Wallonia receive access to fixed very high-capacity fibre networks. |
|
|
89 |
Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03) |
M |
EU Connectivi-ty Toolbox |
EU Connectivity Toolbox implemented, including roadmap |
Q2 |
2021 |
Plan 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. |
|||
|
90 |
Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03) |
M |
Publication of 5G spectrum assignment legislative framework |
Publication of the legislative framework for 5G spectrum assignment |
Q4 |
2021 |
Publication 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. |
|||
|
91 |
Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03) |
M |
5G auction |
Organisation and implementation of 5G auction under invest-ment friendly conditions by the Belgian Institute for postal services and telecommunications |
Q2 |
2022 |
Completion 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). |
|||
|
92 |
Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03) |
M |
Status Connectivi-ty Toolbox implementation |
Publication of a report on the state of play of implementation of the Connectivity Toolbox |
Q2 |
2022 |
Report 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. |
|||
|
93 |
Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03) |
M |
Revision of the legislative framework of the three regions on radiation standards |
Revision of the regional legislative frameworks on radiation standards on the basis of recommen-dations by competent committees and commissions |
Q3 |
2022 |
On 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
94 |
Cycling infrastructure (I-3A) |
M |
Start of all cycling and walking projects |
Adoption of the decision or contract award |
Q2 |
2024 |
Cycling 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) |
|||
|
95 |
Cycling infrastructure (I-3A) |
T |
New and refurbished cycling roads |
km |
0 |
6.3 |
Q1 |
2024 |
6.3 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 |
|
|
96 |
Cycling infrastructure (I-3A) |
T |
New and refurbished cycling roads |
km |
6.3 |
432.77 |
Q2 |
2026 |
432.77 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 |
|
|
97 |
Cycling infrastructure – VeloPlus – RBC (I-3.03a) |
T |
New public cycling parking for residents |
Cycling parking places |
0 |
7 000 |
Q2 |
2026 |
7 000 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
96a |
Cycling infrastructure - Vélo Plus - Federal State (I-3.03b)[L] |
M |
Start of all cycling and walking projects |
Adoption of the decision or contract award |
Q2 |
2024 |
Award of building permit in Brussels. |
|||
|
96b |
Cycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus - Federal State (I-3.03b) [L] |
T |
New and refurbished cycling roads |
km |
0 |
4.8 |
Q2 |
2026 |
4.8 km of new and refurbushed cycling paths. |
|
|
98 |
Cycling and walking infrastructure – Schuman (I-3.04) [L] |
T |
New public space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport at Schuman |
m² |
0 |
25 000 |
Q2 |
2026 |
25 000 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
||||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
|||||||
|
99 |
Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B) |
T |
Start of major infrastructure works for bus (smart road signals, and light metro (Charleroi) |
Projects |
0 |
2 |
Q3 |
2023 |
Extension 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) |
||
|
100 |
Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B) |
T |
Operationalisation of smart road traffic lights |
Number of crossroads with smart road traffic lights in the centralised platform |
260 |
Q2 |
2025 |
Smart road signals – WAL (I-3.08) -Equipment of 260 crossroads with smart road signals. |
|||
|
101 |
Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B) |
T |
Completion of works and crossroads with smart road traffic lights |
Km: Number of crossroads with smart road traffic lights in the centralised platform |
2 |
5,5 400 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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. |
||
|
102 |
Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B) |
M |
Signature of revised public service contract of OTW (‘Organisme de Transport de Wallonie’) |
Revised public service contract of OTW (‘Organisme de Transport de Wallonie’) |
Q2 |
2024 |
Signature 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. |
||||
|
103 |
Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C) |
T |
Completion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 1) |
Completed works |
0 |
32 |
Q3 |
2022 |
Completion 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. |
||
|
104 |
Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C) |
T |
Completion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 2) |
Completed works |
32 |
62 |
Q3 |
2023 |
Completion 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. |
||
|
105 |
Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C) |
T |
Completion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 3) |
Completed works |
62 |
84 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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. |
||
|
106 |
Canal Albert andTrilogiport (I-3.11) |
M |
Award of contracts for the works of the bridges over Canal Albert / and a new platform at Trilogiport |
Written notification of contract awards |
Q1 |
2025 |
Award 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). |
||||
|
107 |
Canal Albert and Trilogiport (I-3.11) |
T |
Completion of the works of the bridges over Canal Albert / and a new platform at Trilogiport |
Number of works |
0 |
5 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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). |
||
|
108 |
Unlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility application (I-3D) |
T |
Unlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility application |
Projects |
0 |
3 |
Q1 |
2025 |
Unlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility application: - SNCB ticketing (1 project), - SNCB planning & realtime data (1 project) - Brussels mobility services (1 project) |
||
|
109 |
Go Live of rail IT modules (I-3E) |
T |
Go Live of rail IT modules |
Modules |
0 |
10 |
Q4 |
2024 |
Go 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. |
||
|
110 |
Mobiliteitsbudget (R-3.02) |
M |
Adoption of the mobility budget |
Adoption of the mobility budget |
- |
- |
- |
Q3 |
2021 |
Adoption of the mobility budget. |
|
|
111 |
SNCB/INFRABEL Performance (R-3.01) |
M |
Approval of the new performance contracts of NMBS-SNCB and Infrabel and the pluri-annual investment plan, contract |
Approval of contracts |
- |
- |
- |
Q2 |
2023 |
The 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 |
|
|
112 |
Smart Move (I-3.15) |
M |
Smart Move application is operational |
Go live of Smart Move application |
- |
- |
- |
Q2 |
2022 |
The 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 |
|
|
113 |
Modal shift grants (I-3.14) |
T |
First 4 375 new modal shift grants applications |
Number |
0 |
4 375 |
Q4 |
2023 |
First 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
114 |
Greening the bus fleet (I-3G) |
T |
Formal order for green busses and related charging infrastructure in Flanders and Brussels |
Orders and tender offers |
0 |
6 |
Q4 |
2024 |
Greening 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 |
|
|
115 |
Greening the bus fleet –(I-3G) |
T |
Green buses placed in service and depots technically adapted in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia |
Vehicles |
0 |
342 |
Q4 |
2025 |
Greening 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 b |
Greening the bus fleet –(I-3G) |
T |
Green buses placed in service and depot newly built in Wallonia |
Vehicles |
342 |
355 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Greening 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. |
|
|
116 |
Stimulating zero-emission transport – VLA (R-3.06) |
M |
Adoption of a framework for the deployment of charging infrastructure in the Flemish Region |
Adoption of the framework |
Q4 |
2021 |
Adoption 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 |
|||
|
117 |
Charging stations – VLA (I-3.19) |
M |
Award of concessions for charging infrastructure |
Written notification of contract awards to successful candidates |
Q2 |
2022 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
118 |
Charging stations – RBC (R-3.05) |
M |
Adoption of a decree specifying the security standards and of an infrastructure delivery plan |
Adoption of the decree specifying the security standards and of an infrastructure delivery plan |
Q1 |
2022 |
Adoption 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
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. |
|||
|
119 |
Charging stations- WAL (R-3.04) |
M |
Adoption of a plan to deploy electric charging stations |
Adoption of a plan to deploy electric charging stations |
Q3 |
2022 |
Adoption 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. |
|||
|
120 |
Charging stations – FED (I-3.18) |
M |
Adoption of the tax incentive to install private and semi-public charging points |
Adoption of the tax incentive |
Q4 |
2021 |
Adoption of the tax incentive to install private and semi-public charging points. |
|||
|
121 |
Charging stations (I-3F) |
T |
Additional operational semi-public and public charging points (step 1) |
Charging points (CPE) |
0 |
8 460 |
Q2 |
2023 |
Reach 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 |
|
|
122 |
Charging stations (I-3F) |
T |
Additional operational private, semi-public and public charging points (step 2) |
Charging points (CPE) |
8 460 |
20 160 |
Q2- |
2025 |
Reach 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 |
|
|
123 |
Charging stations (I-3F) |
T |
Additional operational private, semi-public and public charging points (step 3) |
Charging points (CPE) |
20 160 |
68 579 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Reach 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 |
|
|
124 |
Emission fraud (R-3.07) |
M |
Adoption of the legal framework for vehicle emission monitoring in Flanders |
Adoption of the legal framework |
Q1 |
2023 |
Adoption 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) |
|||
|
125 |
Emission fraud (R-3.07) |
M |
IT system that integrates emission data with observations of periodic technical and road safety inspections operational |
Entry into service of IT system |
Q4 |
2024 |
IT system that integrates emission data with observations of periodic technical and road safety inspections ready and available for all stakeholders. |
|||
|
126 |
Zero-emission company cars (R-3.03) |
M |
Adoption of the law reforming the company car tax scheme |
Adoption of the draft adaptation of the law reforming the company car tax scheme |
Q3 |
2021 |
Adoption 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
127 |
Digisprong (R-4.01) |
M |
Adoption of new ICT framework for compulsory education in Flanders |
Adoption of new legislation by the Flemish Parliament to improve the ICT framework |
Q4 |
2023 |
Adoption 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. |
|||
|
128 |
Higher education advancement Fund (R-4.02) |
M |
Vision paper for a future oriented, agile, and digital higher education |
Adoption of a vision note by the Flemish government |
Q4 |
2023 |
Endorsement 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. |
|||
|
129 |
Global action plan against early school leaving (R-4.03) |
M |
New comprehensive plan against school dropout |
Adoption by the French Community of new legislative acts against school dropout |
Q2 |
2024 |
The 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. |
|||
|
131 |
Provision of digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools (I-4) |
T |
Equipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems |
Number of schools/Institutions receiving funds |
0 |
3 828 |
Q4 |
2022 |
3 828 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. |
|
|
133 |
Provision of digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools’ (I-4) |
T |
Equipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems |
Number of schools/institutions receiving funds |
3 828 |
3 905 |
Q2 |
2026 |
3 905 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. |
|
|
134 |
Higher Education Advancement Fund (I-4.02) |
T |
Improving High Education offering in Flanders to make it more future-proof and agile |
Number of higher education institutions who received funds |
0 |
7 |
Q4 |
2023 |
7 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. |
|
|
135 |
Personalised guidance in compulsory education (I-4.03) |
M |
Adoption of a new decree framework that sets the terms of intervention of the system |
Adoption by the Parliament of the French Community of the decree framework that sets the terms of intervention of the system |
Q3 |
2021 |
Adoption 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. |
|||
|
136 |
Personalised guidance in compulsory education (I-4.03) |
T |
Deployment of a reinforced support mechanism for students in need |
Schools (and CPMS) benefiting from support and coaching |
0 |
531 |
Q4 |
2022 |
Deployment of additional resources (such as teachers, educators, psychological support staff) to support 531 schools/CPMS based on identified needs. |
|
|
137 |
Digital turnaround for Brussels schools (I-4.05) |
T |
Equipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems |
ICT devices and WIFI hotspots installed in schools |
900 |
2200 |
Q4 |
2021 |
2200 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) |
|
|
138 |
Digital turnaround for Brussels schools (I-4.05) |
T |
Equipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems |
ICT devices and WIFI hotspots installed in secondary schools |
2 200 |
3 500 |
Q4 |
2024 |
3 500 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
139 |
Re-qualification strategy (R-4.05) |
M |
Adoption of regulatory texts by the Brussels Government to promote integration of vulnerable groups into the labour market |
Publication of regulatory texts in the Official Journal |
Q4 |
2024 |
Adoption 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. |
|||
|
140 |
Tackling discrimination at the labour market (R-4.04) |
M |
Adapted regulatory framework and improved application of discriminatory tests |
Publication of the adapted regulatory framework in the Official Journal |
Q4 |
2023 |
(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. |
|||
|
141 |
An inclusive labour market (R-4.06) |
T |
Completion of sectoral non-discrimination actions |
Sectors |
0 |
37 |
Q1 |
2023 |
37 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. |
|
|
142 |
An inclusive labour market (R-4.06) |
T |
New integrated path for newcomers |
Participants |
0 |
2 000 |
Q4 |
2023 |
2000 newcomers, participating to the new integrated path. |
|
|
143 |
Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07) |
M |
Award of grants related to social innovation initiatives |
Written notification of contract awards to successful candidates |
Q2 |
2023 |
Award of grants by the Public Employment Services to social innovation initiatives in accordance with the criteria laid down in the public procurement specifications. |
|||
|
144 |
Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07) |
T |
Competence profile and job counselling |
Jobseekers |
0 |
6 000 |
Q4 |
2024 |
6000 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. |
|
|
145 |
Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07) |
T |
Sustainable integration pathway for people with disabilities |
Persons with disabilities |
0 |
450 |
Q4 |
2025 |
450 people with disabilities (jobseekers or workers) have followed a training module of the sustainable integration pathway. |
|
|
146 |
E-inclusion for Belgium (I-4.08) |
T |
Award of grants |
Grants awarded |
0 |
15 |
Q2 |
2024 |
Award 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. |
|
|
147 |
Digital platforms for prisoners (I-4.09) |
T |
Completion of roll-out |
Prisons |
0 |
32 |
Q4 |
2024 |
Completion 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. |
|
|
148 |
Gender and work (I-4.10) |
T |
Participation of women to field-projects |
Women |
0 |
250 |
Q4 |
2024 |
250 women participating in on-field projects matching the criteria set out in the call for proposals document, published in September 2022. |
|
|
149 |
Digibanks (I-4.11) |
T |
Signature of partnerships to promote digital inclusion |
Municipalities |
0 |
100 |
Q4 |
2022 |
Signature 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
150 |
Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12) |
M |
Walloon Strategy for deinstitutionalisation (Walloon health policy) |
Endorsement by the Walloon Government of a Walloon strategy for deinstitutionalisation |
Q4 |
2021 |
Endorsement 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. |
|||
|
151 |
Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12) |
T |
Award of part of the works |
Housing units |
0 |
280 |
Q2 |
2024 |
Award of works contracts by operators for 280 of low-rent housing units.). |
|
|
152 |
Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12) |
T |
Installation of remote assistance for people in loss of autonomy |
Remote assistance boxes installed |
0 |
5 000 |
Q3 |
2025 |
5000 remote assistance boxes installed in the homes of vulnerable people, that is, people aged over 65 and/or people with disability. |
|
|
153 |
Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12) |
T |
Housing units ready to be occupied |
Number of new or renovated housing units |
0 |
1 212 |
Q3 |
2026 |
1 212 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. |
|
|
154 |
Building and renovation of early childcare infrastructure (I-4.13) |
T |
Award of works contracts for project promoters |
Childcare places |
0 |
255 |
Q4 |
2023 |
Award of works contracts by operators (crèches) for 15 % of the newly created childcare places, i.e. 255. |
|
|
155 |
Building and renovation of early childcare infrastructure (I-4.13) |
T |
Opening of childcare places |
Number of created or renovated childcare places |
0 |
1 700 |
Q3 |
2026 |
1 700 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
156 |
Pension and end of career (R-4.07) |
M |
Action plan based on output of the employment conference |
Livestreaming (and its recording) of employment conference debates and proposed action plan put on the agenda of the federal Council of Ministers |
Q2 |
2022 |
Livestreaming (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). |
|||
|
157 |
Pension and end of career (R-4.07) |
M |
Pension reform proposal |
Reform proposal submitted to the Council of Ministers of the federal government |
Q4 |
2021 |
Proposal 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. |
|||
|
158 |
Pension and end of career (R-4.07) |
M |
Adoption of the pension reform |
Adoption by the federal Parliament of the law to reform the pension system |
Q2 |
2024 |
Adoption 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
159 |
A6K/E6K Digital and Technological Innovation and Training Hub (I-5.01) |
M |
Activity developed through A6K-E6K |
Report on business steps completed delivered by the steering committee |
Q1 |
2023 |
Completion 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. |
|||
|
160 |
Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure (I-5.03) |
T |
Buildings and equipment for training, employment services |
m2 |
0 |
11 374 |
Q4 |
2025 |
11 374 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 |
|
|
161 |
EU Biotech School and Health Hub (I-5.02) |
T |
Building and equipment of the EU Biotech School and Health Hub |
m2 |
0 |
5 500 |
Q3 |
2025 |
5 500 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. |
|
|
162 |
A6K/E6K Digital and Technological Innovation and Training Hub (I-5.01) |
T |
Finalisation of A6K-E6K renovation and extension |
m2 |
5 000 |
25 000 |
Q2 |
2026 |
25 000 m² of fully equipped building for training, employment and incubation services. |
|
|
163 |
Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure (I-5.03) |
T |
Buildings and equipment for training, employment services |
m² |
11 374 |
35 574 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Total 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. |
|
|
164 |
Learning and career offensive (I-5.04) |
T |
Support for training leaves and online training offer in Flanders |
Persons |
0 |
307 500 |
Q4 |
2022 |
307 500 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. |
|
|
165 |
Learning and career-offensive (I-5.04) |
T |
Support to enterprises in Flanders via competency checks and calls for projects |
Enterprises |
0 |
357 |
Q4 |
2024 |
357 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’. |
|
|
166 |
Strategy for relaunching the labour market focused on the efficiency and optimisation of activation and training policies (I-5.05) |
T |
Activation support to job seekers and workers in Brussels |
Persons |
0 |
600 |
Q4 |
2024 |
600 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. |
|
|
167 |
Learning and career-offensive (I-5.04) |
M |
Support to the temporary unemployed in Flanders |
VDAB Report delivered attesting of the outreach effort |
Q4 |
2022 |
All 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. |
|||
|
168 |
Life-long learning of the Flemish Community (R-5.04) |
M |
Vision paper on learning and career account in Flanders |
Publication of agreement by the Government |
|
|
|
Q2 |
2022 |
Agreement 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. |
|
169 |
Digital Skills (I-5.06) |
T |
Development of e-learning offer in Flanders |
E-learning projects |
0 |
37 |
Q4 |
2022 |
37 e-learning projects are approved, launched and completed following a call for project. |
|
|
170 |
Digital Skills (I-5.06) |
M |
Digital tools and services to citizens, employers and the Flemish Public Employment Service (VDAB) partners fully deployed in Flanders |
Management and policy monitoring report of VDAB and Department WSE |
Q4 |
2024 |
The 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 |
|||
|
171 |
Digital lifelong learning (I-5.07) |
M |
Modernisation 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 projects |
Q2 |
2026 |
ICT 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. |
|||
|
172 |
Learning account (R-5.03) |
M |
Federal reform developing individual entitlement to training for employees. |
Publication in official journal |
Q4 |
2021 |
Based 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. |
|||
|
173 |
Learning account (R-5.03) |
M |
Federal reform creating incentives for companies to provide training |
Publication in official journal |
Q1 |
2021 |
Adoption 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. |
|||
|
174 |
Learning account (R-5.03) |
M |
Provisions in the decree indicating the entry into force |
Q4 |
2023 |
Entry 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. |
||||
|
175 |
Cumulation regime and mobility to sectors with shortages (R-5.01) |
M |
Federal reform of cumulation regime |
Decision of the federal government laying down how the reform shall enter into force |
Q4 |
2023 |
After 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. |
|||
|
176 |
Cumulation regime and mobility to sectors with shortages (R-5.01) |
M |
Federal reform of mobility to sectors with shortages |
Decision of the federal government laying down how the reform shall enter into force |
Q4 |
2023 |
After 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. |
|||
|
177 |
Reform of support to jobseekers in Wallonia (R-5.05) |
M |
Reform of support for jobseekers in Wallonia |
Publication in official journal |
Q3 |
2021 |
Adoption 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
179 |
Nuclear medicine (I-5.08) |
M |
Radioisotope facility constructed and commissioned (FANC and FAGG) |
Facility constructed and operational. |
Q2 |
2026 |
The 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. |
|||
|
180 |
Nuclear medicine (I-5.08) |
M |
Technology package finalised |
Feasibility report describing the technological package needed for investors to proceed to the large-scale production of 225Ac from 226Ra published |
Q4 |
2024 |
A 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). |
|||
|
184 |
R&D: Minimization of waste during dismantling (I-5.10) |
M |
Award 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) |
Q4 |
2023 |
Notification 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. |
|||
|
185 |
R&D: Minimization of waste during dismantling (I-5.10) |
M |
Material Treatment facility (MaT) constructed and commissioned; desk top study finalised |
Material Treatment facility (MaT) operational |
Q2 |
2026 |
The 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. |
|||
|
186 |
Strengthen R&D (I-5.11) |
M |
Award of public contracts for R&D and infrastructure projects |
Notification of the award projects |
Q4 |
2022 |
Notification, 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. |
|||
|
187 |
Strengthen R&D (I-5.11) |
T |
Completion of awarded R&D and infrastructure projects |
Projects |
0 |
200 |
Q2 |
2026 |
200 projects following the call for proposals and the selection through grant schemes are completed, with EUR 220 500 000 executed. |
|
|
188 |
Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12) |
M |
Award of public works contracts by the 2 intermunicipal companies (SPI, IGRETEC) for the construction of infrastructure for the food sector |
Written notification of the award of public works contracts for the constructions of infrastructure for the food sector |
Q1 |
2024 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
189 |
Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12) |
T |
Support for 30 food relocation projects, 4 emerging sectors and 5 pieces of infrastructure |
|
Projects |
0 |
39 |
Q4 |
2022 |
Award 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. |
|
190 |
Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12) |
T |
Construction of two logistic hubs completed |
Hubs |
0 |
2 |
Q2 |
2025 |
Construction 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. |
|
|
191 |
Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12) |
T |
Construction of at least 5 pieces of infrastructure, 30 small scale infrastructure and 4 larger structuring projects, is completed |
Infrastructure |
0 |
39 |
Q2 |
2026 |
The 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. |
|
|
192 |
Digitisation of the Walloon tourism sector (I-5.13) |
T |
Number of active users of the ‘outil regional de commercialisation’ |
Active users |
0 |
685 |
Q4 |
2025 |
685 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. |
|
|
193 |
Reform - Faster permit and appeal procedures (R-5.06) |
M |
Reform of the environmental permit and appeal procedures |
Publication of a report and government decisions. |
Q4 |
2022 |
Publication 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. |
|||
|
194 |
Reform - Broadening innovation base (R-5.07) |
M |
Reform of the regulation for innovation support |
Publication of a report and related government decisions |
Q4 |
2022 |
Publication 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. |
|||
|
247 |
Nuclear medicine – the theranostic approach (I-5.08bis) |
M |
R&D development completed |
Two R&D projects are completed |
Q2 |
2026 |
For 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. |
|||
|
248 |
SMELD – Fed (I-5.18) |
M |
Preparatory study on the requirements for setting up the melting furnace |
Preparatory study published |
Q2 |
2024 |
The preparatory study about the requiremented for setting up the melting furnace is concluded and a report is published. |
|||
|
249 |
SMELD- Fed (I-5.18) |
M |
An industrial scale melting furnace is set up |
Industrial scale melting furnace operational in non-radioactive mode |
Q2 |
2026 |
The 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
||||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
|||||||
|
195 |
Brussels Regional Strategy for the Economic Transition (R-5.08) |
M |
Adoption of the Regional Strategy for Economic Transition |
Decision of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region indicating the adoption of the strategy |
Q1 |
2022 |
Brussels 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. |
||||
|
196 |
Governance Circular Flanders (R-5.09) |
M |
Launch of Steering Group of Circular Flanders |
Steering group for the governance of Circular Flanders appointed and Roadmap and Work Agendas adopted |
Q4 |
2021 |
Steering 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 |
||||
|
197 |
Recycling Hub (I-5.14) |
T |
Award of six public contracts for recycling facilities |
Facilities |
0 |
6 |
Q4 |
2022 |
Six 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. |
||
|
198 |
Recycling Hub (I-5.14) |
T |
Completion of works in six recycling facilities |
Facilities |
0 |
6 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Six recycling facilities built, adapted or enlarged for improved recycling processes. |
||
|
199 |
Belgium Builds Back Circular (I-5.15) |
M |
Award of public contracts for circular projects |
Notification of the award of public contracts to successful candidates |
Q1 |
2024 |
Operational 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. |
||||
|
200 |
Belgium Builds Back Circular (I-5.15) |
M |
Completion of awareness raising and information actions to SME’s and of circular projects |
Reports establishing the impact of the campaigns, reports on the completion of circular projects |
Q2 |
2026 |
At 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. |
||||
|
201 |
Deployment of the circular economy in Wallonia (I-5.16) |
M |
Award of public contracts for projects promoting circular economy in Wallonia |
Notification of the award of public contracts to successful candidates |
Q2 |
2022 |
Selection 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. |
||||
|
202 |
Deployment of the circular economy in Wallonia (I-5.16) |
T |
Completion of projects promoting circular economy in Wallonia |
Projects |
0 |
11 |
Q2 |
2026 |
At 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
205 |
Spending reviews (R-6) |
M |
Spending review pilot or integration into budgetary process (1) |
Completed pilots and associated reports |
Q4 |
2021 |
For 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. |
|||
|
206 |
Spending reviews (R-6) |
M |
Spending review integration into budgetary process (1) or pilot completion |
Government decision |
Q4 |
2022 |
For 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. |
|||
|
207 |
Spending reviews (R-6) |
M |
Spending review integration into budgetary process (1) or (2) |
Government decision |
|
|
|
Q4 |
2023 |
For 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. |
|
208 |
Spending reviews (R-6) |
M |
Spending review ex-post analysis |
Assessment report |
|
|
|
Q4 |
2024 |
For 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 Measure |
M/T |
Name |
Qualitative indicators (for milestones) |
Quantitative indicators (for targets) |
Timeline for completion |
Description of milestone/target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
211 |
Revision of the code on air, climate and energy - RBC (R-7.01) |
M |
New obligations for building renovation |
Provision in the legal act indicating the entry into force of the ordinance amending COBRACE |
Q2 |
2024 |
The 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. |
|||
|
212 |
Improved energy subsidy scheme’ - RBC (I-7.01) |
T |
Energy grants for low-income households |
Number |
0 |
1 749 |
Q4 |
2024 |
1 749 residential dwellings renovated with the support of energy grants achieving primary energy demand reduction for the benefit of low-income households. |
|
|
213 |
Improved energy subsidy scheme of the Flemish Region (I-7.02) |
M |
Increased energy subsidy scheme of the Flemish Region |
Entry into force of the amendment of the decree concerning the energy subsidy scheme of the Flemish government |
Q1 |
2022 |
Entry 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. |
|||
|
214 |
Energy grants - German-speaking Community (I-7.03) |
T |
Renovation of private housing |
Number |
0 |
774 |
Q2 |
2024 |
774 private housing units have been renovated with the support of energy grants. |
|
|
215 |
Renovation of social housing – WAL (I-7.04) |
T |
Solar panels and heat pumps in social housing |
Number |
3 600 |
Q2 |
2026 |
3 600 social housing units have been equipped with solar panels including 285 social housing units have been equipped with solar panels and heat pumps. |
||
|
216 |
Energy-climate measures in public buildings – Federal state (I-7.05) |
T |
Completed energy measures |
Number |
0 |
3 622 |
Q4 |
2025 |
The 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. |
|
|
217 |
Energy measures for AWV buildings (I-7.10) |
T |
Completed energy measure projects |
Number |
0 |
4 |
Q4 |
2025 |
Four 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. |
|
|
218 |
Saving energy in public buildings - VLA (I-7) |
T |
Energy-efficient renovation of public buildings |
Number |
0 |
555 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Four 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. Nb |
Related Measure (Reform or Investment) |
M / T |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
219 |
Research platform for energy transition (I-7.11) |
M |
Release of public tenders for equipment |
Release of public tenders |
Q2 |
2024 |
Release 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). |
|||
|
220 |
Research platform for energy transition (I-7.11) |
M |
Procurement of equipment |
Final Project Report |
Q4 |
2025 |
EUR 21 182 204 executed upon completion of the procurement of equipment and the remaining EUR 2 353 578 has been ordered. |
|||
|
221 |
Energy import infrastructure (I-7.12) |
M |
Award of contracts under the calls for projects |
Written notification to successful candidates |
Q2 |
2024 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
222 |
Energy import infrastructure (I-7.12) |
M |
Completion of projects awarded under the calls for projects |
Final project report approved |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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. |
|||
|
223 |
Call for the decarbonisation of industry (I-7-13) |
M |
Award of contracts under the call for projects |
Written notification to successful candidates |
Q2 |
2024 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
224 |
Call for the decarbonisation of industry (I-7.13) |
M |
Completion of projects awarded under the call for projects |
Final project report approved |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion of projects awarded under the call for projects “Decarbonisation of industry” with at least EUR 64 000 000 executed. |
|||
|
225 |
Call for climate measures in agriculture (I-7.14) |
T |
Completion of projects awarded under the call for proposals |
Number |
0 |
270 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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/T |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
226 |
Backbone for H2 (I-7.15) |
M |
Adoption of the investment plan for H2 backbone infrastructure |
Adoption of the investment plan “Backbone for H2” by the Federal government |
Q4 |
2023 |
Adoption 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. |
|||
|
227 |
Backbone for H2 (I-7.15) |
T |
Construction and operation of 150 km of pipeline for H2 |
km |
0 |
150 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Construction 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/T |
Name |
Qualitative indicators (for milestones) |
Quantitative indicators (for targets) |
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
228 |
Appeal procedure to the Council of State (R-7.02) |
M |
Entry into force of legislation |
Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of the law shortening procedures for obtaining renewable energy permits |
Q2 |
2024 |
(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). |
|||
|
229 |
PV-obligation for large consumers (R-7.03) |
M |
Entry into force of legislation |
Provision in the legal act indicating the entry into force of provisions introducing the obligation to install solar panels for certain buildings |
Q2 |
2023 |
Entry 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. |
|||
|
230 |
Acceleration of the energy transition (R-7.04) |
M |
Entry into force of legislation |
Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of provisions revising the Nature Conservation Act and the revised Wind Energy Reference Framework |
Q4 |
2024 |
(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. |
|||
|
231 |
Acceleration of the energy transition (R-7.04) |
M |
Entry into force of legislation |
Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of provisions banning coal and fuel oil for heating |
Q2 |
2025 |
Entry 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. |
|||
|
232 |
Floating Solar (I-7.16) |
M |
Full scale demonstrator operational |
Installation and operationalisation |
Q4 |
2025 |
Full scale floating solar panel demonstrator installed and operational with a capacity between 1 and 5 MW. |
|||
|
233 |
Optimization of energy distribution (I-7.17) |
M |
Award of subsidies to the two main electricity network operators in the Walloon Region |
Written notification of subsidy awards by the Walloon government |
Q1 |
2024 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
234 |
Optimization of energy distribution (I-7.17) |
M |
Completion of projects |
Final project report approved |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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. |
|||
|
235 |
Call for innovative renewable energy production initiatives (I-7.18) |
M |
Award of contracts under the calls for projects |
Written notification of contract awards to successful candidates |
Q2 |
2024 |
Award 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. |
|||
|
236 |
Call for innovative renewable energy production initiatives (I-7.18) |
M |
Completion of projects |
Selected projects completed and operational |
Q2 |
2026 |
Projects selected through a call for projects and corresponding investments in shore power and R&D for solar energy production initiatives have been completed. |
|||
|
237 |
Removing barriers to renewable energy (I-7.19) |
M |
Completion of projects |
Completion of projects by Skeyes and Defense |
Q2 |
2026 |
Acquisition and installation of 4 X-band radars by Defence and the new surveillance technology – 40 Wide Area Multilateration (WAM) units by Skeyes. |
|||
|
238 |
Removing barriers to renewable energy (I-7.19) |
M |
Entry into force of regulation |
Provision in the law indicating the entry into force of regulation |
Q2 |
2026 |
Entry 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. Nb |
Related Measure (Reform or Investment) |
M/T |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
239 |
Off-shore energy island (I-7.20) |
M |
Finalisation of FEED and environmental studies |
Publication of FEED and environmental studies |
Q4 |
2022 |
Finalisation 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). |
|||
|
240 |
Off-shore energy island (I-1.7.20) |
M |
Environmental permits for energy island obtained |
Environmental permits for energy island obtained |
Q3 |
2023 |
Environmental 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. |
|||
|
241 |
Off-shore energy island (I-7.20) |
M |
Completion of works related to the energy island |
Completion of works |
Q2 |
2026 |
Completion 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/T |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
242 |
Greening the bus fleet –BCR (I-7.21) |
T |
Electric buses in service |
Number |
12 |
59 |
Q2 |
2026 |
23 M3 low floor articulated electric buses and 24 standard electric buses are delivered and placed in service. |
|
|
243 |
Charging Stations – FED (I-7.22) |
T |
Deployment bidirectional charging stations |
Number |
0 |
1 832 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Deployment of 1 832 bidirectional charging stations. |
|
|
244 |
Public LED lighting – VLA (I-7.23) |
T |
LED lighting installed |
Number |
0 |
22 750 |
Q2 |
2026 |
18 500 LED luminaires installed on motorways and 4 250 LED lamps installed in five tunnels. |
|
|
245 |
Rail efficient network - FED (I-7.24) |
T |
Electrification of rail lines |
Number (or km) |
0 |
13 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Electrification 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/T |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
||||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
|||||||
|
246 |
Charging infrastructure for busses - BCR (I-7.25) |
T |
Charging infrastructure installed |
Number |
0 |
92 |
Q2 |
2026 |
Complete 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 / Target |
Name |
Qualitative indicators
|
Quantitative indicators
|
Indicative timeline for completion |
Description of each milestone and target |
|||
|
Unit of measure |
Baseline |
Goal |
Quarter |
Year |
||||||
|
209 |
Monitoring and implementation of the plan |
M |
Repository system for Audit and Controls: information for monitoring implementation of RRF |
Audit report confirming repository system functionalities |
Before the first payment request |
Before the first payment request |
A 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. |
|||
|
210 |
Monitoring and implementation of the plan |
M |
Protection of EU financial interest |
Implementation of arrangements |
Before the first payment request |
Before the first payment request |
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. |
|||
|
250 |
Monitoring and implementation of the plan |
M |
Adaptation of the management and control system for the Recovery and Resilience Plan |
Adapted 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 request |
Before the second payment request |
The 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. |
|||
|
251 |
Monitoring and implementation of the plan |
M |
Prevention, detection and deterrence of conflict of interest |
Issued instructions |
Before the second payment request |
Before the second payment request |
The 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. nb |
Name of the measure |
M/T |
Name |
|
56 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice) |
M |
Project management in place for the digital transformation of justice following the adoption of a decree |
|
70 |
Regional data exchange platform (I-2.10) |
M |
Award of the public contract |
|
72 |
Digitalisation of citizen-business processes (I-2.11) |
M |
Entry in operation of new digital platforms |
|
89 |
Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03) |
M |
EU Connectivity Toolbox |
|
90 |
Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03) |
M |
Publication of 5G spectrum assignment legislative framework |
|
110 |
Mobiliteitsbudget (R-3.02) |
M |
Adoption of the mobility budget |
|
116 |
Stimulating zero-emission transport – VLA (R-3.06) |
M |
Adoption of a framework for the deployment of charging infrastructure in the Flemish Region |
|
120 |
Charging stations – FED (I-3.18) |
M |
Adoption of the tax incentive to install private and semi-public charging points |
|
126 |
Zero-emission company cars (R-3.03) |
M |
Adoption of the law reforming the company car tax scheme |
|
135 |
Personalised guidance in compulsory education (I-4.03) |
M |
Adoption of a new decree framework that sets the terms of intervention of the system |
|
137 |
Digital turnaround for Brussels schools (I-4.05) |
T |
Equipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems |
|
150 |
Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12) |
M |
Walloon Strategy for deinstitutionalisation (Walloon health policy) |
|
157 |
Pension and end of career (R-4.07) |
M |
Pension reform proposal |
|
172 |
Learning account (R-5.03) |
M |
Federal reform developing individual entitlement to training for employees |
|
173 |
Learning account (R-5.03) |
M |
Federal reform creating incentives for companies to provide training |
|
177 |
Reform of support to jobseekers in Wallonia (R-5.05) |
M |
Reform of support for jobseekers in Wallonia |
|
196 |
Governance Circular Flanders (R-5.09) |
M |
Launch of Steering Group of Circular Flanders |
|
205 |
Spending reviews (R-6) |
M |
Spending review pilot or integration into budgetary process (1) |
|
209 |
Monitoring and implementation of the plan |
M |
Repository system for Audit and Controls: information for monitoring implementation of RRF |
|
210 |
Monitoring and implementation of the plan |
M |
Protection of EU financial interest |
|
Instalment amount |
EUR 973 994 000 |
||
Second instalment (non-repayable support):
|
Seq. nb |
Name of the measure |
M/T |
Name |
|
1 |
Improved energy grant scheme in the Flemish region (R-1.01) |
M |
Improved energy grant schemes in Flanders |
|
2 |
Improved energy grant scheme of the Brussels-Capital region (R-1.02) |
M |
Entry into force of new regulation on energy grant schemes in Brussels |
|
3 |
Improved energy grant scheme of the German-speaking Community (R-1.03) |
M |
Entry into force of new regulation on energy grant schemes in the German-speaking Community |
|
11 |
Public building renovations (I-1.08) |
M |
Adaptation of the electricity ordinance to introduce a one-stop shop for renovation |
|
18 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15) |
M |
Award of contracts under the call for tender |
|
21 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16) |
M |
Award of contracts to hydrogen IPCEI projects |
|
22 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16) |
M |
Award of contracts for non-IPCEI hydrogen projects |
|
24 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.17) |
M |
Award of contracts for hydrogen IPCEI projects |
|
27 |
Developing the low-carbon industry (I-1.18) |
M |
Award of contracts |
|
45 |
Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01) |
M |
Delivery of first cybersecurity awareness campaign |
|
54 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (sub-measure: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12) |
M |
Requirements are defined |
|
57 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice) |
M |
Publication of the JustOnWeb online portal |
|
62 |
eHealth Services and Health Data (I-2.06) |
M |
Entry into force of the law setting up the Health Data Authority |
|
63 |
eHealth Services and Health Data (I-2.06) |
M |
Design and solution for the subprojects |
|
68 |
Digitalization of the Flemish Government (I-2.09) |
M |
Contract award for 11 projects |
|
78 |
E-government: tendering procedure (R-2.02) |
M |
Entry into force of a new regulatory context |
|
81 |
Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14) |
M |
Completion of pilot projects by the AI for the Common Good Institute |
|
91 |
Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03) |
M |
5G auction |
|
92 |
Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03) |
M |
Status Connectivity Toolbox implementation |
|
93 |
Introduction of 5G – National fixed and mobile broadband plan (R-2.03) |
M |
Revision of the legislative framework of the three regions on radiation standards |
|
103 |
Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C) |
T |
Completion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 1) |
|
112 |
Smart Move (I-3.15) |
M |
Smart Move application is operational |
|
117 |
Charging stations – VLA (I-3.19) |
M |
Award of concessions for charging infrastructure |
|
118 |
Charging stations – RBC (R-3.05) |
M |
Adoption of a decree specifying the security standards and of an infrastructure delivery plan |
|
119 |
Charging stations – WAL (R-3.04) |
M |
Adoption of a plan to deploy electric charging stations |
|
131 |
Provision of digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools (I-4) |
T |
Equipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems |
|
136 |
Personalised guidance in compulsory education (I-4.03) |
T |
Deployment of a reinforced support mechanism for students in need |
|
149 |
Digibanks (I-4.11) |
T |
Signature of partnerships to promote digital inclusion |
|
156 |
Pension and end of career (R-4.07) |
M |
Action plan based on output of the employment conference |
|
164 |
Learning and career offensive (I-5.04) |
T |
Support for training leaves and online training offer in Flanders |
|
167 |
Learning and career-offensive (I-5.04) |
M |
Support to the temporary unemployed in Flanders |
|
168 |
Life-long learning of the Flemish Community (R-5.04) |
M |
Vision paper on learning and career account in Flanders |
|
169 |
Digital Skills (I-5.06) |
T |
Development of e-learning offer in Flanders |
|
186 |
Strengthen R&D (I-5.11) |
M |
Award of public contracts for R&D and infrastructure projects |
|
189 |
Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12) |
T |
Support for 30 food relocation projects, four emerging sectors and 5 pieces of infrastructure |
|
193 |
Reform - Faster permit and appeal procedures (R-5.06) |
M |
Reform of the environmental permit and appeal procedures |
|
194 |
Reform - Broadening innovation base (R-5.07) |
M |
Reform of the regulation for innovation support |
|
195 |
Brussels Regional Strategy for the Economic Transition (R-5.08) |
M |
Adoption of the Regional Strategy for Economic Transition |
|
197 |
Recycling Hub (I-5.14) |
T |
Award of six public contracts for recycling facilities |
|
201 |
Deployment of the circular economy in Wallonia (I-5.16) |
M |
Award of public contracts for projects promoting circular economy in Wallonia |
|
206 |
Spending reviews (R-6) |
M |
Spending review integration into budgetary process (1) or pilot completion |
|
213 |
Improved energy subsidy scheme of the Flemish Region (I-7.02) |
M |
Increased energy subsidy scheme of the Flemish Region |
|
250 |
Monitoring and implementation of the plan |
M |
Adaptation of the management and control system for the Recovery and Resilience Plan |
|
251 |
Monitoring and implementation of the plan |
M |
Prevention, detection and deterrence of conflict of interest |
|
Instalment amount |
EUR 1 006 646 610 |
||
Third instalment (non-repayable support) :
|
Seq. nb |
Name of the measure |
M/T |
Name |
|
5 |
Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A) |
T |
Renovation of private residential and social housing (step1) |
|
9 |
Renovation of private and social housing (R-1.01(iii)) |
T |
Award of grants for home batteries in Flanders |
|
38 |
Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22) |
M |
Award of contracts to projects for creation of two national parks |
|
41 |
Blue Deal (I-1.24) |
M |
Start of projects to reinforce biodiversity and/or mitigate climate change effects |
|
42 |
Blue Deal (I-1.24) |
M |
Land purchases to reinforce biodiversity and/or mitigate climate change effects |
|
47 |
Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01) |
M |
Global cybersecurity governance framework within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
|
58 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice) |
M |
Internal centralization of court decisions |
|
77 |
Simplification of administrative procedures (R-2.01) |
M |
Entry into force of measures to simplify the online creation of a business |
|
82 |
Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14) |
M |
Team of experts created within the AI for the Common Good Institute |
|
99 |
Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B) |
T |
Start of major infrastructure works for bus (smart road signals, and light metro (Charleroi)) |
|
104 |
Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C) |
T |
Completion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 2) |
|
111 |
SNCB/INFRABEL Performance (R-3.01) |
M |
Approval of the new performance contracts of NMBS-SNCB and Infrabel and the pluri-annual investment plan, contract |
|
113 |
Modal shift grants (I-3.14) |
T |
First 4375 new modal shift grants applications |
|
121 |
Charging stations (I-3F) |
T |
Additional operational semi-public and public charging points (step 1) |
|
124 |
Emission fraud (R-3.07) |
M |
Adoption of the legal framework for vehicle emission monitoring in Flanders |
|
127 |
Digisprong (R-4.01) |
M |
Adoption of new ICT framework for compulsory education in Flanders |
|
128 |
Higher education advancement Fund (R-4.02) |
M |
Vision paper for a future oriented, agile, and digital higher education |
|
134 |
Higher Education Advancement Fund (I-4.02) |
T |
Improving high education offering in Flanders to make it more future-proof and agile |
|
140 |
Tackling discrimination at the labour market (R-4.04) |
M |
Adapted regulatory framework and improved application of discriminatory tests |
|
141 |
An inclusive labour market (R-4.06) |
T |
Completion of sectoral non-discrimination actions |
|
142 |
An inclusive labour market (R-4.06) |
T |
New integrated path for newcomers |
|
143 |
Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07) |
M |
Award of grants related to social innovation initiatives |
|
154 |
Building and renovation of early childcare infrastructure (I-4.13) |
T |
Award of works contracts for project promoters |
|
159 |
A6K/E6K Digital and Technological Innovation and Training Hub (I-5.01) |
M |
Activity developed through A6K-E6K |
|
174 |
Learning account (R-5.03) |
M |
Provisions in the decree indicating the entry into force |
|
175 |
Cumulation regime and mobility to sectors with shortages (R-5.01) |
M |
Federal reform of cumulation regime |
|
176 |
Cumulation regime and mobility to sectors with shortages (R-5.01) |
M |
Federal reform of mobility to sectors with shortages |
|
184 |
R&D: Minimization of waste during dismantling (I-5.10) |
M |
Award of public contract for the construction of a Material Treatment facility (MaT) |
|
207 |
Spending reviews (R-6) |
M |
Spending review integration into budgetary process (1) or (2) |
|
229 |
PV-obligation for large consumers (R-7.03) |
M |
Entry into force of legislation |
|
Instalment amount |
EUR 711 711 283 |
||
Fourth instalment (non-repayable support) :
|
Seq. nb |
Name of the measure |
M/T |
Name |
|
6 |
Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A) |
T |
Renovation of private residential and social housing (step 2) |
|
12 |
Public building renovations (I-1B) |
T |
Renovation of public buildings (step 1) |
|
15 |
Regulatory framework for the H2 market (R-1.04) |
M |
Entry into force of the new or modified laws and related regulations to enable market development of H2 |
|
15bis |
Regulatory framework for the CO2 market in Flanders (R-1.05) |
M |
Entry into force of the new or modified decrees and related regulations to enable market development of CO2 in Flanders |
|
15ter |
Regulatory framework for the CO2 market in Wallonia (R-1.06) |
M |
Entry into force of the new or modified decrees and related regulations to enable market development of CO2 in Wallonia |
|
19 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15) |
M |
Award of contracts under the 2nd call for tender |
|
36 |
Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22) |
T |
Land management measures applied (forests, protected area) and remeandering projects in progress |
|
44 |
Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01) |
T |
Notification of award for eight public tenders |
|
46 |
Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01) |
T |
Instruments to increase cyber resilience available to the general public |
|
51 |
Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04) (sub-measure 2) |
T |
All Public Institute for Social Security (IPSS) communications are digital and data is centralized / consolidated |
|
59 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice) |
M |
Database for the collection of real-time data |
|
71 |
Regional data exchange platform (I-2.10) |
T |
10 public administrations are supported for the deployment of projects on the regional data platform |
|
79 |
E-government: tendering procedure (R-2.02) |
M |
Implementation of the new tool |
|
83 |
Development of an AI institute in order to use this technology to meet societal challenges (I-2.14) |
T |
AI services delivered by the AI for the Common Good Institute |
|
94 |
Cycling infrastructure (I-3A) |
M |
Start of all cycling and walking projects |
|
95 |
Cycling infrastructure (I-3A) |
T |
New and refurbished cycling roads |
|
102 |
Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B) |
M |
Signature of revised public service contract of OTW (‘Organisme de Transport de Wallonie’) |
|
109 |
Go Live of rail IT modules (I-3E) |
T |
Go Live of rail IT modules |
|
114 |
Greening the bus fleet (I-3G) |
T |
Formal order for green busses and related charging infrastructure in Flanders and Brussels |
|
125 |
Emission fraud (R-3.07) |
M |
IT system that integrates emission data with observations of periodic technical and road safety inspections operational |
|
129 |
Global action plan against early school leaving (R-4.03) |
M |
New comprehensive plan against school dropout |
|
138 |
Digital turnaround for Brussels schools (I-4.05) |
T |
Equipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems |
|
139 |
Re-qualification strategy (R-4.05) |
M |
Adoption of regulatory texts by the Brussels Government to promote integration of vulnerable groups into the labour market |
|
144 |
Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07) |
T |
Competence profile and job counselling |
|
146 |
E-inclusion for Belgium (I-4.08) |
T |
Award of grants |
|
147 |
Digital platforms for prisoners (I-4.09) |
T |
Completion of roll-out |
|
148 |
Gender and work (I-4.10) |
T |
Participation of women to field-projects |
|
151 |
Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12) |
T |
Award of part of the works |
|
158 |
Pension and end of career (R-4.07) |
M |
Adoption of the pension reform |
|
165 |
Learning and career-offensive (I-5.04) |
T |
Support to enterprises in Flanders via competency checks and calls for projects |
|
166 |
Strategy for relaunching the labour market focused on the efficiency and optimisation of activation and training policies (I-5.05) |
T |
Activation support to job seekers and workers in Brussels |
|
170 |
Digital Skills (I-5.06) |
M |
Digital tools and services to citizens, employers and the Flemish Public Employment Service (VDAB) partners fully deployed in Flanders |
|
180 |
Nuclear medicine (I-5.08) |
M |
Technology package finalised |
|
188 |
Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12) |
M |
Award of public works contracts by the 2 intermunicipal companies (SPI, IGRETEC) for the construction of infrastructure for the food sector |
|
199 |
Belgium Builds Back Circular (I-5.15) |
M |
Award of public contracts for circular projects |
|
208 |
Spending reviews (R-6) |
M |
Spending review ex-post analysis |
|
211 |
Revision of the code on air, climate and energy - RBC (R-7.01) |
M |
New obligations for building renovation |
|
212 |
Improved energy subsidy scheme- RBC (I-7.01) |
T |
Energy grants for low-income households |
|
214 |
Energy grants - German-speaking Community (I-7.03) |
T |
Renovation of private housing |
|
219 |
Research platform for energy transition (I-7.11) |
M |
Release of public tenders for equipment |
|
221 |
Energy import infrastructure (I-7.12) |
M |
Award of contracts under the call for projects |
|
223 |
Call for the decarbonisation of industry (I-7.13) |
M |
Award of contracts under the call for projects |
|
228 |
Appeal procedure to the State Council (R-7.02) |
M |
Entry into force of legislation |
|
230 |
Acceleration of the energy transition (R-7.04) |
M |
Entry into force of legislation |
|
233 |
Optimization of energy distribution (I-7.17) |
M |
Award of subsidies to the two main electricity network operators in the Walloon Region |
|
235 |
Call for innovative renewable energy production initiatives (I-7.18) |
M |
Award of contracts under the calls for projects |
|
248 |
SMELD – FED (I-5.18) |
M |
Preparatory study on the requirements for setting up the melting furnace |
|
Instalment amount |
EUR 1 022 767 247 |
||
Fifth instalment (non-repayable support) :
|
Seq. nb |
Name of the measure |
M/T |
Name |
|
7 |
Renovation of private and social housing (I-1A) |
T |
Renovations of private residential and social housing (step 3) |
|
13 |
Public building renovations (I-1B) |
T |
Renovation of public buildings (step 2) |
|
20 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.15) |
M |
Completion of all awarded projects in the calls for tender |
|
49 |
Cybersecurity: 5G (I-2.02) |
M |
Reinforced interception capabilities of the judicial police in a 5G context |
|
50 |
Cybersecurity: NTSU/CTIF interception and safeguard (I-2.03) |
M |
Digital registry of intercepted private communications managed by the National Technical and Tactical Support Unit of the Belgian federal police |
|
60 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 1: Digital transformation of Justice) |
M |
New Case Management System for seven entities |
|
61 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (Sub-measure 10: Single Digital Gateway) |
M |
The front-end interface is developed |
|
64 |
eHealth Services et Health Data (I-2.06) |
M |
Full roll-out of the project |
|
65 |
Digitalisation of ONE (I-2.07) |
M |
Entry in operation of new digital platforms |
|
69 |
Digitalization of the Flemish Government (I-2.09) |
M |
Development of 4 new digital features |
|
73 |
Digitalisation of citizen-business processes (I-2.11) |
T |
Entry in operation of 3 online platforms (town planning permit, town planning information and environmental permit) |
|
84 |
Improving the connectivity of 35 business parks in Wallonia (I-2.15) |
T |
Fibre connectivity for 35 business parks |
|
100 |
Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B) |
T |
Operationalisation of smart road traffic lights |
|
106 |
Canal Albert and Trilogiport (I-3.11) |
M |
Award of contracts for the works of the bridges over Canal Albert / and a new platform at Trilogiport |
|
108 |
Unlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility application (I-3D) |
T |
Unlocking of Open Data for Smart Mobility application |
|
115 |
Greening the bus fleet (I-3G) |
T |
Green buses placed in service and depots technically adapted in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia |
|
122 |
Charging stations (I-3F) |
T |
Additional operational private, semi-public and public charging points (step 2) |
|
145 |
Re-qualification strategy (I-4.07) |
T |
Sustainable integration pathway for people with disabilities |
|
152 |
Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12) |
T |
Installation of remote assistance for people in loss of autonomy |
|
160 |
Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure (I-5.03) |
T |
Buildings and equipment for training, employment services |
|
161 |
EU Biotech School and Health Hub (I-5.02) |
T |
Building and equipment of the EU Biotech School and Health Hub |
|
190 |
Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12) |
T |
Construction of two logistic hubs completed |
|
192 |
Digitisation of the Walloon tourism sector (I-5.13) |
T |
Number of active users of the ‘outil regional de commercialisation’ |
|
216 |
Energy-climate measures in public buildings – Federal state (I-7.05) |
T |
Completed energy measures |
|
217 |
Energy measures in AWV buildings (I-7.10) |
T |
Completed energy measure projects |
|
220 |
Research platform for energy transition (I-7.11) |
M |
Procurement of equipment |
|
231 |
Acceleration of the energy transition (R-7.04) |
M |
Entry into force of legislation |
|
232 |
Floating Solar (I-7.16) |
M |
Full scale demonstrator operational |
|
Instalment amount |
EUR 560 013 071 |
||
Sixth instalment (non-repayable support) :
|
Seq. nb |
Name of the measure |
M/T |
Name |
|
14 |
Public building renovations (I-1B) |
T |
Renovation of public buildings (step 3) |
|
23 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.16) |
M |
Completion of projects awarded under the call for tender |
|
26 |
An industrial value chain for hydrogen transition (I-1.17) |
M |
Completion of all projects IPCEI awarded under the call for tender |
|
28 |
Developing the low-carbon industry (I-1.18) |
M |
Completion of projects awarded under the call for tender |
|
37 |
Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22) |
T |
Land management measures applied (forests and protected area) and remeandering projects finalised |
|
39 |
Biodiversity and adaptation to climate change (I-1.22) |
T |
Completion of two projects for national parks |
|
40 |
Ecological defragmentation (I-1.23) |
T |
Completion of projects on ecological defragmentation |
|
43 |
Blue Deal (I-1.24) |
T |
Completion of Blue Deal projects |
|
48 |
Cybersecure and resilient digital society (I-2.01) |
M |
Delivery of cyber resilience services to Belgian society at large by the Ministry of Defence |
|
52 |
Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04) (sub-measure 1) |
M |
Digital solution available - web interface (IPSS) |
|
53 |
Digitalisation IPSS (I-2.04) (sub-measure-3) |
M |
Digital solution available - Interactive platform (IPSS) |
|
55 |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05) (sub-measure: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12) |
M |
Projects are completed and the output is operational |
|
66 |
Digitalisation of the cultural and media sector (I-2.08) |
T |
Completion of projects for digitized and enhanced audio visual and audio works |
|
67 |
Digitalisation of the cultural and media sector (I-2.08) |
T |
Integration by pilot cultural and media operators of technological tools |
|
80 |
Coverage of white areas by developing very high speed fibre optic networks (I-2.13) |
T |
Coverage |
|
96 |
Cycling infrastructure (I-3A) |
T |
New and refurbished cycling roads |
|
97 |
Cycling infrastructure – VeloPlus – RBC (I-3.03a) |
T |
New public cycling parking for residents |
|
101 |
Enhancing public transport in Wallonia (I-3B) |
T |
Completion of works and crossroads with smart road traffic lights |
|
105 |
Rail refurbishment and station accessibility works (I-3C) |
T |
Completion of rail refurbishment and modernisation works and station accessibility works (step 3) |
|
107 |
Canal Albert and Trilogiport (I-3.11) |
T |
Completion of the works of the bridges over Canal Albert / and a new platform at Trilogiport |
|
115 b |
Greening the bus fleet –(I-3G) |
T |
Green buses placed in service and depot newly built in Wallonia |
|
123 |
Charging stations (I-3F) |
T |
Additional operational private, semi-public and public charging points (step 3) |
|
133 |
Provision of digital equipment and IT infrastructure to schools’ (I-4) |
T |
Equipping schools/institutions with adequate ICT devices and infrastructure to improve the overall performance of education systems |
|
155 |
Building and renovation of early childcare infrastructure (I-4.13) |
T |
Opening of childcare places |
|
153 |
Development of public utility housing and housing for vulnerable persons (I-4.12) |
T |
Housing units ready to be occupied |
|
162 |
A6K/E6K Digital and Technological Innovation and Training Hub (I-5.01) |
T |
Finalisation of A6K-E6K renovation and extension |
|
163 |
Upgrading of advanced training infrastructure (I-5.03) |
T |
Buildings and equipment for training, employment services |
|
171 |
Digital lifelong learning (I-5.07) |
M |
Modernisation 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 |
|
179 |
Nuclear medicine (I-5.08) |
M |
Radioisotope facility constructed and commissioned (FANC and FAGG) |
|
185 |
R&D: Minimization of waste during dismantling (I-5.10) |
M |
Material Treatment facility (MaT) constructed and commissioned; desk top study finalised |
|
187 |
Strengthen R&D (I-5.11) |
T |
Completion of awarded R&D and infrastructure projects |
|
191 |
Relocation of food and development of logistics platforms (I-5.12) |
T |
Construction of at least five pieces of infrastructure, 30 small scale infrastructure and 4 larger structuring projects, is completed |
|
198 |
Recycling Hub (I-5.14) |
T |
Completion of works in six recycling facilities |
|
200 |
Belgium Builds Back Circular (I-5.15) |
M |
Completion of awareness raising and information actions to SME’s and of circular projects |
|
202 |
Deployment of the circular economy in Wallonia (I-5.16) |
T |
Completion of projects promoting circular economy in Wallonia |
|
215 |
Renovation of social housing – WAL (I-7.04) |
T |
Solar panels and heat pumps in social housing |
|
218 |
Saving energy in public buildings – VLA (I-7) |
T |
Energy-efficient renovation of public buildings |
|
222 |
Energy import infrastructure (I-7.12) |
T |
Completion of projects awarded under the calls for projects |
|
224 |
Call for the decarbonisation of industry (I-7.13) |
T |
Completion of projects awarded under the calls for projects |
|
225 |
Call for climate measures in agriculture (I-7.14) |
T |
Completion of projects awarded under the calls for proposals |
|
234 |
Optimization of energy distribution (I-7.17) |
M |
Completion of projects |
|
236 |
Call for innovative renewable energy production initiatives (I-7.18) |
M |
Completion of projects |
|
237 |
Removing barriers to renewable energy (I-7.19) |
M |
Completion of projects |
|
238 |
Removing barriers to renewable energy (I-7.19) |
M |
Entry into force of regulation |
|
242 |
Greening the bus fleet –BCR (I-7.21) |
T |
Electric buses in service |
|
243 |
Charging Stations – FED (I-7.22) |
M |
Deployment bidirectional charging stations |
|
244 |
Public LED lighting – VLA (I-7.23) |
T |
LED lighting installed |
|
245 |
Rail efficient network – FED (I-7.24) |
T |
Electrification of rail lines |
|
247 |
Nuclear medicine – the theranostic approach (I-5.08bis) |
M |
R&D development completed |
|
249 |
SMELD – FED (I-5.18) |
M |
An industrial scale melting furnace is set up |
|
Instalment amount |
EUR 758 818 024 |
||
2.Loan
The instalments referred to in Article 3(2) shall be organised in the following manner:
First instalment (loans) :
|
Seq. nb |
Name of the measure |
M/T |
Name |
|
54b |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05)[L] |
M |
Requirements are defined |
|
239 |
Off-shore energy island (I-7.20) |
M |
Finalisation of FEED and environmental studies |
|
Instalment amount |
EUR 48 036 364 |
||
Second instalment (loans) :
|
Seq. nb |
Name of the measure |
M/T |
Name |
|
226 |
Backbone for H2 (I-7.15)[L] |
M |
Adoption of the investment plan for H2 backbone infrastructure |
|
240 |
Off-shore energy island (I-7.20) |
M |
Environmental permits for energy island obtained |
|
Instalment amount |
EUR 48 036 364 |
||
Third instalment (loans) :
|
Seq. nb |
Name of the measure |
M/T |
Name |
|
96a |
Cycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus – Federal State (I-3.03b)[L] |
M |
Start of all cycling and walking projects |
|
Instalment amount |
EUR 24 018 181 |
||
Fourth instalment (loans) :
|
Seq. nb |
Name of the measure |
M/T |
Name |
|
55b |
Digitalisation SPF (I-2.05)[L] |
M |
Projects are completed and the output is operational |
|
96b |
Cycling infrastructure – Vélo Plus - Federal State (I-3.03b)[L] |
T |
New and refurbished cycling roads |
|
98 |
Cycling & walking infrastructure – Schuman (I-3.04)[L] |
T |
New public space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport at Schuman |
|
241 |
Off-shore energy island (I-7.20) |
M |
Completion of works related to the energy island |
|
227 |
Backbone for H2 (I-7.15)[L] |
T |
Construction and operation of 150 km of pipeline for H2 |
|
246 |
Charging infrastructure for busses - BCR (I-7.25) |
T |
Charging infrastructure installed |
|
Instalment amount |
EUR 144 109 091 |
||
