Category: LEGAL NEWS

Belgium introduces a new framework for cross-border workers Belgium has revised its immigration framework for individuals who work in Belgium while continuing to live in a neighboring country. The new rules, applicable since 15 August 2026, are particularly important for employers engaging international and mobile workers. The concept of cross-border work has been broadened and…

Background On 27 April 2026, the Flemish Government granted five environmental permits for different subprojects forming part of Ventilus. One of these concerns the expansion of the Gezelle high-voltage substation in Bruges. This subproject includes, among other things, the installation of technical infrastructure, paved surfaces, changes to the terrain and vegetation, and interventions affecting water…

At first sight, the new Code mainly appears to involve a renumbering exercise: 84 of the 89 articles of the 2018 code have been carried over word for word. The changes that have been made, however, are far from insignificant. They shift the nature of the Code from a set of professional conduct rules governing…

The common practice A Spatial Implementation Plan (‘Ruimtelijk Uitvoeringsplan’ or RUP) is the instrument through which a municipality, province, or the Flemish government determines the zoning of land and specifies exactly what may be built. In this sense, the RUP is the successor to the former regional plans and special development plans (‘Bijzonder Plan van…

What is the “public concerned”? The Flemish Environmental Permitting Decree (Omgevingsvergunningsdecreet – OVD) defines the public concerned as natural or legal persons, associations or organisations that are affected or likely to be affected by an urban and/or environmental permit, or that have an interest in the decision concerning such a permit (Article 2, 1° OVD).…

What is substandard housing? The Flemish Housing Code (‘Vlaamse Codex Wonen’ or VCW) requires every residence to meet minimum quality standards. These include adequate structural stability, fire safety, or a healthy indoor environment. Anyone who rents out, offers for rent, or makes available a dwelling that does not meet these standards is committing a crime…

The Directive requires Member States to take measures to achieve a more balanced composition of the boards of listed companies. It does not rely solely on quotas, but also places emphasis on objective selection procedures, transparency and reporting. Belgium as a European frontrunner Since the Law of 28 July 2011, Belgium has had statutory gender…

Four phases that Urban must now complete more quickly The circular applies only to urban planning permits and certificates issued by the region itself through the authorized official. Municipal permits are therefore excluded. As for regional applications, Urban must now process them through four steps more quickly: No New Statutory Deadlines The circular does not…

Although this measure represents only one part of the European directive, the preliminary draft marks the beginning of a much broader reform of Belgian company law. Directive (EU) 2025/25 aims to further expand the use of digital tools and processes, make company information more easily accessible across borders and avoid requiring companies to submit the…

The case in brief A Belgian investment company wants to develop a new ‘Bioscape Campus’, also known as Bioscape Antwerpen, on the University of Antwerp’s Drie Eiken Campus in Edegem. The project involves a new research centre of approximately 28,000 m², comprising a single central community building of 9,987 m² and two accelerator buildings of…