Belgium’s July 1 Overhaul: Job Seeker Benefits Cut, Traffic Fines Rise
A sweeping wave of policy changes takes effect across Belgium on July 1, touching everything from unemployment benefits and traffic fines to train tickets and online shopping. The most consequential measures include a fourth wave of unemployment benefit cuts affecting 43,000 job seekers, a 10% increase in traffic fines, and a mandatory 12-hour driving ban for any driver caught over the alcohol limit.
Unemployment Benefits: Fourth Wave of Cuts
Approximately 43,000 long-term unemployed individuals in the “second compensation period” — those unemployed for more than one year — will lose their benefits on July 1, according to Het Laatste Nieuws. The affected job seekers were notified by the National Employment Office (RVA) in January 2026.
This is the fourth phase of a broader reform by Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s government, which limits unemployment benefits to a maximum of two years. The RVA expects nearly 173,000 unemployed persons will lose their benefit entitlement across all waves by July 2027. A VRT investigation found that half of those who lost benefits in earlier waves ended up on welfare or sick leave, while only one in ten found work.
Traffic Fines Rise 10% After Nearly a Decade
On-the-spot fines for traffic violations will increase by 10% from July 1 — the first adjustment since 2017. The increase was confirmed by the Federal Public Service for Mobility and Transport and Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden, as reported by VRT NWS.
A minor speeding offense in a built-up area (50 km/h zone) will rise from €58 to €64 in base fine, plus an administrative fee of approximately €10, bringing the total from €68 to €74. Fines for using a mobile phone while driving will increase to €191, and exceeding the alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille will cost €217. The increase is expected to generate approximately €50 million annually, which the government says will be reinvested in the justice system.
Mandatory 12-Hour Driving Ban for Alcohol Offenses
Any driver caught with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit will now automatically receive a temporary 12-hour driving ban, replacing the previous system where bans could range from 2 to 12 hours depending on severity. The Federal Public Service for Mobility stated the measure sends “a strong signal that the deadly combination of driving and alcohol is no longer tolerated by our society.”
EU Package Fee: €3 Customs Duty on Low-Value Imports
A temporary €3 customs duty will apply to all e-commerce parcels from outside the EU valued under €150, as part of the EU’s broader customs reform. The European Commission states the measure addresses safety concerns, administrative burdens on customs, unfair competition for EU webshops, and fraud risks. The fee applies per product category — multiple categories in one package means multiple charges. The measure is temporary until mid-2028, when a structural technical solution is planned.
Other Notable Changes
Public Transport: NMBS will end onboard ticket sales from July 1, with passengers traveling without a valid ticket risking fines up to €500. In Flanders, De Lijn is adjusting approximately one in three bus lines — more than 40 lines will be scrapped — due to budget cuts imposed by the Flemish government.
Caregiver Leave: Caregiver leave (mantelzorgverlof) doubles from three to six months per care-dependent person, with flexible options including part-time arrangements and the ability to split leave into separate weeks or months.
Healthcare: Physiotherapists and midwives can now offer video consultations, with the condition that patients must have had at least one in-person visit first. Speech therapists will follow from August 1.
Flexi-Jobs: The flexi-job scheme expands to nearly all sectors, allowing employees working at least 80% time and pensioners to earn up to €18,440 per year tax-free, with a 28% employer contribution.
Brussels LEZ: The Brussels tax authority will begin issuing €350 fines for vehicles violating low-emission zone rules, affecting approximately 13,000 vehicles (Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol).
Car Inspections: Cars up to 10 years old with less than 160,000 km now only need inspection every two years, expanding a phased reform to reduce pressure on inspection centers.
Energy: The social tariff for natural gas increases by 15%, while electricity rises by 1.4%. Approximately 500,000 Belgians qualify for these tariffs.
Banking: Total capital buffers of Belgian banks decrease from €3.9 billion to €3.3 billion, reflecting improved credit quality of mortgage loans.
What to Watch For
The unemployment benefit cuts remain the most politically sensitive measure, with further waves scheduled through July 2027. Opposition parties and unions have criticized the reform as punitive, while the government argues it is necessary to address structural unemployment and fiscal sustainability. The traffic fine increase and alcohol driving ban take effect amid a broader push to improve road safety, with police recording more than 10 million traffic offenses in 2025.