Steering blindly at the federal level: in the middle of a parliamentary debate, the Finance Minister admitted he did not yet grasp the real scope of his own tax reform. Asked about the precise impact of raising VAT to 12% for school canteens and nursing homes, the governing majority had to concede there is a total legal vacuum, even indicating it was open to drafting the necessary legal provisions based on… the opposition’s advice.

OPINION - After months of dithering, the federal government has finally produced a budget. The flagship measure, the VAT increase on takeaway food, is worrying hospitality federations. But behind this debate lies a much broader issue: a coherent and fair tax system for all small businesses.

The tax on takeaway businesses is set to jump to 12%, according to the 2026 budget guidelines unveiled by the federal government. The Walloon Horeca federation fears the devastating impact this measure will have on an already fragile sector.