Belgium: enforcement of the program of “massive” youth and senior employment

Last fall, this case led to controversy between the Flemish and Walloon governments. Even though it is of federal competency, the measures contained in a Royal Decree of November 2009 were highly criticized by the Flemish Employment Minister who was afraid that they would favor long-term unemployment for young people. He pointed to the fact that it was easy for young Flemish graduates to find a job and asked that the program distinguishes between degrees for recruitment subsidies. In the end, after Federal Employment Minister Joelle Micquet introduced a few amendments, the Council of Ministers approved the program on December 23.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

easy for young Flemish graduates to find a job and asked that the program distinguishes between degrees for recruitment subsidies. In the end, after Federal Employment Minister Joelle Micquet introduced a few amendments, the Council of Ministers approved the program on December 23.

Recruitment subsidies. It provides, until December 31, 2012, for a recruitment subsidy for young people as unemployment benefits, called “improved Activa.” “Activa” is a recruitment incentive which already exists in

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
Netherlands: Uber fined over 800 million euros for automated algorithmic decisions
The news. In a decision dated 17 August, the Dutch Data Protection Authority fined ride-hailing company Uber €825 million for automating decisions regarding driver account deactivations. The...
Portugal: open consultation on the transposition of the Pay Transparency Directive
The news. On 5 August 2026, the Portuguese government published a document proposing a draft text to transpose the EU Pay Transparency Directive as the basis for a public consultation open until...
EU: the Commission will set up an Expert Group on the impact of AI in the world of work
The news. On 22 July 2026, the European Commission published a progress report on the EU-27’s achievements regarding the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights, reinforced by the...
Belgium: toward an additional five days of leave following the birth of a child
The news. On 18 July, the Belgian federal government approved a draft bill introducing an additional five days of leave following the birth of a child. This entitlement would be added to existing...