Belgium in Brief: A web of energy premiums

Belgium in Brief: A web of energy premiums
Credit: Belga

Like pretty much everything else in Belgium, the government measures to help people save on their energy bills and renovate their homes in an energy-efficient way is a complicated web of information that can be difficult to navigate.

While the Federal Government is also introducing some measures, many building and renovation premiums, grants and allowances are awarded by the regional authorities – the Walloon, Brussels-Region and Flemish government – meaning the type of help you will receive depends on where you live.

However, the type of intervention and financial help people are entitled to not only depends on the place of their residence, but usually also on their income level, the household's income and the nature of the work carried out – making requesting such a premium a complicated affair.

Luckily, Lauren Walker created a guide of the most beneficial help people can receive per region (including the changes that were implemented at the start of this year) to help people find their way.

Are you thinking of renovating your home? Are you making use of one of these grants, allowances or premiums? Let @Maajtee know.

Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:

1. Belgium in top 10 healthiest countries in Europe

Belgium has been named as the ninth healthiest country in Europe, according to new research that studied several factors including the percentage of smokers, the obesity rate, and the number of doctors in different countries. Read more.

2. Explained: What support can you receive for energy-efficient renovations?

Explained: What support can you receive for energy-efficient renovations?

Across Belgium, both on a federal and regional level, governments are looking to help people save on their energy bills and reduce emissions from properties. One key part of this puzzle is giving people the ability to renovate their own homes in an energy-efficient way. Read more.

3. Physical attractiveness pays off in the labour market, research finds

Discrimination in the labour market is increasingly based on appearance and age rather than ethnicity, while employment disability remains the main ground for discrimination, a recent study by the University of Ghent found. Read more.

4. 'Brussels streets becoming more like Dutch ones,' says EU Commissioner

The streets of Brussels are becoming increasingly like Dutch ones, said the Dutch European Commissioner for the Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, who has been a great cycling fan since childhood. Read more.

5. Indexation expected to only occur once in 2023, says Federal Planning Bureau

Public sector pay and social benefits will only be increased once in 2023, according to the Federal Planning Bureau. On Tuesday, the Federal Planning Bureau revealed that the central index will only be exceeded once in 2023, resulting in inflation having a smaller impact in 2023. Read more.

6. The tracks down the years: A short history of the Brussels Metro

Belgium was a global pioneer in trains, creating the first railway on the European continent in 1834, a flourishing locomotive manufacturing industry, and later the densest rail, light rail and tram network in the world. Read more.

7. Hidden Belgium: Triumphal Arch rooftop view

On 4 January 1905, the foundations were laid for a new triumphal arch in Cinquantenaire Park. The project was almost exactly 25 years behind schedule. Slow, even for Brussels. Read more.


Copyright © 2025 The Brussels Times. All Rights Reserved.