The governments of the Walloon Region and the French Community (FWB) presented their strategy for administrative simplification on Thursday in Namur.
More than 300 measures have been identified for consideration, and the list continues to grow daily. Both governments are led by centre-right coalition of MR and Les Engagés.
The governments had promised to deliver a strategy by the end of the first quarter of 2025, and they have succeeded.
"Our only motivation is to make people’s lives concretely simpler. We now know our direction, how to get there, and when," stated the responsible minister, Jacqueline Galant, during a press conference on Thursday.
"We understand that changing 30 years of administrative habits in six months is unrealistic, but it is essential for users to have a clear timeline for key measures," she continued.
The two governments have developed a strategy centred on a mindset shift within the administration, encouraged by a new management model fostering a results-oriented culture, modernisation of the administration, and a precise schedule.
Les Engagés leader Maxime Prévot and MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez hold a press conference to present the new Walloon Government. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
In Wallonia, animal permit regulations should be simplified by 2026, and property tax reduction will be automated by the end of 2026.
This year, the revision of the decree on arms export permits is expected, as well as the acceleration of investment subsidies by June 2025.
A tourism one-stop shop will be established by summer 2025, and support for individuals with disabilities will be simplified in 2025.
In the French Community, efforts are focused on simplifying the cultural sector and implementing the "only once" principle for information regarding parents and students.
By 2027, a digital platform will be created to simplify student registration. Minister of Education Valérie Glatigny announced that they aim to limit school directives to a maximum of 100 circulars per year.
