However, this is precisely not the case of Belgium (only in this case with Portugal, which for its part “risks” responding only partially to the recommendations), assesses the European Commission. Taking into account the aid planned for households and businesses, current primary expenditure is following an “expansionary” trend, more than the expected growth.
One of the major reasons is the automatic indexation of wages and a whole series of aids, points out Tuesday morning a European official. As for many other European countries, the Commission also warns against insufficiently targeted and temporary energy aid measures.
“Member States have been encouraged to take measures to support vulnerable households and businesses in difficulty” in the face of the energy crisis, recognizes this official. “But how it’s done is particularly important.” The EU continues to insist on the importance of targeting aid to households and businesses in need. However, so far a large part of the measures taken have been “price” measures, which by definition apply to everyone, without useful targeting.
Belgium, like France, Spain and Italy, projects a deficit beyond 3% in 2023. And its debt should increase, an isolated case among the other “highly indebted” countries.
In 2023, the general derogation clause of the stability and growth pact continues to be activated, which means that the warning has no formal consequence. It is expected that the States of the euro zone will return to the rules limiting the public deficit and the debt in 2024.