Two MEPs from the Patriots for Europe group have asked the European Commission to assess whether Belgium's planned road toll system, which would compensate Belgian citizens through a reduction in road tax, violates single market rules by effectively targeting only foreign drivers. The written question, submitted on 13 July 2026 by MEPs Auke Zijlstra and Sebastian Kruis, cites a report in the Belgian newspaper De Tijd that the government intends to introduce a digital tax disk from 1 May 2027, with Belgian drivers compensated via lower road tax, leaving non-residents to bear the full cost.
The MEPs draw a parallel to a 2017 case in which Dutch Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen challenged similar German toll plans at the Court of Justice of the European Union, which ultimately ruled against Germany. They ask the Commission three specific questions: its position on the Belgian proposal, whether it considers the plan compatible with the single market, and whether it would bring a case before the Court of Justice or take other measures to annul the plan if implemented.
The question reflects a concern that the toll could create a de facto discrimination against foreign road users, particularly Dutch and other cross-border commuters, undermining the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of nationality enshrined in EU treaties. The Commission typically has six weeks to respond to parliamentary questions, and its answer will signal whether it sees grounds for infringement proceedings.
Belgian and foreign road users would be directly affected, with foreign drivers facing new costs while Belgian drivers are compensated. The Belgian government would gain revenue from foreign users but risks legal challenge and reputational damage. The Commission faces a test of its enforcement of single market rules, balancing member state fiscal autonomy against treaty obligations. Dutch and other neighbouring governments may be prompted to raise the issue bilaterally or support Commission action.