The European Commission's 2026 Rule of Law Report on Belgium, published on 22 July 2026, assesses progress on justice system reforms, anti-corruption measures, and fundamental rights, delivering mixed results across all areas. The report notes that while Belgium has taken steps to address judicial resource deficiencies and digitalisation, limited gains have been made on efficiency, anti-corruption reforms, and access to documents, with key recommendations remaining unaddressed.
On the justice system, the government maintains its intention to transfer budgetary management from the executive to the judiciary. Parliament adopted a law on 29 January 2026 to align judicial employment conditions with civil servants, and additional financial resources were announced via a 'leverage strategy' including higher language allowance and better seniority recognition. Investments in digitalisation, such as the digital judicial file and JustCase case management system, have been made but implementation has been criticised. Electronic proceedings were introduced at the Constitutional Court. However, progress on reducing the length of proceedings has been limited: civil cases remained at 246 days in 2024, while administrative cases rose to 370 days. Amicable settlement chambers have been mandatory since 1 September 2025. A Court of Audit report published in September 2025 noted improved reporting but identified remaining obstacles.
Regarding anti-corruption, Belgium scores 69 out of 100 in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 9th in the EU. However, 69% of citizens and 70% of companies consider corruption widespread. A legislative proposal has been tabled in Parliament to create a new section within the federal prosecution service for serious financial and economic crimes. No progress has been made on lobbying reform or 'revolving doors' rules, and only a limited update to the parliamentary deontological code on gifts and benefits is under consideration. Whistleblower protection rules are being evaluated.
On fundamental rights, media regulators have made progress adapting their strategies, but public service media face governance and budgetary challenges across Belgium's three communities. No further steps have been taken on access to public documents. Steps have been taken to strengthen journalist protections against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). Limited progress has been made on compliance with final rulings of national courts and the European Court of Human Rights, and stakeholders have raised concerns about civic space measures.
The report's findings carry implications for several stakeholders. For the Belgian judiciary, the planned transfer of budgetary management and alignment of employment conditions could enhance independence and attract talent, but the slow pace of digitalisation and persistent case delays may undermine efficiency. For citizens and businesses, the high perception of corruption and limited progress on lobbying transparency may erode trust in public institutions, while improved journalist protections could strengthen media freedom. For the federal government, the report's criticism of unaddressed recommendations on lobbying and integrity rules may increase pressure for legislative action. For the European Commission, the mixed results provide a basis for continued monitoring and potential recommendations in future rule of law cycles.