Belgian Government Approves New Security and Healthcare Measures
Belgium’s federal government has approved a series of measures covering national security, public procurement, healthcare and the functioning of the country’s justice system.
The decisions were taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Prime Minister Bart De Wever. Among the measures is approval for the purchase of three unmanned surface-vehicle kits for the Special Forces Group.
The planned acquisition reflects Belgium’s efforts to strengthen the capabilities of its special forces and respond to evolving security challenges. Unmanned maritime systems can provide operational advantages in areas such as surveillance, reconnaissance and missions where reducing risks to personnel is important.
The government also approved changes concerning the calculation of interest owed when public authorities make late payments under public procurement contracts. The measure modifies the existing rules governing the execution of public contracts.
In the justice sector, ministers approved a change to the distribution of cases within the business court in Liège. The adjustment is intended to update the way cases are allocated within the judicial system.
Healthcare was another important part of the government’s decisions. Ministers approved an amendment to the national agreement between opticians and health insurers, updating the framework governing cooperation between the two sides.
The government also approved a legal framework for direct access to physiotherapy without a prescription. The change is intended to establish clearer rules governing access to physiotherapy services and the responsibilities associated with such treatment.
Direct access could make it easier for patients to seek physiotherapy when they believe they need professional assessment or treatment. At the same time, a defined legal framework provides healthcare professionals and insurers with clearer rules for handling such consultations.
The combination of measures demonstrates the broad range of responsibilities handled by Belgium’s federal government, from national security and public procurement to healthcare and judicial administration.
The decisions also show how the government is adapting existing regulations while introducing new capabilities in areas considered important for public services and national preparedness.
Belgium’s latest Council of Ministers decisions therefore represent a mixture of security investment, administrative reform and healthcare policy changes designed to strengthen the functioning of federal institutions and public services.
