Key Figures

Chief of State:
King Philippe
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo

Overview

Government Name:
Kingdom of Belgium
Constitution:
Adopted: 1970; Gradually evolved Belgium into a federal state. In 2003, the Court of Arbitration was introduced and its competencies were expanded which developed it into a constitutional court. It was formally designated as a constitutional court in 2007.
Government Type:
Federal Parliamentary Democracy under a Constitutional Monarchy
Kingdom of Belgium Flag
Coat of Arms of Kingdom of Belgium

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

A3
Changes in generally good but somewhat volatile political and economic environment can affect corporate payment behavior. A basically secure business environment can nonetheless give rise to occasional difficulties for companies. Corporate default probability is quite acceptable on average. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

The king is the chief of state representing the Belgian identity and appoints the prime minister with parliament approval. The prime minister is the head of government in charge of the direction of the executive departments of the government and appoints the cabinet.

The monarch is hereditary. The prime minster is appointed by the monarch from the majority coalition.

Until dismissal by monarch

Judicial

The judiciary branch is in charge of interpreting the constitution.

Appointed by monarch from candidate pool chosen by parliament.

Life appointment

Legislative

The legislature is in charge of passing laws and voting in the confidence of the federal government.

40 members are elected through a flexible-list proportional representation system. The chamber of deputies has 150 seats elected through a flexible-list proportional representation system.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Belgian Ministry of Finance
Tax Name:
VAT

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/