Anton Schuurmans:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?​

Putting the brakes on new technologies such as 5G is more than just disastrous for imaging but also harms our labour market and economy. A stable and clear framework for our industry regarding (available) space, energy supply and mobility is necessary. This also includes harmonised taxes and fees, more efficient licensing procedures, as well as a more specialised and efficient judicial process and a more equal ‘playing field’.

Part of Brussels' land stock should be used to develop new economic and sustainable industrial activity. We strongly believe in developing Brussels North as the Region's new economic engine: Schaerbeek Vorming, the old NATO site, car parking C and the canal zone from Neder-o-Heembeek to Vilvoorde offer many opportunities for this.

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

The digitalisation of procedures offers new opportunities for simplifying and speeding up procedures. In addition, the aim of a new urban development regulation should be to ensure less room for interpretation in the regulations that leads to discussion, better streamlining between the departments involved and correct public participation procedures that create support among local residents. In any case, a city brings a certain dynamic with it. This includes activities that involve movement and noise. We want the agent of change principle to be included in urban development legislation.

The uncontrolled and random increase of all kinds of taxes by municipalities and regions is particularly problematic. There is a need for harmonisation of taxes and duties and exceptions should be eliminated as much as possible. In addition, the impact of a cap in relation to the tax burden in the Vlaamse Rand can be examined. The future of Brussels requires a healthy business climate and affordable (office) taxes are an integral part of this.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

CD&V is convinced that a more efficient and thorough policy on city marketing and events - in addition to issues such as cleanliness and safety - is a necessary lever for the hospitality and hotel industry.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

CD&V advocates introducing minimal regulation test zones. That way, we can offer our companies a clear and legally secure environment in which they can experiment with new technologies and innovative applications without having to go abroad as is now required too often.

In addition, there should be balanced trade relations and healthy competition between companies. Public procurements should be made more accessible for SMEs and we are working towards a fairer playing field by further simplifying and reducing administrative burdens.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

CD&V believes in the ‘Polen Opleiding-Werk’ (Training-Employment Hubs), where the training and employment players from a specific sector are present and training courses are provided tailored to the sector, using the sector's latest technologies. In this way, technical education and training providers, and the business sector are better coordinated and cooperate more intensively around concrete projects.

We will enhance dual learning and expand it so that dual learning is also possible in the more labour market-oriented fields of study in secondary education. We will make it as attractive for Brussels employers as for Flemish employers to train apprentices.

We're asking Actiris for more tailored guidance, commitment to a chain approach and a compliant activation policy, including penalties for refusing a suitable job. Following the example of Flanders, we will set up a structural inflow channel for lateral entrants and introduce a bottleneck bonus for non-professionally active citizens.

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

We demand a thorough analysis of the possibility of introducing a smart kilometre tax in the Brussels Region, partly to replace the Brussels traffic tax (= taxshift, not a solution for budget deficit). This analysis should form the basis of a constructive political consultation with the other Regions to embed this correctly.

The works on the Brussels Ring must be carried out in full. We call for caution from the Brussels Region on the conversion of the A12 into an urban boulevard: the future development plans for the Canal Zone will create additional mobility that must be accommodated.

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

The digital transition of our economy and the steadfast transition to a circular and sustainable economy represent a major effort that requires appropriate support. It involves a shift to a new economic model with a focus on circularity, emission reduction and digitalisation. Besides all this, we must also ensure that our economy remains sufficiently competitive throughout this transition and that we continue to attract sufficient investment by guaranteeing a legally secure regulatory framework and a stable and competitive energy market.

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

CD&V wants to use the existing legislative framework of minimal regulation zones as a basis for a new concept: minimal regulation test zones (‘regulatory sandboxes’). This will allow us to offer new technologies and economic fields a clear and legally secure environment in which to experiment. That stability will facilitate external funding and make public funding easier. Now, many of our companies have to divert to our neighbouring countries or other continents too often in order to test out experimental applications.

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

Firstly, we ensure the future of export subsidies in Brussels. The Brussels majority tried to abolish them but retained them at the eleventh hour due to pressure from civil society and the Brussels opposition. Knowing that Brussels' exports increased by more than a quarter between 2019 and 2022, it was also a hallucinatory choice by the current majority to cut this. Instead of cutting investments that create wealth in and for Brussels, we do believe there are efficiency gains to be made by making strategic choices in the commercial attachés network and putting more emphasis on innovation here and on our knowledge economy.

The Brussels government should also be careful to work complementarily with the chamber of commerce and federations and not compete with them. By making clearer and strategic choices, we believe it is possible to achieve much better results without necessarily spending much more. Finally, international trade missions should also be made much more accessible to small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs for whom the (financial) barriers are still often too high.

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

8/10

CD&V Brussels has a calculated plan for a Brussels budget in balance in 2032 according to a realistic plan. With seven construction sites and budgetary orthodoxy, we combat the deficit while still leaving room for new policies. Our well-founded plan to put 50,000 extra Brussels residents to work is aligned with the Agoria labour market forecast and our programme contains concrete proposals from harmonisation of charges over the agent of chance principle to the use of land stock for industry.

 Our programme also puts different emphases than the BECI memorandum in the context of economy and business. We resolutely opt for a strong connection and exchange between Brussels and Flanders, also in terms of the labour market, and continue to advocate Dutch and the correct application of language legislation in Brussels. Apart from companies and SMEs, CD&V also sees an important role and added value for the tailor-made companies and back-to-work organisations in our labour market policy.

​Bernard Clerfayt:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?

The major factors supporting the expansion of economic activities in the region are the quality of the infrastructure, the quality and availability of the workforce and the quality and predictability of the regulatory and fiscal framework. It is on these three factors that we need to work in order to put in place a favourable framework for entrepreneurship. More than on specific aid schemes, bonuses or tax reductions that involve administrative files, political decisions, public budgets and delays.

1. Planning, urban development and environmental regulations must be consistent and predictable. Lengthy procedures for obtaining permits are an obstacle to the development of entrepreneurial projects. Let's simplify and speed up the process.

2. We need to improve the training and qualifications of the available workforce by improving the quality and results of the education networks, encourage vocational training, develop work-linked training that meets employers' needs, and strengthen the Employment Training Centres by involving employers in defining the content of training courses.

3. Jobseekers registered with Actiris should be given more active support. Skills assessments must be generalised in order to establish a genuine vocational, linguistic and digital training pathway leading to employment. To achieve this, the training on offer must be doubled to ensure that there is sufficient supply. Finally, after 1 year of unsuccessful job hunting, job seekers should be obliged to train in the career of their choice. Jobseekers who have received training should also be encouraged to return to education, the cost of which should be covered by the public authorities.

4. The transport offer must ensure the quality of travel, through all modes and according to all needs. Journeys and construction sites must be more predictable.

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

We want to integrate a large number of different municipal taxes (taxes on office space, commercial space, etc.) into the property tax system by introducing a differentiated property tax. The first aim of this approach is to reduce the administrative burden by eliminating around thirty autonomous municipal taxes, while maintaining the same level of taxation. Reducing the tax burden will only be possible once government spending has been brought under control. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

DéFI would like to see all local authorities digitise tax and administrative procedures concerning economic players (taxes, road permits, etc.).

Relations with the authorities need to be improved, and the authorities need to be responsive, available and customer-oriented. Information and awareness-raising are preferable to penalties for entrepreneurs acting in good faith. We therefore advocate recognition of errors made in good faith.

Finally, with regard to administrative constraints, DéFI would like to see a single employment and training organisation, as is the case in Flanders and Wallonia. That way, employers working with the public services would have a single point of contact if they wanted to hire or train staff.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

The tourism sector has recovered strongly since the Covid crisis. The Brussels Region must pursue its communication strategy as a destination for business and national and international tourism. Hotels need to be protected from unfair competition from AirBnb, whose activities need to be modernised and controlled, in a spirit of non-permanent and non-commercial activities.

For the hospitality industry, we would like to see the creation of a Hospitality Employment Training Centre to improve the adaptation of training content to professional developments. To support job creation in SMEs, DéFI wants to introduce a bonus (based on the Walloon model of the SESAM bonus) that both meets the need for skilled labour in SMEs and puts Brussels jobseekers to work. Other measures to support the sector are the responsibility of the federal government (VAT, contributions, etc.).

Finally, the retail sector is undergoing major changes in general, and particularly in large cities. For this sector, we need to reflect on commercial leases and their prices, which are not in line with the value of the neighbourhoods, more dynamic management of empty cells and support for retailers offering an overall positive customer experience. Get consumers to come to and return to Brussels by giving a more positive image of Brussels as an accessible and welcoming city-Region.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

hub.brussels must have a structure to encourage the digitalisation of businesses. Economic aid must support this modernisation of businesses. The negative image of digitisation must be demystified and businesses must be made aware of the economic and societal benefits of digitalisation, while being reassured about the risks. Finally, support for digitalisation must be adapted to the maturity and needs of each company (cybersecurity, e-commerce, technological innovation, etc.).

In addition, cross-industry and sectoral trade federations need to be supported in their role of raising awareness and providing advice.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

DéFI intends to continue developing and creating Employment Training Hubs. A real link between the public sector (Actiris, Bruxelles Formation, VDAB Brussel) and the professional sector, an Employment Training Hub is a unique structure that provides tailored training for job seekers and workers in the sector.

DéFI would also like the professional sectors to be consulted, or better involved, in the evaluation of the training on offer. Does this training lead to employment? Is this skill still relevant today? Has a new profession been created? Do we have the training to match? To answer these questions, the public services need to work with the professional sectors.

At the same time, we need to strengthen the support and encouragement given to job seekers. Skills assessment, obligatory training after a year's unemployment or reimbursement of the minimum wage if they return to education are all mechanisms that DéFI intends to develop to meet not only the need for skilled labour but also the vacancies in sectors that are recruiting.

In this context, work-linked training needs to be strengthened and extended to professions other than the so-called ‘technical’ ones. Employers should be made more aware of FPI-e (Individual Professional Training in Companies), as it is a real solution to the labour shortage, enabling employers to train their employees on the job while benefiting from a reduction in NSSO contributions.

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

Some business parks are easily accessible. But not all. This is why DéFI intends to pursue the development of public transport networks and efficient car parks. In addition, it will be necessary to define a utility route for each major business park.

And since Brussels is interdependent with its hinterland, including in terms of mobility, DéFI wants to integrate all mobility operators within a Metropolitan Community that does not hesitate to develop the metro, tram and bus in a more integrated way in the RER (Brussels Regional Express Network) zone.

In this context, DéFI would like to introduce an intelligent kilometre-based rate to replace road and circulation taxes, the proceeds of which would be reinjected into the development of public transport, accessibility and mobility in general.

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

The first thing we need to do is to integrate our circular economy policies into a coherent Belgian and European framework so as not to create distortions of competition.

Clear and reliable rules must also be laid down for waste management (re-use, recycling, etc.).

In addition, many entrepreneurs are not informed or aware of sustainability concepts (CSR, ESG, SDG, etc.), despite the opportunities they offer.

DéFi also wants to promote companies that meet the best ESG criteria in public procurement.

Finally, many 100% circular economy projects are not profitable in the medium or long term. Do we want to support them whatever the cost? DéFI intends instead to accompany and support project leaders by influencing cross-functional sustainability practices in their business models.

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

Various tools are available to project leaders: incubators, business centres, public and private support, accommodation via Citydev, fablabs, temporary jobs, etc. DéFI wants to continue to develop these tools in response to demand from project leaders.

Nevertheless, financing is the biggest challenge. Finance&invest.brussels offers public financing solutions to complement private financing. The banking sector also needs to become more involved in innovative projects and respect its legal obligations to provide reasons for refusal, redirect to alternative financing and support structures.

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

There is an urgent need to reintroduce an export aid scheme ( developed by Cécile Jodogne) comparable to that introduced in the other two Regions. And, within this framework, to maintain, or even develop, trade missions to countries or regions with high potential for Brussels companies.

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

9/10

As the BECI memorandum emphasises, businesses must be the partners of public services. While BECI places the emphasis on consultation and concertation, DéFI intends to amplify and strengthen the current structures to better listen to needs and develop effective public policies.

BECI seems to be making training its priority. So does DéFI. Because in Brussels, we don't have an employment challenge, we have a skills challenge. For every 10 low-skilled jobseekers, there is only one offer available. By generalising skills assessments and introducing compulsory training after 1 year's unemployment, DéFI wants to raise the skills level of Brussels residents, so that they can find a job and employers can take them on.

Finally, the third key priority for both BECI and DéFI is administrative simplification. The role of an entrepreneur is to keep his business running. We can no longer continue to multiply administrative procedures or, worse still, make them more complex. Brussels must become a ‘paperless’ region where all procedures are also accessible online and where administrations stop asking citizens and businesses for the same information every time (‘only once’ principle). We need to make life easier for those who live, work or do business in Brussels.

Zakia Khattabi:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?

Professionalisation and transition are the two dynamics that have driven the reforms of Brussels' economic tools over the course of the legislature. They enable the Region to develop its entrepreneurial ecosystem while ensuring greater resilience in the face of social, climatic AND economic challenges. These dynamics have been developed in constant dialogue with stakeholders and sectors.

In the same context, a number of essential projects need to be launched. Notably in terms of regional planning, to work on the space devoted to productive activities (in order to shorten and better control the development of production chains) or concerning the simplification of administrative procedures such as permits. What is at stake is the visibility and minimum legal certainty that economic players need to develop their business.

In addition, special attention must be paid to the self-employed and business owners, the pillars of our social network. The aim is to make the most of their contribution, to provide them with a fair and balanced operating framework, and to avoid surreal administrative situations (in particular through the implementation of a right to administrative error). Their well-being and mental health are at stake. This is at the heart of the Shifting Economy that we have developed with BECI, and which we must continue to accelerate.

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

Simplifying the lives of entrepreneurs is a priority, so that they can develop and concentrate on their core business. Numerous reforms have already been launched, including the reform of access to the profession, the introduction of automatic bank guarantees, and the recent reform of aid for economic expansion.

We need to extend this logic by strengthening the role of the AGILE platform chaired by BECI. This is a consultation mechanism with the social partners that aims to remove regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship in Brussels. The ex-CiReDe (Circular Regulation Deal) has thus seen its scope extended to the circular economy and the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its implementation will directly and rapidly simplify the lives of Brussels entrepreneurs and meet their needs as closely as possible, for example with regard to everything from planning and environmental permits to the harmonisation of municipal taxes.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

Hospitality and tourism are key sectors for Brussels in terms of image, attractiveness and employment. They must be given priority, and it is essential that both employers and workers can make a decent living from their work. Reducing employers' contributions in the hospitality industry is the basis for this (zero contributions for all minimum wages, then a return to an average level of contributions on median wages). In order to enhance the value of the hotel, restaurant and catering professions and counter a race to the bottom in terms of status, this measure must be supplemented by a ‘low-wage’ tax credit of 300 euros.

These sectors are also faced with a great deal of reluctance on the part of banks to make long-term structural investments, even though they must, by their very nature, ensure sufficient working capital and deal with short-term cash flow problems. Without structural measures, and in the face of the successive crises of recent years, this concern is all the more critical and likely to have an impact on the development of companies that are nevertheless healthy and viable. In this context, it is essential to provide for an increase in regional guarantees, to strengthen cash flow loans by neutralising part of the interest through regional intervention and to relaunch a long-term financing product for players in the hospitality and tourism industries and their suppliers.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

The new Regional Innovation Plan, based on the principles of the European Green Deal, and the recapitalisation of the F&I subsidiary dedicated to innovative companies, have consolidated Brussels as a leader in innovation at European level. The fundamentals are good, but we need to do more to develop the existing breeding ground (universities, teaching hospitals, research centres, incubators, etc.) to its full potential. Many tools already exist to support and finance innovation and digitisation within companies. The challenge will be to expand these instruments, and therefore the resources devoted to RDI. Among these, SunstAInable.brussels serves as a single access point for sustainable and digital innovation in Brussels, with a focus on AI and the development of concrete projects. This European digital innovation hub, coordinated in particular with Agoria, should enable Brussels businesses to receive support in their sustainable and digital innovation approach, including training for workers.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

We need to aim for an employment rate of 80% of the working population by 2030. One of the ways of achieving this is to boost training, by increasing the training on offer and making it more accessible, in particular by means of a decent training income and a bonus for training in shortage occupations. It is also essential to broaden the remit of view.brussels, which, in addition to identifying the shortage occupations, must work on the occupations of the future, particularly those linked to the circular economy and, more generally, to the economic and ecological transition. We propose strengthening the PFEs (Pôle Formation Emploi), which bring together public players, employer representatives and employee representatives. Finally, the regularisation of undocumented migrants must be based on clear and permanent criteria. Among these, having a job or a promise of a job must be a decisive criterion.

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

Investing in multimodality and sustainable mobility is an essential part of making Brussels more attractive: traffic jams cost us up to 2% of our annual GDP. If we want to strengthen the industrial structure of Brussels, we will have to work to facilitate access to production areas and encourage sustainable, efficient logistics adapted to the urban context. The redeployment of the TIR centre into a logistics centre must become a reality, as must the emergence of a trimodal platform at Schaerbeek-formation that will optimise the use of the waterways. A great success for public-private partnerships, the ‘logistics green deal’ must be supported and developed further.

In addition, increasing the number of mobility solutions in Brussels will not only make our journeys more fluid, but also make our public space more attractive while improving air quality. The Region must continue to invest in sustainable mobility solutions that offer short-term alternatives, such as surface public transport, active mobility and car-sharing. It must also work towards an incentive-based car tax system, while taking social justice into account.  
 

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

Businesses are key players in society and essential partners in meeting environmental and climate challenges. Today, with Shifting Economy, all of the Region's economic tools have been redirected to support businesses that choose to embark on an economic transition and contribute to the Region's climate and/or social objectives. This transition must be gradual and inclusive, leading us to 2030, when regional economic tools will be reserved for these businesses.

This shift is necessary to ensure that companies in Brussels can seize new economic opportunities, but also that they anticipate the financial regulations (such as the CSRD) that will be imposed on SMEs and the self-employed. Either legally, or through a domino effect.

Representing 14% of Brussels' GDP, public procurement contracts are also an important lever for transition. Sustainability and training clauses need to be included to enable Brussels companies to win these contracts. Businesses committed to circularity and sustainability need customers rather than subsidies. Public authorities need to become them!

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

Brussels must continue to capitalise on its status as an Innovation Leader by strengthening the links between business, industry, universities and research centres in order to optimise the use of knowledge and ensure that the Brussels Region remains a cradle of start-ups and spin-offs, particularly those capable of responding to the challenges of sustainability and resilience.

Four areas of innovation are to be strengthened in line with the strengths of the Brussels region: health, the circular economy, digitalisation and social innovation. Support and funding will be strengthened, in particular through the recapitalisation of Finance&Invest and its subsidiary dedicated to innovative start-ups. Regional funding will support innovations with a positive social and environmental impact.

It is also vital that businesses are able to seize the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence. To this end, we will continue to support the Brussels centre for artificial intelligence for the common good (FARI) and the reference centre, sustAIn.brussels, beyond European funding.

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

When Brussels introduced passive/low emission standards for all new buildings, it set an international example. It transformed the sector. It created jobs and boosted a whole section of the Brussels economy. By the same token, making Brussels the capital of economic transition not only enables our region to shine abroad thanks to exemplary and innovative companies. It also enables our companies to be ‘first movers’ and to be the first on new markets. In concrete terms, reforming export aid to increase its impact for Brussels SMEs is a necessity.

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

7/10. With BECI and the private sector, we share the desire to strengthen Brussels as the country's economic powerhouse. Thanks to the attractiveness of its capital status, the European institutions located there, its universities, research centres, start-ups and businesses, Brussels attracts talent and investors. We also hope that the private sector will take full advantage of the economic opportunities created by the reorientation of all its economic instruments towards transition. The excellent collaboration between the public authorities and the private sector (including BECI) as part of the Shifting Economy is a real source of hope!

Elke Van den Brandt:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?​

The Shifting Economy will make Brussels the capital of economic transition. After all, doing nothing costs 5 times as much as the cost of the green transition. We want healthy companies in Brussels, with local employment, exporting their know-how and resisting climate change. Brussels becoming a laboratory for entrepreneurship.​

Thus, economic support measures will eventually only go to companies that sign up for the green transition. In a future legislature, we want to continue this work, in close consultation and cooperation with businesses, Brussels residents and the public sector.

We further advance the following priorities:

- A new major logistics hub where water, rail and roads converge

- Reducing administrative burdens, such as planning procedures and applying for a permit for construction sites on public roads

- Continuing investment in digital infrastructure

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

Entrepreneurs should have their hands free to develop their business, instead of wasting energy on administrative paperwork.

As far as possible, we will make administrative obligations digital and free of charge. With an automation of corporation tax, we offer ease of use and predictability through targeted and simple inspections by the inspection services. Ecolo and Groen advocate the harmonisation of municipal taxes.

Groen wants to apply the ‘only once’ principle rigorously, so that businesses and individuals only have to submit their data to the government once. We want one user-friendly website for every service that depends on the Brussels Region, where all information is grouped by theme.

We want shorter waiting periods in authorisation procedures, such as urban planning permits, for example, including by transferring part of urban planning powers to the Region. Green worked out a common position on institutional simplification in Brussels with Ecolo and is the only political family with a common vision across the language border.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

What would Brussels be without its terraces, restaurants, snack bars and hotels? It is the hospitality and tourism sectors that bring life to our neighbourhoods and give a face to our region. It is therefore essential to support these sectors.

Groen advocates a sharp cut in the employer's contribution for the bottom half of wages. We also want to increase the tax-free allowance, the part of income on which the employee pays no taxes. Thus, both employer and employee win.

We strengthen the guidance of jobseekers to open vacancies and provide better support to business owners to fill vacancies. Undocumented workers who want to work in shortage occupations should be able to be regularised.

Through support for investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, we ensure that SMEs can reduce their energy bills.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

The Brussels government has a role not to be underestimated in encouraging smart innovation that boosts green transformation. All in all, more resources for R&D, in other words. We will strengthen the existing support instruments for research centres, universities and start-ups.

The Region should also focus on the deployment and accessibility of its fibre-optic network: it is faster, has higher capacity and consumes less energy. We advocate a single open network available to different operators as far as free access and equal conditions apply to all parties. The rollout of 5G networks has started, which is a good thing.

Open data creates a horizontal and democratic model of cooperation between citizens, government and business. This is done with strict respect for privacy. We want as many open standards and free open source software as possible.

In Brussels, there is an extra big challenge in terms of digital inclusion. Groen is committed to closing the digital gap. As solutions, we think of free wireless networks, public computer spaces and commitment to digital skills, among others.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

Access to work should be easier. Education meets the huge demand for professions linked to the green transition. Learning does not stop at finding a job or starting a business, because it is necessary to keep up with our rapidly changing society.

When people with precarious residence status can demonstrate competences to work in sectors with shortage occupactions, they should be given the opportunity to obtain a right of residence.

Finally, we are expanding the social economy. After all, there is still a large group of people who do not connect with the so-called regular labour market, but could and would like to contribute through tailored work.

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

Traffic jams cost our country 5 billion annually and it is unfair that the transport sector is already paying for a kilometre tax for trucks, but is yet to see the benefits of smoother roadways. Therefore, it is time to replace the current road tax with a smart kilometre tax for all motorised transport. Preferably immediately across the country.

Sustainable mobility allows people and goods to move easily and safely. Efficient logistics and supply are very important factors for a liveable and quality city.

A distinct freight transport network will improve access to business parks and commercial zones. Will there be a major reconstruction, a new tram line or circulation plan? We engage retailers and businesses from the beginning.

Retailers and SMEs should be further supported in the switch to sustainable and electric mobility, including by means of the cargo bike premium.

We support large companies by continuing to support Mobility Managers, and in the development of corporate transport plans and corporate delivery plans.

In terms of logistics transport, we want to build on the 2023 Green Deal Sustainable Logistics. Among other things, we wish to:

·        Open up Schaerbeek-Vorming as a trimodal logistics zone for the metropolitan area, renovate the TIR centre into a centre for sustainable urban logistics and encourage the rollout of small logistics hubs close to the neighbourhoods

·        Follow London's model, introduce a quality label for the urban distribution sector (FORS)

·        More loading zones on the road in commercial centres and harmonise control with a regional app, as in Barcelona.

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

Groen wants to make circularity the easiest and cheapest option for both businesses and consumers. We will do this among other things through a circular tax shift, shifting the burden on labour to pollution and large assets, introducing a VAT reduction on repairs, working with a repair bonus .... With circular public procurement, we will also increase the market for circular companies.

With the Shifting Economy, Brussels has definitely moved in the direction of a sustainable economy. Systematically, economic support instruments will focus only on companies that commit to the climate transition.

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

Brussels is great for startups: the capital is innovative, has a rich entrepreneurial culture and is bursting with stimulating networks between industries, universities and research centres. We are further enhancing this so that players with innovative ideas can easily find their way into Brussels entrepreneurship.

But access to financing is a major challenge in the region. Growth from start-ups to scale-ups is more difficult, partly due to the low presence of venture capital. With the recapitalisation of Finance&Invest and its subsidiary for innovative startups, we can address this.

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

By further developing certain sectors that are already strong, such as circular construction, media, health and IT, we ensure success abroad. Being ahead in terms of exemplarity and innovation leads to competitive advantages. We saw this when the standards for passive construction were introduced, creating an ecosystem of Brussels-based companies. Today, ten years later, we are reaping the benefits of this.

The region should further support this dynamic through appeals such as Be.Circular and support networks such as Build Circular. Regional support for exports should be reviewed so that more gets to SMEs.

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

7/10

Entrepreneurs and businesses are crucial partners for the big challenges we face.

We fully agree on the objective of Brussels housing policy: affordable and environmentally friendly housing. We want to achieve this by combating vacancy, innovative solutions such as cooperative housing and densification. The Region needs to go the extra mile in energy renovation and building sustainable housing.

Entrepreneurs are the first victims of traffic jams and a modal shift is the solution. By developing and encouraging alternatives, there will be room again for those who have no choice but to use a motorised vehicle. In that context, we want to focus hard on consultation and cooperation with the private sector, as in the case of the Green Deal Sustainable Logistics.

The Brussels government took its responsibility during the crisis years to maintain purchasing power. Now that the time of low interest rates seems to be over, it is time to put the budget in order and reform it so that the region is armed for the next crisis.

Christophe De Beukelaer:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?

Les Engagés wants to strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit. To this end, in addition to employer reductions, we want a tax moratorium for SMEs during their first years of activity and to create a limited liability micro-company status with 100% tax exemption for a limited period in return for a first recruitment. To enable businesses to find the necessary, high-quality workforce, we want to halve unemployment in Brussels by 2035 by focusing on the following aspects: reforming and decentralising Actiris, making mentoring more widespread, moving towards bilingual education, making work-linked training more widespread, focusing training on occupations in short supply, increasing the number of digital schools based on the public-private model, creating a real differential between income from work and income from unemployment, and limiting unemployment over time. Finally, we want a real tech strategy based on the FrenchTech model or Techleap in the Netherlands.

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

In addition to the points elaborated in the answer to question 1, in their tax reform Les Engagés encourages those who work (self-employed, employees and officials) while reinforcing the difference with unemployment. A hard-working bonus will guarantee a salary differential of at least €450 net per month compared with unemployment, decreasing according to salary. The first €1,000 a month will be tax-free and the marginal rates reduced to be more progressive, capped at 45%. By reducing personal income tax by around 20%, workers will earn on average an extra €500 net per month. The financial situation, pension and mental health of the self-employed is often poor and worrying. Our objective is for the self-employed and their families to enjoy a dignified social status thanks to a right to unemployment benefit, a minimum pension of €1,500 net, access to training, a proper incapacity benefit and a replacement service in the event of incapacity for work lasting more than a week. Finally, it is essential to simplify our region and make it much more efficient. We want to halve the number of political representatives, phase out ministerial cabinets along the lines of the Dutch model, and reduce the number and diversity of public bodies in Brussels by 20%.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

Brussels must once again become an attractive destination for tourists and business travellers. Beyond the absolute urgency of safety and cleanliness, we want to:

- implement a genuine marketing strategy to attract not only tourists but also talent;

- create a 5,000-person conference centre to attract international events once again;

- increase the number of major summer events in July and August;

- entrust the image of Brussels to a genuine body, as in Flanders, and no longer to various agencies.

As far as the hospitality industry is concerned, there is an urgent need to support this ailing sector. We need to address the labour shortage and increase profitability. To do this, we want to reduce employers' contributions and labour charges by 20% (see our tax reform figures at www.lecouragedechanger.be), create a real differential between the unemployed and those who work, and, more specifically, introduce a reduced rate of 12% on non-alcoholic beverages as well as tax-free tips along the lines of the French model.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

We want to introduce computer language at school to better train citizens in the digitalisation of our societies. We want to help traditional businesses to go digital by providing specific support through hub.brussels. Brussels must also digitalise its administrative services in order to reduce the bureaucratic burden on entrepreneurs. We must facilitate the deployment of 5G and fibre optics and harmonise databases to provide Brussels with a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure.

Lastly, we want to create partnerships between universities, businesses and research centres to encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

Les Engagés wants to extend work-linked training to all sectors by 2035, aiming for a European average of 30% of secondary school graduates taking work-linked qualifications, compared with just 7% in Brussels today. To achieve this, we will draw inspiration from the French model and the Swiss dual training system.

In Brussels, with 25,739 job vacancies, it is essential to create short, targeted training courses for occupations in short supply, and to work with local players and businesses to provide training and support in line with market needs, in order to improve professional reintegration. This will involve, for example, promoting mentoring for all jobseekers and developing digital schools, with programmes designed in partnership with Brussels businesses.

Finally, we need to double the number of immersion schools to reach 50 in Brussels in the near future.

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

Les Engagés wants to develop industrial activity in Brussels. This is essential for social cohesion and as an outlet for the service sector. This means developing the waterways and railways, as well as revising the A12 project to guarantee rapid access to the port area for major carriers.

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

Among our various measures, we are proposing to transform VAT into an Environmental and Social Value Tax. Taxation will be modulated according to environmental impact (carbon emissions, transport) and impact on health (sweet, fatty, processed products). This will encourage all businesses to increase their positive impact on the environment. We also want to provide better support for businesses by improving the Shifting Economy already underway in our region. In concrete terms, we no longer want to base aid on a company's current environmental impact, but rather on its improvement plan and monitoring. We also want to add a criterion of economic exemplarity to the current social and environmental criteria.

Finally, we want to introduce and implement the concept of Entreprises à Mission.

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

With FrenchTech, France has been investing €20m a year for 10 years. With TechLeap, the Netherlands will have invested €50m in 3 years. But for BeTech, Belgium has not been able to find the €5m over 10 years that it needs! It's ridiculous, there's no political will, despite all the rhetoric. Even the great Tech.eu Summit leaves Brussels for London.
Between the catastrophic level of basic skills among the population (54%, whereas the EU target is 80%), the increase in the social telecoms tariff (€19/month) and the low level of fibre optic coverage (17%, compared with 54% on average in Europe) and 5G, the signals are red. It's time for things to change! Among other things, we need to simplify the support structures and bring them together in a Belgian national hub, appoint a Chief Digital Officer in each administration, support the adoption of AI in the private and public sectors, introduce computer language courses at school, train teachers, create comprehensive university courses in tech, reduce the gender gap in the sector, fight the digital divide that affects half the population and develop the Tech strategy of regional investments.

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

We want to reduce regulation by harmonising European rules and simplifying authorisations, in order to reduce barriers to exports and international investment. Secondly, it is essential to negotiate fair trade agreements with economic safeguard clauses, while guaranteeing sustainable trade. We are also encouraging financial innovation by promoting specialised venture capital funds to support companies that want to expand internationally.

The creation of a ‘Made in Belgium’ label will help to promote local products on international markets, while support for e-commerce will open up SMEs further to global markets. Finally, we will strengthen Belgian clusters and centres of excellence, capitalising on national competitive advantages. These measures are designed to boost the economy and strengthen Brussels' presence abroad.

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

On a scale of 1 to 10, our programme is 10/10 in line with BECI's recommendations for supporting businesses in Brussels. We share BECI's vision for employment and training, with measures to promote lifelong learning and develop specialised training. In terms of housing and mobility, we are supporting energy renovation and the acceleration of building permits, as well as solutions to improve traffic flow and optimise urban logistics. Our programme also encourages investment in digital infrastructure and innovation clusters, facilitating collaboration between businesses, universities and research centres. Finally, we advocate simplification and harmonisation of tax regulations, as well as greater transparency in public procurement. Our programme is therefore perfectly aligned with BECI's recommendations for an exemplary, dynamic and attractive Region.

David Leisterh:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?

Since 2018, around 3,000 companies have left Brussels every year. When asked why they are leaving, they say that Brussels is not secure enough, that there is a lack of mobility and that it is not clean. As a public authority, we must first ensure that these three aspects are better managed, and we have a plan for each of them;

At the same time, the administrative procedures, particularly for obtaining a permit, are too burdensome and time-consuming - and therefore expensive. We will be reforming the COBAT and RRU along these lines, so that the time taken to obtain a permit is reduced by at least a factor of 3;

We will help businesses at every level. First of all, training will focus on job-creating occupations, and there will be a real incentive to work, because we can no longer accept that companies lack the manpower they need to grow. Secondly, we are ensuring that the policies implemented do not act as a brake on the economy and the attractiveness of Brussels. We will reform Good Move and Good Living with the aim of ensuring that the city runs smoothly and that permits are issued quickly. Finally, we will restore Brussels to its former glory as a safe, modern and clean capital.

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

The challenge is to make the tax system more attractive to businesses, in particular by harmonising taxation at municipal level, and to remove this brake often pointed out by the entrepreneurial world, in a logic of attractiveness (and therefore of tax down). It is imperative to move resolutely towards an administration that places businesses at the heart of its concerns. In practical terms, this means rejecting any superimposition of complex and difficult-to-implement regulations. For example, in Brussels, it can take up to three times longer to obtain an urban planning permit. We absolutely must reduce the time taken to obtain permits by at least a factor of 3. Administration is too burdensome, too slow and not attractive. We need to reduce the number of public bodies, as we are proposing very specifically in our regional programme for mergers, groupings and rationalisations of regional public bodies.

At federal level, we are proposing a whole series of measures:

1) Reduce corporation tax to 15% for SMEs;

2) We want to increase the investment allowance to 25% for SMEs on a permanent basis. This measure will provide a lasting boost to investment by SMEs. The measure would apply only to SMEs with up to 50 full-time equivalent employees;

3) We propose to extend the mechanism of advantageous contributions for self-employed starters to three years, compared with one year (four quarters) today. Self-employed starters can benefit from a reduced minimum social security contribution if their income is limited. The aim of this measure is to support those who choose to become self-employed in the early stages of their entrepreneurial career. The idea is to encourage everyone: people making the transition from a salaried job or public sector job to self-employed status, as well as, of course, those who are setting up their own business for the first time. The aim is twofold: to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and to provide the State with long-term tax and social security revenues by allowing everyone to flourish.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

·        Improving safety, mobility and cleanliness in Brussels plays a key role in increasing the attractiveness and occupancy of tourist and hospitality establishments. Effective measures to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for visitors are crucial to fostering a positive experience and encouraging people to return;

·        More specifically, we would like to respond to specific requests from the hospitality sector: we are in favour of supporting an increase in the number of tax-exempt overtime hours (from 360 to 450 hours) for the hospitality sector. It is important to allow workers to work without limits or restrictions, especially in a context of an ageing population and a potential labour shortage. We are also in favour of de-taxing tips in the hotel and catering sector, and the MR is planning to submit a text to the Chamber for this measure. We are in favour of reducing VAT on non-alcoholic drinks, but we have reservations about harmonising VAT rates, pointing out the implications for different sectors and the need to maintain a balanced budget. This can only be discussed as part of an overall tax reform. With regard to reducing employers' contributions, the MR prefers a more global approach rather than a targeted one. We are in favour of the need to lower taxes and contributions. We are therefore proposing to reduce corporation tax to 15% for SMEs. Today, there is a reduced tax band of 20%, but this band is subject to strict conditions, particularly as regards the income limit. A successful SME that contributes to job creation should not be penalised. We intend to simplify and generalise a reduced rate of 15% for SMEs. We are focusing on increasing the employment rate and better management of public spending to finance such measures;

·        Our entire political project is aimed at making Brussels a more attractive place to do business, which will help to revive these sectors that have been affected by the recent crises. Secondly, for those currently experiencing difficulties, the Centre for Enterprises in Difficulty plays a crucial role by offering an in-depth analysis of each situation and proposing individualised plans and the necessary support. We support this initiative, as well as the introduction of personalised support services to help traders and businesses understand the various forms of economic assistance and determine which are best suited to their needs. At the same time, we need to simplify the administrative procedures for these grants: reducing paperwork and introducing simplified application forms to make the process easier. Finally, we are calling for the business community to be truly listened to, and to take its rightful place in the dialogue with the future government.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

·        To position Brussels as a major national and European centre for the digital economy, it is imperative to identify and eliminate all regulatory, fiscal and legislative obstacles that hinder or delay the emergence of companies active in the digital field and/or largely dependent on robotisation. In this respect, it is necessary to have a stable and clear framework for the deployment of 5G and fibre optics to enable the establishment of a high-performance network that can connect people to each other, but also data, devices and businesses. These two technologies are essential for building a connected, secure, prosperous and innovative society. Brussels' economy must be able to rely on a solid digital infrastructure;

At the same time, the Brussels-Capital Region must play a crucial role in ensuring that Brussels companies reach or remain at the cutting edge of innovation. The Region must continue to invest in research centres, universities and technology start-ups to encourage the emergence of new technologies, stimulate economic growth and strengthen our competitiveness on the international market;

It is essential to develop a comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy, with greater involvement of local entrepreneurs. What's more, not all skills related to IT and artificial intelligence in particular require a degree. Given that Brussels' workforce is traditionally poorly trained, Actiris needs to be able to validate this type of skill properly, and training solutions that are not linked to prior diploma requirements need to be developed, as is the case with certain initiatives such as the BeCode coding school;

In addition, we advocate the creation of an incubator specialising in Greentech, located on the Brussels-North Station site, to stimulate innovation and sustainable development in the region.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

It is imperative to restructure the training courses by prioritising shortage occupations and having the courage to close those that only lead to unemployment. By redirecting our efforts towards sectors where there is a strong demand for labour, we can better respond to the needs of the local labour market and offer significant employment opportunities to the people of Brussels. That's why we're offering the equivalent of a thirteenth month's pay for those who go into shortage occupations;

In terms of training, only 1 in 6 jobseekers received training from Bruxelles Formation in 2023, even though the organisation's budget increases every year. Worse still, the positive exit rate decreases from year to year, even though it increased slightly in 2023. It is not normal for Bruxelles Formation to receive more money every year when the results are less and less good. The way Bruxelles Formation operates needs to be reviewed in order to increase the positive exit rate considerably;

In Brussels, it can sometimes take several months to receive an offer of either training or a job, whereas in Flanders it only takes a few weeks. We need to copy this Flemish system, which works, and apply it to the Brussels system. What's more, in Brussels more than anywhere else, a language is a diploma, so we need to make it compulsory for jobseekers to learn one of the two national languages if this considerably increases their chances of finding a job or if they do not have sufficient knowledge of Dutch or French;

Finally, work-linked training must be developed in partnership with the business world. Companies in Brussels, whether grouped together (in a federation or sectoral grouping) or on their own, should be allowed to set up work-linked training centres. Companies need to be much more directly involved in defining both job profiles and training profiles. We also need to strengthen the role of companies in training and employment centres.

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

First of all, we are the last party to advocate the extension of the metro, while the other political parties are taking a punitive approach, without being able to offer alternatives. Secondly, we will be radically reforming Good Move: the grid strategy will be reviewed, giving priority to quiet neighbourhoods and fluid regional routes; we will be maintaining the 30 km/h zone where necessary, but re-evaluating it for certain major routes, as advocated by the STIB; we will be concentrating on the ZACA, these highly accident-prone areas, to reduce the number of road accidents; and we will be improving the public transport offer. The commercial speed of the surface network has been stagnating or falling for 15 years, despite the 20 million a year allocated to the AVANTI programme;

Brussels has 35 railway stations covering an area of 162 km², giving our region five times the rail density of the rest of the country. Yet trains are still largely underused in Brussels: on an average day, they account for just 1.6% of all trips made by Brussels residents. The S service, introduced in 2015, offers more than 700 trains a day and 144 stations served by 12 commercial services. This offer was further strengthened by the addition of 72 trains and 14 trains per day in 2017. Unfortunately, use of the S service is still largely insufficient for trips within Brussels. Some regional stations are only used by around seventy passengers a day. It is imperative to: do everything possible to reduce delays on routes that have not yet been upgraded to 4-track, make voice announcements in all vehicles serving connections with an SNCB station/halt, as well as visual announcements on on-board digital displays clearly indicating the direct connection or its proximity, as well as the real-time timetables of trains approaching the connection, ensure that all STIB stops close to an SNCB station/halt are equipped with a map indicating the presence of the latter and harmonise the various district maps present at STIB stops, develop secure bicycle parking facilities at stations/halts that do not yet have them, and lobby the federal government, in the context of ticketing and fare integration, for the possibility of purchasing STIB and SNCB tickets on the same ticket machine;

On the specific problem of truck access, it is imperative to identify specific time slots for the delivery of goods in urban areas, to encourage the use of alternative modes of transport such as electric vehicles or cargo bikes, and to create transhipment zones on the outskirts to limit truck access to city centres. At the same time, the implementation of dynamic traffic light management at all junctions is essential to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible. We also need to offer credible alternatives to incoming traffic, in particular by developing new temporary transit car parks. Finally, it is imperative to update the scheduling of large-scale worksites by ensuring effective coordination, in order to minimise the impact on pedestrian, cyclist and motorist traffic. By implementing these measures, we can significantly improve the fluidity and safety of mobility in our region, acting in a way that runs counter to the policies put in place in recent years.

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

- We want to make Brussels' legislation a European model in this area by adapting it as closely as possible to the new realities imposed by the circular economy, thereby enabling the development of new economic models, encouraging the development of the circular economy through public-private partnerships, and analysing the existing obstacles (standards, economic regulations) hindering the development of initiatives in this sector, in partnership with socio-economic players and the administration. It is also important to develop a training pathway within specialised organisations and in technical and vocational education that can effectively train the future profiles needed to develop this sector.

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

1) Creation of incubators and accelerators: Support the creation of incubators and accelerators specialising in emerging technologies, offering financial, logistical and strategic support to start-ups;

2) Mentoring and coaching programmes: Support mentoring and coaching programmes led by experienced entrepreneurs and experts in the field, to guide start-up founders through their entrepreneurial journey;

3) Access to financing: Facilitate access to financing by setting up investment funds dedicated to start-ups and encouraging public-private partnerships to support innovation and the growth of technology companies;

4) Training and skills development: Develop specialised training programmes in technological fields to enhance the skills of entrepreneurs and workers in the sector;

5) Partnerships with universities and research centres: Establish strong partnerships with universities and research centres to promote technology transfer and encourage collaboration between the academic sector and industry;

6) Support for export and internationalisation: Provide support for start-ups to explore new markets and develop international partnerships, by facilitating access to export programmes.

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

As you will recall, the MR firmly opposed the abolition of export subsidies sought by the Brussels Government. We affirm that export subsidies for companies must be maintained and strengthened, and that Hub.brussels must be given the task of identifying potential future Brussels success stories in exporting Brussels brands and know-how abroad.

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

10/10. In terms of employment, we are convinced that it is essential to give priority to training courses that lead directly to employment. We strongly support the idea of funding training providers on the basis of their ability to place candidates on the job market. In the digital field, we also share the vision of making Brussels a major national and European centre for the digital economy. As far as good management is concerned, we fully agree on the need to cut our expenditure and reduce our Region's deficit and debt. We are in favour of tax relief and simplification, and some of the measures in our regional programme go in this direction. By adopting these measures, we aim to create an environment conducive to economic growth and prosperity in our region, with a focus on jobs, innovation and responsible financial management. Our objective is to restore confidence between economic and political players.

Cieltje Van Achter:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?

N-VA wants to turn Brussels into one big incubator for starting, growing and established businesses. This requires general measures to promote entrepreneurship: lower wage costs, less administrative burden (cf. 2) and a flexibilisation of the various measures and regulations on opening hours, Sunday work, night work, minimum working hours and flexijobs. To make doing business in Brussels more attractive, we also want to harmonise the various municipal taxes and eliminate them wherever possible (cf. 2). Our capital needs various economic functions. We are paying attention to industry in the city and redeveloping obsolete industrial sites as much as possible with room for modern, sustainable companies. Additional SME parks will give our SMEs room to grow.

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

Entrepreneurs still face an excessive burden that costs our economy billions of euros every year and hinders entrepreneurship and innovation. We are focusing on reducing administrative burdens for businesses and entrepreneurs. Digitalisation and automation of government processes should help. For every new rule introduced, two will be abolished. We will also introduce an SME test when introducing new legislation. The range of municipal taxes (on offices, parking spaces, terraces, etc.) makes doing business in our city unnecessarily complex and expensive. Moreover, Brussels loses competitiveness to the Periphery as a result. N-VA wants to abolish these taxes wherever possible. In the short term, we will ensure harmonisation between the various municipalities.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

The hospitality industry is part of our heritage and, together with tourism, is of great importance for the Brussels economy. That is why we are going for maximum uniformity and simplification for all catering businesses of the regulations on VAT rates, overtime and NSSO deductions. The rules on flexi-jobs were made stricter by Vivaldi. We want to reverse these restrictions. Brussels has more tourist assets than just the Pentagon. We are highlighting the diversity of Brussels neighbourhoods and reducing the tourist pressure on the hyper-centre by encouraging the spread of visitors throughout the area.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

We will ensure that Brussels reaches the target of investing 3 per cent of its gross regional product in research, development and innovation (RDI). We also need to further strengthen our commitment to valorising and marketing R&D. Our companies must benefit from the innovations developed. Let us be ambitious to bring in more European funds and encourage more SMEs to invest. We will make public funding tied to projects aimed at sustainable growth and innovation, and we will move away from patronisation and ideological bias in Brussels. Additional investment in digital infrastructure should ensure that the Brussels economy remains competitive. By 2030, every business should have access to superfast internet (> 1 Gbps). In order not to slow down the rollout of the 5G network in Brussels, we are harmonising municipal taxes on masts and antennas at regional level. In the context of digitalisation, adequate and secure data management is necessary.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

Too few Brussels jobseekers attend training. At the same time, it happens that a jobseeker is sent from one training course to another without finding a sustainable and quality job. Actiris needs to focus on its core mission, guiding Brussels residents to an existing job vacancy through training or otherwise. Monitoring the availability of jobseekers should focus on training according to existing vacancies. Lower-skilled inactive people receiving benefits and jobseekers unemployed for more than six months should be obliged to be retrained towards shortage occupations as part of the activation path. A language course in Dutch or French will be compulsory for someone who has no sufficient knowledge of either language. Because jobseekers and companies often cannot see the wood for the trees, and because Actiris ‘loses’ some jobseekers by forwarding jobseekers, we want to rationalise the partnership network with more than 100 employment and training actors.

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

N-VA advocates a mobility policy that takes into account all interests and all modes of transport. This means that we consider the logistics and development of our companies and the accessibility of business parks is guaranteed.

We do not want to close our approach roads (e.g. A12, Van Praet and Vuurkruisenlaan) and structuring axes. The idea put forward by other parties of turning our approach roads into ‘city boulevards’ is not a good idea, in our opinion. There are other and better places to walk. We will take advantage of the logistical opportunities offered by the canal and will provide rail access to the port.

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

We believe very strongly in the circular economy, which is becoming the economy of the future. It is a broad concept: reusing products, repairing appliances, recovering raw materials and materials, encouraging a sharing economy and the product-as-a-service model (e.g. instead of a lamp, you buy light). These are many different facets that need to be addressed differently. It is intertwined between different governments (from Europe to local) and across different policy domains. The government should take on an incentive role to promote circular thinking, facilitate eco-design of products and push for more high-performance recycling. Under the motto: ‘waste is a raw material’, we are simplifying procedures and reducing the administrative burden for waste regulation and recycling so that it disappears as a barrier to the development of circular economy. Finally, Europe must also remain committed to circular economy.

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

We need to assist start-ups not only financially, but more so in word and deed. The government must build an attractive ecosystem where start-ups and technology companies are given room to do business. It is difficult for the government to develop regulations that anticipate future developments. An overly restrictive framework is at odds with innovation and developments. That is why it is so important to minimise regulation and the administrative burden on companies. It is also important to have a good and progressive infrastructure. Additional investment in digital infrastructure should ensure that the Brussels economy remains competitive (cf. 4).

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

Through hub.brussels, we want to continue to support Brussels SMEs in their search for new markets and opportunities to expand internationally. A growth bonus is possible for projects where exports are part of a long-term strategy and generate sustainable economic growth for the Brussels location.

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

10/10! N-VA fully supports the Memorandum's recommendations. For us, the importance of working can hardly be overestimated. Having a job ensures that people earn their own income, are self-reliant, do not become isolated, develop a social network and thus develop their self-esteem. A sustainable and quality job thus remains the most important guarantee against poverty and can break through generational poverty. In a city like Brussels where more than one child in four lives in a household where nobody works, the issue of work must be given the attention it deserves.​

After all, getting and keeping more people (longer) in work is the best guarantee for safeguarding our prosperity and well-being for generations to come. With Actiris as central director, and in cooperation with the Brussels employers and companies, we want to focus all our efforts on training and activating jobseekers, preferably towards shortage occupations. In addition, we want to make jobseekers, especially the low-skilled, even more enthusiastic about a job - also outside Brussels (e.g. at Zaventem airport).

Sven Gatz:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?​

We are thinking primarily about mobility. That is also the reason why, despite the opposition of some other parties, we want to pursue the Metro 3 project full speed ahead. Improved accessibility to and within the city is important for our companies and their employees. But the metro is also a growth-enhancing investment that generates growth for the region for the next 50 to 60 years. It is a vital investment.

As for the growth and development of companies themselves, we have already helped develop a number of investment opportunities in the last legislature through finance.brussels. We want to continue along this path. This as a supplement to traditional financing via banks. It is also important that we continue to put the Brussels business world in the spotlight, both nationally and internationally.

There is also the issue of labour force and labour market matching which we discuss more below.

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

For us, Hub.brussels should become a hotline for all entrepreneurs, from start-ups to large companies. They must also take on that role much more actively and even proactively. From our many company visits and meetings with all employers' federations in Brussels, we have noticed that the questions from entrepreneurs do not sufficiently reach the policy. Yet that is the role of hub.

We want regular measurements of entrepreneurs about their experiences with administrative burdens. At regional level, but also at municipal level. There must be more administrative uniformity between municipalities and efforts must be made to digitise and simplify procedures.

 In terms of tax burden, the region's efforts to keep business taxation low must not be undone by new or increased taxes at the local level. It is therefore important to have a renewed fiscal pact between municipalities and the region. This is about predictability and clarity. Brulocalis currently already keeps a listing of local taxes and charges. For us, it needs to work much more closely with the business community. As an entrepreneur, you need to get immediate and easy information about what tax burden is associated with a particular location.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

The Brussels government freed up a lot of resources during the corona and energy crisis to support the hospitality sector. This sector is vital for Brussels. That is why we want to create a fiscally favourable environment. In addition, it is also important for Open Vld Brussels to address the needs of the hotel and catering industry in terms of personnel. So that means activation, but also an expansion of student work and a removal of Brussels restrictions in that area.

A number of tourist attractions should be further developed. The Bourse (with Belgian Beer World) but also KANAL will have to take up their role in tourism. For Open Vld Brussels, investments in the recreational economy are very important. That is why we continue to press the federal government about the necessary renovation of, say, the Japanese Tower or the Art & History Museum. Of course, we also want to support private initiatives, such as the construction of a new football stadium for Union.

Events with national and international appeal will continue to receive full support, both financial and promotional, through Visit.brussels. Also via screen.brussels. These initiatives and places, coupled with thorough and international city marketing, must ensure that Brussels is and remains the tourist and events capital of the country. But that can only work if we get the city right in other areas and tackle issues such as cleanliness and unsafety.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

Universities and colleges are strong partners in innovation. That is why we mainly want to support academic projects with potential returns for industry and the economy. In the coming legislature, 5G will also become fully operational in the Brussels Region. This will also give an economic boost to our business world. It will also enable us to take further digitalisation steps. We must also continue to empower that. So that means we have to keep an eye on the needs of our companies in this area and dare to think evolutionary in terms of 5G standards, for example.

We want to support smaller companies through innovation vouchers to give them more access to experts in the field of digitalisation.

We also want to help the start-ups we support in their development, including through Innoviris, to grow further in Brussels (e.g. by proactively sounding out their needs in funding (F&I) or ‘location’ (Citydev). 

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

Dual learning and lifelong learning must become key priorities for us in the coming legislature. This will help keep up with the changing labour market. Everyone in Brussels must have access to further education. We therefore want to encourage cooperation between schools, higher education and companies to better align the offer with the needs of the labour market, with companies playing a central role in the pedagogical route. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

As far as we are concerned, Actiris should also play a much more active role in matching companies, training courses and (potential) employees. Of course, dual learning is not always obvious within a company. We therefore need to provide the necessary support. We must also support employer federations that take initiatives in the field of dual learning. Dual learning must be driven by the demand of companies and sectors if it is to grow according to foreign examples. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

And, of course, we will also simply continue investing in building Dutch-language schools in the region, or renovating and expanding them. The focus there is also on things like multilingualism. We want to remain committed to perfectly trilingual graduates.

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

We remain committed to metro 3. Regarding mobility, our public transport, together with an expanded and safe bicycle network and SmartMove are the ways to tackle traffic jams. By changing traffic charges depending on when you drive and how much you drive, we could greatly reduce traffic jams and congestion. This is good for businesses, deliveries and so on.

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

Here is a task for HUB.Brussels, Innoviris, but of course also for partners such as Embuild, BECI, Agoria, Comeos, UCM, UNOZO, Lead and others. The regulatory framework for support and subsidies was adapted to support sustainable development in the last legislature and we want to see what impact it has and, where necessary, make adjustments.

We want to position Brussels as a hub for Urban Mining in our country. We want to set up cooperation programmes between business, academia and colleges on circular economy. These programmes include research and development tracks, knowledge sharing, incubation and acceleration programmes, collaboration with industry clusters, and subsidy schemes.

We continue to work on a detailed waste management strategy that involves

considering waste as a valuable resource. We are focusing on researching and implementing a waste strategy within the circular economy.

We support the introduction of deposits on cans and aim to eliminate single-use plastics in the city. Large companies and chains that sell a lot of packaged takeaway food share responsibility for this. Revenues from deposits will be used to promote our cleanliness policy.

We have introduced the reno allowance, the additional allowance for energy renovation, provided there is an improvement to the energy value of at least two ‘leaps’. We will continue on this path to give even more people the opportunity to buy a home and renovate sustainably.

We are supporting the development of innovation and new technologies developed here in Brussels (innovation in building materials, recycling, renewable energy and energy performance and monitoring, remediation). There is still a lot of innovation, developed here in Brussels, that remains underused. In supporting innovation, we should not only pay attention to exemplarity, but more to impact.

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

Brussels is already the startup capital of the country today. This dynamism must be preserved. We also want to find some new locations to create new incubators like Greenbizz. But it is clear that we need to further invest in an ecosystem where companies, academia and the technology sector continue to find each other.

Start-ups should be able to grow in Brussels (in terms of space and financing). This requires a proactive policy from the entire support chain to business (hub, innoviris, citydev, F&I, ...). The region itself must also appeal more to Brussels innovative companies.  

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

Instead of an amalgam of small subsidy lines in export support, we want companies to apply on the basis of an export business plan for a one-off multiannual subsidy. In this way, we offer companies clarity and certainty in the medium term, avoid administrative burdens, increase the chances of success and continue to provide the necessary financial support as a region.

To increase companies' chances of success and use limited public resources efficiently, access to tools that support international expansion is becoming more selective. To ensure transparent and fair access, an export readiness assessment will be introduced.

Within the region's budgetary possibilities, we want to realign the funding of public export support and support to companies in international expansion with the other areas of economic support.

The Brussels region is not the only region to support its businesses for international expansion. Within the existing networks of cities, we want to actively look for innovations and best practices to use support resources efficiently.

We also need to constantly evaluate our network of economic representation (Hub) abroad. The return is very mixed, from extremely positive and responsive to no impact. This network should optimally cooperate with the other two regions abroad.  

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

BECI highlights three major pillars. As also shown in the answers above, we assess that we are roughly aligned with the BECI points on a scale of 8 out of 10.

1) The region must enable everyone to find their place. The efforts of Open Vld Brussels in the field of education, further training and dual learning, and the investments made in them, certainly go in this direction. In terms of combating poverty, we want to focus strongly on Housing First, more integration between Public Centres for Social Welfare (PCSWs), closer cooperation between PCSWs and schools, etc.

2) Housing, mobility and facilities. Check. We want more focus on housing for single occupants, with an adapted fiscal framework for new forms of housing, a better balance of rights and obligations between tenants and landlords, simpler procedures for building projects, making renolution more accessible, including for co-ownerships, smoother mobility using metro 3, bicycle network and SmartMove, enabling parking off public roads with full parking regulation to Parking.brussels

3) Good governance. We plan to reduce debt by reducing the number of officials (non-replacement 1 in 3). Through Optiris, we will also modernise the various administrations as well as reduce costs. We also propose a reduction in the number of strategic investments. However, a number of major projects such as the renovation of the tunnels, metro 3 and other public transport investments remain vital for the region. Through the spending reviews (such as the spending review on housing, for example, or the screening of Actiris by the Court of Audit), we want to direct the policy more from the accounts and check whether the use of resources achieves the set objectives. Spending reviews should become a central instrument through which each minister becomes a minister of budget on his or her authority, responsible for his or her own deployed resources.

Ahmed Laaouej:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?

To boost the Brussels economy and support our businesses, we are committed to implementing concrete measures focusing on innovation, financial support and skills development.

Firstly, we will strengthen the support available to start-ups and SMEs, in particular by simplifying access to finance to encourage investment in key sectors of our economy. Secondly, we will develop strategic partnerships between academic institutions, research centres and businesses to encourage innovation and applied research.

We will also put in place special programmes to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises, such as hospitality and tourism, by providing them with targeted assistance to speed up their recovery. This will include localised economic recovery measures and promotional campaigns to attract visitors to Brussels.

To encourage job creation, we will be launching training and vocational retraining initiatives, in collaboration with the social partners, to meet the needs of businesses and adapt the workforce to the challenges of tomorrow.

We will be putting a particular emphasis on sustainability and digital skills, which are essential for our future economy.

Finally, we will improve the regulatory environment for businesses by simplifying administrative procedures and improving public services through one-stop shops, which will allow entrepreneurs to devote more time and resources to their growth rather than to administrative procedures.

These actions are designed to make Brussels a great place to do business, innovate and work, with a dynamic and inclusive economy. 

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

Reducing administrative burdens and establishing clear tax rules for SMEs and the self-employed is at the heart of our strategy to stimulate entrepreneurship and economic growth in Brussels. We are aware of the challenges facing our small and medium-sized enterprises and the self-employed, and we are committed to putting in place concrete measures to support them.

We will simplify administrative procedures by centralising services and strengthening single points of contact for businesses. This will enable entrepreneurs to find all the information and services they need in one place, reducing the time they spend on administrative formalities.

In addition, we will be offering specific training and support to help SMEs and the self-employed better understand and manage their tax and administrative obligations, also in collaboration with the Communes. This will include workshops, seminars and online tools to simplify the day-to-day management of their businesses.

Finally, we are committed to regularly reviewing legislation and administrative procedures to adapt them to the realities on the ground and to feedback from entrepreneurs. We will work closely with representatives of SMEs and the self-employed to ensure that the measures put in place effectively meet their needs and contribute to a dynamic entrepreneurial environment.

These initiatives reflect our commitment to making Brussels and Belgium an easier place to do business, to innovate and to succeed, while remaining mindful of the social aspects of doing business.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

130,000: that's the number of people working in the hospitality sector in Belgium. There are 30,000 in Brussels alone. The sector is a major provider of non-relocatable jobs, particularly for low-skilled workers, students and flexi-jobbers.

The hospitality industry plays an essential role in social cohesion, as these establishments make neighbourhoods more dynamic. The hospitality industry also stimulates the local economy by creating lasting partnerships with many independent local businesses such as butchers, bakers, wine merchants, etc.

However, the hospitality industry has suffered the full force of the many crises (covid, inflation) of recent years. The sector is facing a number of difficulties, including a shortage of labour, rising rents and charges, and changing consumer habits. Although weakened, the sector is showing resilience.

Being in constant and direct contact with the hospitality industry, we are aware of the many obstacles encountered. We have responded to them. During covid, for example, Minister Dermagne allowed the sector to continue using temporary unemployment.

Hospitality represents a whole local economy that it is essential to preserve. The Socialists will continue to support the sector, as we have always done.

We will be putting our proposals on the table:

- Economic aid: flat-rate aid for any establishment with its own kitchen and staff, additional aid based on the number of workers on a fixed contract and additional aid for restaurants with a social and/or environmental impact.

- Help for young people starting out in the hospitality industry through specific funding, particularly for taking over an existing business.

- Combating labour shortages: raising hospitality workers' wages by lowering taxes on low and medium salaries, and removing barriers to employment such as access to driving licences.

- Staff training: increasing training for young people and jobseekers and promoting work-linked training.

- Coaching and mentoring for managers, including programmes enabling young entrepreneurs to test their concept without risk and at a lower cost.

- We also plan to strengthen campaigns to promote local and international tourism. Working with stakeholders in the sector, we will develop marketing campaigns to attract new visitors and revitalise our Region's appeal as a tourist destination. This will include initiatives to showcase our cultural, architectural, gastronomic and natural heritage.

- Finally, we will support innovation and digitalisation in hospitality and tourism. We will encourage the adoption of new technologies that can improve the customer experience, optimise resource management and increase businesses' online visibility. Training courses will also be offered to help entrepreneurs and workers in the sector adapt to new working methods and digital tools.

These specific measures are designed to provide immediate and effective support, while paving the way for a robust and sustainable recovery in the hospitality and tourism sectors, which are vital to the economy and employment in Brussels.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

To encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels businesses, we have developed a strategic plan based on several fundamental principles. Our objective is to transform Brussels into a recognised innovation hub, capable of meeting the challenges of the digital economy while supporting the growth of our local businesses.

Firstly, we will increase incentives for investment in R&D and digital technologies.

Secondly, we will be launching a grants programme specifically designed to support the digitalisation of SMEs. This programme will offer financial and technical support to businesses wishing to digitalise their operations, from customer relationship management to supply chain optimisation. Personalised support will also be offered to help these businesses implement digital technologies effectively.

Thirdly, in collaboration with universities and research centres, we will establish partnerships to facilitate knowledge transfer and encourage collaboration between the academic sector and businesses. These partnerships will make it possible to develop applied research and open innovation projects, creating an ecosystem favourable to continuous innovation.

Finally, we will be organising regular forums and events on innovation and digitisation, providing a platform for companies to share their experiences, discover the latest technological trends and meet potential investors.

These initiatives are designed to create an environment conducive to innovation and digitalisation for our Brussels businesses in today's international economy. And all the more so as we host many international organisations in Brussels.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

To improve training and employment in line with the needs of local businesses in Brussels, our strategy is based on an integrated approach combining skills development, adaptation of training provision and close partnerships with the private sector. This strategy aims to align the skills of our workforce more closely with the demands of the current and future labour markets.

Firstly, we will strengthen links between educational establishments and local businesses. This will include expanding internship and apprenticeship programmes that enable students to gain practical experience while continuing their studies, just as it is vital to do with the voluntary and cultural sector.

Secondly, we will launch targeted initiatives for the continuing training and retraining of workers. These programmes will be designed to offer flexible training opportunities, including online training and modular qualifications, enabling adults in employment or looking for work to update their skills or retrain. In this respect, we will build on the Territoires Zéro Chômeurs projects.

Thirdly, we will invest in educational technologies and pedagogical innovation to improve access to education and increase the effectiveness of learning, including by opening up to artificial intelligence.

With these measures, we are committed to creating a dynamic and responsive training and employment system, capable of supporting the ambitions of individuals while meeting the needs of Brussels businesses. 

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

We recognise the crucial importance of improving mobility and access to business parks in Brussels. Our vision is opposed to the directions taken by the previous Goodmove plan, which we consider insufficient and often out of touch with the real needs of workers and businesses in our region. Here is our plan to rectify the situation and optimise mobility in Brussels.

Firstly, we are proposing to rebalance the priorities of the mobility plan by favouring not only cyclists and pedestrians, but also by taking into account the needs of workers who depend on their vehicles for professional reasons. We want to ensure that mobility is inclusive and takes account of all users, without imposing disproportionate restrictions that affect economic activity and the daily lives of the people of Brussels.

Secondly, we are going to invest in improving and expanding public transport infrastructure. Our goal is to make public transport more attractive, accessible, reliable and efficient. This includes increasing the frequency of services at peak times and extending metro and tram lines to better serve business areas.

Thirdly, we will develop public-private partnerships to fund innovative mobility projects that can improve access to key economic hubs.

Fourthly, we will be launching an extensive consultation programme with businesses, traders and residents to listen to their concerns and adapt our mobility policies accordingly. It is essential that the policies implemented are the result of constructive dialogue with all stakeholders.

Finally, we are committed to reviewing certain measures in the Goodmove plan that have been widely criticised for their negative impact on small businesses and workers who need vehicular access for their activities.

Our approach is to build a mobility strategy that also supports economic growth via logistics routes, while improving the quality of life of all Brussels residents. This requires a well thought-out, balanced plan that, above all, listens to and responds to the needs of the population. 

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

Promoting sustainable development and the circular economy is at the heart of our commitment to a healthier and above all fairer economy in Brussels. We understand the environmental emergency and the need to 6/8 transform our economic model to meet the challenges of climate change and resource degradation. Here is our strategy for integrating these principles into Brussels businesses.

Firstly, we will introduce incentives for businesses that adopt circular economy practices. This includes recycling, reusing and reducing waste in their production processes. These financial measures are designed to encourage businesses to invest in clean technologies and overhaul their supply chains to minimise their environmental impact.

Secondly, we plan to develop partnerships between universities, research centres and businesses to stimulate innovation in sustainable development. By facilitating access to the latest research and technologies, we can accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions in key sectors of our economy.

By promoting sustainable development and the circular economy, we aim not only to protect our environment but also to create new economic opportunities for Brussels, making our city a pioneer in building a sustainable and resilient economy. 

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

We are fully aware of the crucial importance of start-ups and technology companies for the economic future of Brussels. They are the drivers of innovation, job creation and sustainable growth. Here are the key initiatives we are planning to support the creation and development of these essential businesses:

-  Evaluation and reinforcement of existing programmes: Evaluation of programmes dedicated to scale-ups, to strengthen support for companies with high growth potential. This includes a personalised diagnosis and action plan for each company.

- Support for technology incubators: Strengthening incubator programmes to provide better support for start-ups and growth companies.

- Developing digital skills: Initiatives to improve the digital training of company staff, essential for maintaining competitiveness in a fast-changing market.

- Support for digital transformation: Setting up specific programmes for the digital transformation of various sectors, facilitating the integration of new technologies and the optimisation of industrial processes.

- Promoting Industry 4.0: Projects enabling SMEs to test advanced technologies in real-life conditions, such as virtual computer design and additive manufacturing, to encourage innovation and technological adaptation.

These initiatives are designed to create a dynamic and favourable ecosystem in Brussels. 

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

We recognise the importance of supporting the international expansion of Brussels companies to stimulate economic growth and job creation. To this end, we are proposing a series of measures designed to help our businesses reach global markets and succeed on the international stage.

Firstly, we plan to strengthen the export support services provided by hub.brussels, Brussels' business support agency. This will include personalised advice, information on foreign markets, and assistance in navigating international regulations.

Secondly, we will be launching specific subsidy programmes to help small and medium-sized businesses cover the costs associated with exporting. These grants could cover part of the cost of participating in international trade fairs, trade missions or marketing campaigns abroad.

Thirdly, we will establish strategic partnerships with international chambers of commerce and business networks to facilitate the entry of Brussels companies into new markets. These partnerships will provide networking opportunities, potential collaborations and exchanges of knowledge and best practices.

Fourthly, we will encourage the creation of sector clusters where companies can collaborate on joint export projects. These clusters will enable companies to share the risks and costs of exploring new markets, while drawing on the collective strength of their sector.

Finally, we are committed to negotiating agreements that benefit Brussels companies and to working closely with European and international institutions to defend the interests of our companies abroad. 

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

I would say that the alignment of our federal and Brussels programme with the recommendations of the BECI memorandum is about 7 out of 10. We share a number of common priorities, including the need to boost employment, support innovation and improve the Region's infrastructure. However, there are differences of opinion on how to tackle certain 8/8 issues, particularly with regard to the balance between regulation and support for businesses.

Our programme recognises the significant challenges facing Brussels, such as the development of new training to match available job vacancies or the risks of poverty, which are also highlighted in the BECI memorandum. We propose active measures to improve training and skills matching with the labour market, in line with the need expressed by BECI to develop skills to meet labour shortages in certain sectors.

In addition, our commitment to digital transformation and support for innovation resonates with BECI's call for better digital infrastructure and investment in research and development. This demonstrates our shared commitment to positioning Brussels as a dynamic centre for business and innovation.

However, our approach may differ in terms of the intensity and method of implementing tax and regulatory reforms. While BECI places a strong emphasis on reducing burdens and reducing regulation to stimulate economic activity, our programme may consider a more measured approach, balancing the need for deregulation with the need for social and environmental protection.

In summary, although we share many of the same objectives as BECI to boost the Brussels economy, differences in our approach to policy implementation and governance reflect a score of 7 out of 10, indicating strong convergence on objectives but differences in the methods of achieving them.

Answer coming soon

Jan Busselen:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?​

We are strongly committed to supporting the self-employed and small businesses in Brussels and abroad with a series of measures that promote their development and growth. Such as the extension of employment premiums, bridging loans with state guarantee, reduction and blocking of energy prices, revision of exemption from employer contributions for first hires, public guidance service, simplified access to public procurement, support for business transfers, flexible loans through the public bank. These measures are designed to support the growth and development of businesses and self-employed people in Brussels and abroad, by reducing administrative burdens, improving access to finance and providing immediate support in times of need. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

Firstly, we want to strengthen the progressivity of taxes for the self-employed and SMEs, making large companies contribute more than the smaller ones. We'll also close the loopholes through which large companies escape the tax authorities, while the self-employed and small businesses pay full price. In addition, we want to make area tax equal in all municipalities, with no rebate for the largest companies, lowering taxes for the smallest companies and making the largest contribute a little more. We will refund VAT credits of small and medium enterprises faster and reduce VAT for all repairs to 6 per cent to reduce wastage. We are also setting up a public guidance service to help the self-employed and small businesses with legal, commercial and administrative obstacles. This service is free to access and also helps with tax returns and accounting for small businesses. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

We will restrict the power of big property landlords by limiting commercial obligations in the lease of commercial properties, including hospitality outlets. This helps counter unfair terms in leases.

- We will regulate rents of commercial premises to keep small hospitality businesses in city centres.

- We will ensure better compensation in public works

- We are making electronic payments cheaper, which can reduce operational costs for hospitality businesses.

We are working on leases with guaranteed freedom for the owners, so that hospitality owners are not forced to buy everything from big brewers, for example.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

We are encouraging innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies by promoting new technologies that provide solutions to social challenges. We are committed to supporting creative digital creators and developers through an investment programme that is not only focused on profit, but above all on improving people's lives and addressing social issues. This includes setting up a digital media fund that young creators can call on to develop content free of advertising and influence from commercial companies, and encouraging the development of new technologies by public actors, cooperative movements, and collectives. Through this approach, we hope to create an environment in which innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies are not only economically beneficial, but also contribute to a more democratic, accessible and social society.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

There is a lack of an efficient hub between the labour market and the training offered. Actiris can play an essential role in this, both in analysing the needs of local companies and in organising work-specific training. We want this mechanism to be better established.

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

We are determined to improve mobility and access to business parks in Brussels and elsewhere by investing heavily in public transport as the backbone of our mobility. This includes strengthening public transport in the evening and developing night services in Brussels and its periphery. By creating a more efficient and sustainable public transport network, including buses, trams and metros, and eventually offering it free of charge, we aim to provide a much better alternative to the car. This will not only improve the accessibility of business parks, but also contribute to more sustainable and comfortable travel for all.

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

We are committed to developing the circular economy to save materials and energy and create jobs. This includes making the reuse or recycling of materials the norm, including within Brussels companies. We aim to develop the production of green materials and strengthen government regulation of the waste sector to ensure better working conditions and prevent our waste from being exported elsewhere in the world. By making recycling mandatory and designing products modular so they can be repaired, we want to break with the current model. This circular economy will be a way to modernise our industry, reduce energy and resource consumption and transform entire industrial sectors and their value chains. It will also be a source of jobs, from large processing sites to neighbourhood workshops. We will base our approach on setting social and environmental standards applicable to all producers and sellers of products in Europe, including Brussels-based companies.

​8.      Welke initiatieven plant u om de oprichting en ontwikkeling van start-ups en technologiebedrijven te ondersteunen?

We will support the creation and development of start-ups and technology companies by setting up an investment fund. This fund aims to allow public actors such as governments, cities or public companies, as well as cooperative movements and collectives, to develop digital solutions. It encourages cooperation and openness and ensures democratic control over the code and technology behind new applications. With this, we can free up creativity to meet the great challenges of our time. This fund thus provides relief for new digital ideas that would otherwise be choked by lack of resources or immediately absorbed by tech giants.

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

We are in favour of the current international hubs highlighting Brussels companies abroad. We are also in favour of establishing a new hub for the audiovisual sector in which Brussels plays a leading role.

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

7.5 out of 10. Our programme underlines almost all the needs and demands that the memorandum puts forward. On certain points, though, we as a government would go further and take a more active role. For instance, we will not solve the problems with shortage professions without also revaluing the professions themselves. Wages in healthcare and education, for instance, need to go up.

We are also asking for fair contributions. In our proposal for free public transport, for example, we ask for a contribution from companies with more than 25 employees. In fact, many companies rely on STIB for transporting their employees, which is a good thing. Public transport will therefore play a crucial role in reducing the costs caused by traffic jams, just think of the costs of car accidents, air pollution and economic loss.

Frederic Convent: 

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?​

If Brussels wants to become a magnet for talent in providing value-added products & services, it needs to capitalise on themes of openness, diversity (of nationalities, gender, respect for LGTB etc.), contrariness, knowledge and financial activities.

Taxes on businesses are much higher in Brussels than in Flanders. That is why many businesses have moved away; poor mobility also makes them disappear from the region. The number of jobs in the private sector is decreasing year after year, putting pressure on revenues and making the regional debt increase.

There is an urgent need for an intelligent mobility policy, in which not only road works are better coordinated, but also SmartCity initiatives of traffic, (synchronised) traffic lights and lighting (Sibelga) help road users in an innovative way and do not burden them. Eye for sustainable mobility policy, by encouraging charging stations, aimed at both private and freight transport and maintaining zero emission in inland navigation.

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

The world is in full transformation, today again with new technologies such as artificial intelligence, block chain, etc. Governments and their administrations are too poorly prepared for this to properly serve SMEs and deliver documents and permits faster. We call for the reduction of the number of administrations, through a thematic and non-political reallocation based on core public tasks. Public databases should also share information better, so that citizens and companies do not have to repeat everything.

Voor U advocates replacing premiums and investments for companies with a tax reduction; and also wishes for a general extension at regional level of premiums of first establishment that municipalities of Anderlecht and Ixelles already grant to young self-employed people and companies when they establish themselves on their territory.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

If we dwell specifically on the hospitality industry, there are important measures that can only be decided at the federal level such as a VAT reduction; this reduction implies that during restaurant visits, citizens also have more money at their disposal to eat out, etc. But it is doubtful that anno 2024 after the disastrous Vivaldi fiscal policy, these 2 suggestions will be immediately ready for implementation. The various lockdown closures of the hospitality industry gave Brussels business owners an inferior assistance system than this one worked out for their Flemish and Walloon counterparts. It was also found that establishments whose patrons also owned the buildings were able to survive more securely during that terrible lockdown period. The greedy ownership policy of the City of Brussels in the historic centre needs to be analysed in depth from the responsible authorities. Specific measures should be taken for catering and tourism businesses to facilitate the hiring of additional staff during peak periods (Christmas, etc.). 

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

The Twelve Labours (cf. our website Economische subsidies vervangen door belastingvermindering | Voor U) state very clearly: Economic subsidies favour large companies with many employees. A subsidy administration costs handfuls of money. It also opens the door to nepotism. That has to stop. How can we allocate money for research and innovation more cheaply and fairly? Via tax deductibility: Tax deductions are the same for all companies and do not require separate administration. So it costs the state less to give a tax deduction than an economic subsidy. We want to replace economic subsidies with tax deductions.

The current Innoviris policy during this legislature must also stop: supporting fritures (chip shops) and theatre companies is just reprehensible.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

In 2020, as many as 20% Brussels residents of working age were unemployed. This is by far the worst figure among European capital regions (e.g. Amsterdam 19%, Stockholm 16%). The risk of poverty and social exclusion here is staggeringly high, higher than southern capitals such as Athens and Rome.

Following the Court of Audit's disastrous audit, a thorough reform of Actiris is needed and proposals should be implemented quickly and in the interest of the army of (mostly younger) unemployed people. Job vacancies in Flemish and Walloon Brabant should be given more publicity. That Zaventem Airport and others are short of workers is a mockery of the activation policy in this region. Strategic thinking to keep big employers here (cf. Audi Brussels) should not just start with ominous reports. And the fact that bakeries, on the other hand, close with the end-of-year festivities due to a lack of professional staff is another sign that something is fundamentally wrong here in terms of data acquisition of supply and demand, as well as training.

If young people cannot find a job, they should be offered additional training that suits them and gives them a chance to get a job. Work is the key to upward social mobility. More focus in general education should be on work ethic, wanting to work and learning basic contracts (loan, rent, insurance, etc.).

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

Voor U radically opposes road pricing because it threatens to become a flat tax increase to plug the budget drain. Voor U resolutely chooses efficient traffic for everyone, Brussels residents and visitors. For a pleasant life as a pedestrian, cyclist, car driver and public transport passenger. Finally, for a responsible scooter policy for young and old, and an adequate parking policy for vehicles, regardless of the number of wheels

As for continuing the work on Metro 3, it is best to simply complete the work that has already been paid for and which the Brussels Region really cannot avoid. At the same time, a thorough cost-benefit analysis should be carried out to evaluate whether it makes sense to continue the entire project.

A STIB ticket should also be valid for Brussels train stations. Voor U is not enthusiastic about the SmartMove project because the dialogue with the other regions was just bad; so was that of tunnel processing around the Leonard intersection. Of course, we will welcome the eventual launch of (parts of) the Regional Express Network (RER) in 2025.

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

First we should thoroughly evaluate what the efforts in the last legislature have now tangibly yielded, also in terms of employment. Obviously, Voor U is in favour of (private) initiatives on refurbishing discarded electronic and electrical products and on solutions for reused batteries. Voor U otherwise wishes for a thorough preparation of privatisation of some agencies, and puts Net-Brussels on the top shelf for this.

Voor U would also like more clarity on the choice of a single large bio-methanisation site in the North of Brussels versus the possibility of working with smaller entities, possibly with better management of organic flux from the orange bags in our urban environment.

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

Encouraging entrepreneurship: a business-friendly environment and new initiatives such as startups, accelerators, business clusters, coding schools and APP developers are encouraged; in order to halt the entrepreneurial exodus, the tax on SMEs and liberal professions must be lowered during the legislature, as far as the disastrous budget left behind allows. A sustainable innovation policy is much more than just visiting startups and Fintech companies just before the elections.

It is also about cherishing good governance at Finance.brussels (with concrete targets in Fintech and AI sectors) and also encouraging inclusiveness in innovative companies because figures from for example the Bay-Area and European city-states, show that this fosters creativity.

The delay in the rollout of the 5G network needs to be made up for; for the medical sector as well. For business centres and hubs, in-house spread of the 5G and connectivity for smart-building can be encouraged with Open RAN Software and other wireless radio & microwave transmissions. The government ‘as a friend’ can advise this, without investing itself.

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

Here too, a sustainable business environment must be cherished locally first: if for example Euronext can keep and expand its business in Brussels, then the resonance of our share analysts will go abroad, but that of our FinTech companies in contrary, won't.

In the same vein, it is important to perpetuate the seat of European Parliament in Brussels, as it brings in huge numbers of jobs and income.

Brussels companies with international expansion plans should find it easier to find their way to Credendo; the public credit and investment insurer; with private partners and finance.brussels, a foreign takeover or distribution network rollout can be encouraged. Trade missions focusing on horticulture are really not the right focus.

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

1. The Region must enable everyone to find their place 10/10

The goal of achieving 80% employment by 2030 is an absolute necessity, not just to pull us out of the disastrous financial well, but simply to keep our fellow human beings in Brussels out of poverty and eliminate the risk of social exclusion to the maximum.

Education, preferably multilingual, training and schooling are essential to create, retain and attract talent so that specific vacancies can also be filled.

Voor U believes that working people should be encouraged to work longer.

We also plead for better childcare, especially in municipalities with higher levels of poverty; this is also the role of the Flemish Community Commission and CoCoF. Voor U also asks for an investigation into the possibility of extending service vouchers to babysits in general. We are sceptical about the proposals of non-deductibility of the service vouchers, which means a tax increase for the active Brussels citizen.

2. Housing, mobility and facilities: the keys to an attractive Region 9/10

Voor U wants to encourage even more intergenerational living & a qualitative housing supply: the housing standards (GSV RUR) in terms of ceiling height and natural lighting of existing rental housing can be made more flexible to the standards of Flanders and Wallonia so that the private supply of decent (student) rooms and studios in existing housing in the region can increase; there are good areas in upper floors and even habitable basements that are not exploited. This costs much less than further squeezing public social housing budgets.

Voor U is very sceptical about Good-Move being imposed without real consultation with districts and shopkeepers. This is not in line with our values that seek to bring power closer to citizens. Mobility in our Region has really been messed with. Traffic flow should be smooth, helped by smart solutions. Why are the traffic lights in New York avenues synchronised, and does a motorist on his way to BECI Avenue Louise get to face all the red lights on the General Jacques?

Train, inland shipping but also aviation are important for our capital city; there, too, a constructive licensing policy is needed for sustainable activities, with an eye, of course, on minimal nuisance on the environment, knowing that noise nuisance will always exist. May common sense prevail.

Regarding the international image of the region, we dare say that this matter has been in the hands of the same cabinet for two decades. The attacks and lockdowns are excuses on which other capitals did respond well and were able to recover. Budgets were spent more on personal profiling than real city marketing. Voor U feels that the Brussels patronage has remained far too quiet here, while BECI is the social partner with the greatest stake in this battleground.

3. Good governance: putting the Region's management in place. 6/10 because we think BECI is still too obedient in this area.

Voor U demands, from day one of the new legislature, the reinforcement of the internal financial controls in all Brussels agencies so that a ‘tabula rasa’ can finally be made with all the negative comments of the Court of Auditors; in the first instance, Net Brussels and Brussels Mobility will be cleaned up and reformed; the introduction of evaluation of ‘good governance’ in the bodies; phasing out superfluous NPOs and inappropriate management contracts (mainly in IT) are on our agenda. The Vivaqua problem case must be resolved decisively, financially but also the flawed governance must be addressed.

Debt reduction and coherent and business-friendly taxation are at the top of Voor U's agenda, not only in for the region but in Flanders and nationally. Voor U is the only party that clearly advocates state reduction. Partijprogramma: 12 punten | Voor U

If the companies commit to code Buysse or Daems, ESG and other sustainable objectives then so should the governments. Reprehensible breaches of the December 2017 ordinance (after the Samusocial scandal) on the capping of remunerations must be denounced and punished because they involve public funds and a fortiori in the social sectors. Belgium and its capital score too high in the international corruption index, costing the region investments from multinationals that prefer regions with more ‘clean hands’ at the wheel.

Ans Persoons:

1. What are your main proposals to support business development and growth in Brussels?

The economic success of cities is increasingly determined by their ability to create innovation and knowledge clusters. This success is closely linked to the availability of talent and the right skills. However, we note that companies are finding it increasingly difficult to find the right profiles to develop their activities and grow. For Vooruit.brussels, it is an absolute priority to invest in more and better training, better valorise our universities and colleges, and strengthen innovation clusters by promoting collaborations between businesses, universities and research institutes. It is also essential for Brussels to simplify and reform its administrative structures to be more efficient and effective. Finally, improving liveability and mobility in Brussels is key to attracting and retaining knowledge workers. Each knowledge worker creates additional jobs, including jobs for the lower-skilled.

2. How do you plan to reduce the administrative and tax burden for SMEs and the self-employed?

The current structure of 19 municipalities in Brussels has led to a complex patchwork of various local taxes. These taxes should be simplified, or at least better aligned. It is not practical that the amount of taxes a business pays depends on the postcode of its location. We aim to reform the administrative landscape in order to simplify the tax structure. Moreover, we need to re-examine whether the cost of collecting a tax is still proportionate to its revenue.

We want to reduce the tax burden on labour, including by reviewing existing exception regimes with the aim of achieving a general reduction. In this way, we also reduce the administrative burden for companies.

3. What specific measures do you propose to support the sectors most affected by the recent crises (e.g. hospitality, tourism)?

We have loosened and expanded regulations on terraces, a policy we intend to continue in the future to keep cities vibrant. Furthermore, we are taking steps such as with the implementation of ‘agent of change’ principle to better protect nightlife and the hospitality sector. We are in favour of reducing tax burden on labour. We have proposals ready to fight strangulation contracts and make regulations around threshold money more equitable. In recent years, with Vooruit in the federal government, we have protected people's purchasing power best of all in Europe. This is also very positive for the hospitality industry, as people are usually the first to cut spending in this sector.

4. How do you plan to encourage innovation and digitalisation within Brussels companies?

Our principle is digital and inclusive: all Brussels administrations should digitalise their services to the maximum, with digital being the standard, but not at the expense of physical and human contact for those who prefer it. The rollout of 5G in Brussels has finally started, and we are already calling for preparations to begin for the implementation of 6G by 2030. As for infrastructure, with irisnet 1 and 2, Brussels already has a solid fibre network, and with irisnet 3 we want to expand this network even further. Finally, there is an urgent need to invest more intensively in the promotion of STEM fields, as the shortage of science, technology, and maths graduates is inhibiting our digital expertise (above basic level) and our innovation capacity.

5. What is your strategy to improve training and employment according to the needs of local businesses?

Brussels has a skills problem, companies are not finding the profiles they need on the Brussels labour market. The OECD rightly recommended doubling the number of training courses in the region. Actiris' directorial role on training provision should be enhanced. Unnecessary and excessive training should be scrapped in favour of training that focuses on the current and future needs of the labour market. More attention should be paid to language skills and sectors with growth potential.

Moreover, the recognition or equivalence of diplomas obtained abroad should be much easier. With 43% of jobseekers registered with Actiris holding an unrecognised foreign diploma, a considerable amount of talent is being wasted.

6. What plans do you have to improve mobility and access to industrial sites in Brussels?

Logistics and supplies, as well as the delivery and disposal of materials for the manufacturing industry operating, are important for the city. As in many big cities, delivery times for this purpose will have to be determined in consultation with the sector and used effectively. As far as the delivery of consumer products is concerned, solutions should also be sought for a different approach to the last mile in hypercentres.

Vooruit.brussels supports the introduction of a kilometre tax to replace the annual road tax, provided it is applied in a coherent way across the entire metropolitan area around Brussels, in cooperation with the other regions. A crucial aspect here is integration with the existing public transport offer. The kilometre tax will encourage more efficient road use and thus smoother traffic flow.

7. How do you intend to promote sustainable development and the circular economy within Brussels companies?

The biggest challenge for the region in terms of sustainability is the extensive project of renovating our outdated building stock, especially the residential part of which 70% dates back to the pre-1945 period. Currently, we are insufficiently prepared for this, with a shortage of financial and logistical capacities, including the required number of professionals.

Vooruit.brussels therefore advocates the introduction of an ambitious master plan to tackle these problems. An important part of this plan is the creation of a well-equipped physical training pool for the construction sector Construcity. This initiative can make the sector more attractive by capitalising on technological developments. There should also be more emphasis on mentoring towards technical and construction-related training

More generally, when it comes to obligations to SMEs and micro-entreprises regarding sustainable development, one should always keep a close eye on whether the effort required is proportional to what the measure will ultimately deliver. It is better to have a limited number of incisive measures that are clear than hundreds of smaller measures and rules that mainly frustrate entrepreneurs and whose benefits are not clear.

8. What initiatives are you planning to support the creation and development of start ups and technology companies?

During the last legislature, our State Secretary initiated the ‘Startup Guide Brussels’, aimed at supporting startup entrepreneurs to set up a business in our capital. These efforts should continue to lower existing barriers and further encourage entrepreneurship.

As mentioned earlier, the shortage of suitable and adequately trained employees is a significant barrier to the development and growth of technology companies in Brussels. For the measures we believe are necessary to address this problem, I refer to my previous answers in questions 1 and 4.

9. Have you planned measures to facilitate the international expansion of Brussels-based companies?

The Brussels-Capital Region's businesses have all the assets they need to flourish internationally. As a region of knowledge, one third of the country's technological start-ups are located in the Brussels Region. Moreover, the Region has more students and higher education institutions than any other Belgian city. That is why we want to play on the innovative strengths of our Brussels companies internationally and put more effort into the creation and support of innovation ecosystems between government, businesses and educational institutions.

To this end, we want to increase the budget for innovation support to companies to at least the level of the other regions. Brussels must finally work on the European objective of investing 3% of the regional product in research & development.

10. The BECI memorandum contains a series of recommendations to support Brussels companies. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the alignment of your programme with BECI's recommendations? Please also explain your assessment.

Judging from the document delivered to us, 9/10, we share almost all the priorities and there is little or nothing in the memorandum that we cannot endorse.