The public consultation was considered necessary because the rules have been in operation for almost three years (they started to apply on 1 July 2023). Additionally, a new European Regulation, Regulation 2026/1386, was adopted on 17 June 2026 and published today (see, attachment – for a discussion of the draft Regulation which gave rise to the final text, see, VBB on Belgian Business Law, Volume 2026, No. 2).

The Minister of Economic Affairs is looking for two types of information: (i) an assessment of the existing screening mechanism; and (ii) views on changes to that regime. There is no questionnaire. Respondents enjoy complete freedom in choosing the form and contents of their reply. The responses to the consultation will not be made publicly available even though it is questionable that such an approach is compatible with access to government information principles. Submissions should be sent to the following address: [email protected].

The public consultation will run until 31 August 2026.