FOD: state reform

Possible reforms of the federal structure of Belgium and the division of competences between the federal state, the regions and the communities

Six reforms of the Belgian state between 1970 and 2012 led to a lot of transfers of power and institutional reforms. Nevertheless, there is a fairly broad consensus that Belgian federalism is still not functioning optimally, and thought is being given to a possible seventh state reform. What are the avenues for a better organisation of the country? Should the double stratification of Belgian federalism be remembered? How are powers best divided between the different governments? What is the best way to make decisions on cross-border matters? Who takes which responsibilities in crisis situations? Should there be more dialogue and public debate across linguistic borders? How are financial resources best distributed between the different authorities? Are other institutional and democratic reforms needed?