The Federal Government and the Governments of the Federated Entities discussed the corona situation today in the Consultative Committee.

The Consultative Committee notes a new, high seven-day average of 221 hospital admissions and the fact that the number of infections is doubling every two weeks.

The positivity rate has also increased in the past week, with the strongest increases among teenagers (ages 10-19) and 40-64 year olds.

Most infections and clusters are identified in schools and workplaces.

Based on these findings, the Consultative Committee decided on a “cool-down package” to ensure that the upward trend is reversed, in terms of both the number of infections and hospital admissions.

1. Meetings outside with a maximum of 4 people

The group of people (children up to the age of 12 are not included) who are allowed to meet up outside will be limited to a maximum of four. Families consisting of more than four people are, of course, allowed to go out with more people.

2. Non-essential shops working by appointment only

Non-essential shops are only allowed to receive customers by appointment, with the maximum number of customers allowed in at one time depending on the size of the store and with an absolute maximum of 50 people. Two people from the same family are allowed to enter the store together.

Home deliveries and “click-and-collect” are still possible, provided there is no physical contact and nobody enters the retail space.

Essential shops (including food shops, pharmacists, as well as stores for hygiene products, clothing fabrics, flowers and plants, telecommunications stores, and newspaper and book stores) are allowed to continue to receive customers without an appointment.

3. Closure of non-medical contact professions

Non-medical contact professions are required to close down. These include:

  • beauty salons;
  • non-medical pedicure;
  • nail salons;
  • massage parlors;
  • hairdressers and barbers;
  • tattoo and piercing salons

4.  Youth and Education

Classes at all levels of education (primary and secondary, part-time arts education, higher education and social promotion) will be suspended from 29 March to 2 April. Kindergartens will remain open.  Exams can still be organized in the week before the Easter vacation.

Between 29 March and 2 April, childcare will be provided for employees who cannot work from home and for individuals who are unable to provide childcare. Classes resume after the Easter break on Monday, 19 April, with full in-person education for secondary education if possible.

Youth camps and extra-curricular activities for pupils are possible, but only during the Easter vacations, in limited groups of no more than 10 youth and without overnight stays

5. Tighter controls on working from home

The controls on mandatory working from home will be ramped up and tightened.

Employers must keep records showing the schedule of who will be present in the workplace and when. Public governments also need to comply with the obligations to work from home

6. Non-essential travel is still banned

Non-essential travel during the Easter vacations is still banned. Border controls will be substantially increased.

7. Demonstrations

The number of participants for static protests on public roads is limited to 50.

8. Importance of the basic rules

The Consultative Committee reiterates the importance of:

  • complying with the applicable health measures by the population,
  • strict enforcement by the police and inspection services of these measures,
  • mandatory working from home, as well as its strict enforcement by the inspection services,
  • measures taken by local governments to avoid crowding in busy areas.

The Consultative Committee, the Corona Commissariat and the Risk Assessment Group will continue to monitor the situation closely day by day and will meet immediately when the situation requires it.

The Ministerial Decree is valid until 25 April.

Source: premier.be

Webinar on “Pension & inheritance: 2 problems, 1 solution!”

On March 23rd, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organised a webinar on “Pension & inheritance: 2 problems, 1 solution!” in collaboration with its member company Pareto. The conference was held by Gauthier Remaekers, Senior financial planner at Pareto.

Although inheritance & succession law are very complex and turn even more complicated when moving in transnational contexts, the reality is that the only way to protect familiar or personal wealth when facing retirement or inheritance is to draft a plan paying attention to different aspects. In this planification, the state pension after retirement should only cover around 30% on the annual income after retirement and corresponds to the “first pillar” of the plan. The pension systems differ importantly between countries and has to be taken into account, for example, in Belgium there is “pay as you go” system. The different pillars corresponding to savings and/or pensions fund are also critical in the planification and taxation has to be always kept in mind under Belgian law as taxes are higher than in other countries.

Taxation is nevertheless present in all phases of any wealth planning activity and, of course, especially in inheritance matters. The taxes paid in the revenues, indirect taxes are followed by an inheritance taxation that varies between countries and even regions within countries, for example in Belgium. Therefore, planification of wealth for inheritance is critical to smartly minimize the impact of this taxations. The order of inheritance and the number of legal heirs were also featured in the webinar to explain the different schemes or formulas that an inheritance can take in real life. For this retirement planning, the figure of an adviser can make the difference and all experts agree on the fact that the plan should be built in an inverted pyramid scheme featuring the different components of wealth (savings, real state, etc.) according to the foreseen economical needs.

Participants were able to ask questions to the speaker during the Q&A session. Thus, topics such as retirement in cross-countries context and regional taxes disparities were discussed.

From the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce we thank Pareto and Gauthier Remaekers for their excellent presentation as well as to all attendees for their present.

 

In collaboration with:

Online Breakfast-Debate with Álvaro de Elera, Member of the Cabinet of Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Values and Transparency

Last Friday, March 19th 2021, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organised a new virtual breakfast-debate in the framework of its “Business Circle” platform. Álvaro de Elera, member of the Cabinet of Věra Jourová, Vice President and Commissioner for Values and Transparency, participated in the debate. The topic of the breakfast was: “Priorities of the European Commission in values and transparency“.

Pablo López Álvarez, Vice President of the Chamber and moderator of the event, welcomed and briefly introduced the speaker, thanking him, along with all the attendees, for his presence.

Álvaro de Elera began his intervention by detailing the different thematic areas under Vice President Jourová’s portfolio. This portfolio is managed in a very complex context when our democratic systems face significant threats. Understanding that the defence of the founding values ​​of the European project is the defence of the European Union, the Von der Leyen Commission decided to give relevance to the portfolio in areas previously excluded from the EU debate. The speaker began by explaining how values ​​and transparency, a priori ethereal matters, have a real impact on the daily lives of citizens in areas such as accountability, competitiveness, the right to information, etc. It is also clear that there are significant problems in this area which, while reduced to a few Member States, have a huge impact on the whole of Europe and are against European values.

The Cabinet member explained the different Commission proposals in the area, such as the Action Plan for European Democracy, the defence of media pluralism or the protection of the rule of law. With regard to the rule of law, a regulation linking European funding to respect for the rule of law will soon enter into force, this is of particular relevance for national plans for Recovery and Resilience funds. Another area where the Commission is working intensively is in the protection of media pluralism in various fields, which includes the physical protection of journalists or the supervision of all measures that may have an impact on such pluralism. In the area of ​​disinformation, the Commission works to enhance accountability for foreign interference, as well as for digital platforms to assume their share of responsibility for the dissemination of disinformation.

Another of the points addressed by Álvaro de Elera was transparency at the European level, both institutional transparency of the Commission and the regulation of the transparency register for lobbying activity. The Von der Leyen Commission works to improve the accountability and transparency of the institution in terms of its composition, expenditures and provisions, through strict internal rules. Regarding the activity of lobbying or transparency registry, the speaker highlighted the inter-institutional agreement recently reached to expand the scope of the register. This agreement includes for the first time the Council of the European Union and will mean the inclusion of the permanent representations that hold the rotating presidency, the conditionality of any type of meeting with the registration, as well as an extension of the controls of the information declared by registered companies or organisations. The idea of ​​the three institutions is that this agreement is the first step to continue gradually improving the transparency register and accountability.

During the Q&A session, attendees were able to express their doubts and comments on numerous issues of interest. Thus, issues such as the principle of transparency in national recovery plans, digitisation of electoral processes, national regulation of lobbies transparency or the exercise of rights in the digital sphere were discussed.

From the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg we would like to thank Álvaro de Elera and all the attendees for their participation.

Interview with Xavier Guzmán and Luis Muñoz, DLA Piper

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Webinar on “Social Media Management for Businesses”

On March 11th and 12th, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce of in Belgium and Luxembourg organised a webinar on “Social Media Management for Businesses”, in collaboration with Philippe Schifflers, digital marketing consultant and online trainer. The webinar featured more than 20 participants from different business and organisations.

Social media has become a critical part of any business or organisation activity and therefore it is now more important than ever a correct and smart management of this channels to maximise opportunities and prevent crisis, regardless of the industry or company size. The webinar was designed for profiles looking to level up their corporate Social Media skills.

 

The webinar started by highlighting the needed and important role of the Social Media Manager as well as the relevance of Social Media Audit, the elements behind a Social Media Strategy and Social Media Calendar. The elements on marketing and best practices in Twitter and Facebook were also seen in this session. The participants had the chance to get to know real cases of good practices by companies and get insights and tips on how to manage this different aspects.

On the last session, the extreme relevance of events, stakeholders, influencers and reputation management on the different channels was also explained as a way to boost the impact and visibility of any organisation or business. Crisis management on social media and the importance of GDPR and privacy compliance was also covered. Good practices, examples and tips on LinkedIn, Youtube and Instagram was also presented with an special emphasis on the different target audiences and profile of each social network. And last, but not least, the speaker presented a wide set of online tools useful for social media management.

During the workshop, the participants were able to raise their doubts about the exposed information.

From the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce of in Belgium and Luxembourg we want to thank Philippe Schifflers for their presentation and dedication, as well as the participants for their presence.

Webinar on “Boost your business in the EU: internationalization and capacity building for SMEs”

On March 10th, the  Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg and the  Fundación Equipo Humano organized in the frame of the launch event of the  MobiliseSME Programme, the webinar called “Boost your business in the EU: internationalization and capacity building for SMEs”.  

 The online event was welcomed by Juan Rodríguez-Villa Matons, President of the Chamber.  

He expressed the aim of the association to continue supporting entrepreneurship and SMEs through EU initiatives such as the MobiliseSME programme, where the Chamber is the coordinator of the project, and to join forces to face the current challenges and those that are yet to come.   

Denis Genton, Head of Unit of DG EMPL, presented the efforts, policies and legal instruments of the European Commission to maintain free mobility of workers in the Single Market. He explained the European Job Mobility Portal EURES and ended his intervention stressing the importance of the MobiliseSME programme to contribute to upgrade skills of European workers through free labor mobility during the recovery process post COVID-19.  

Crispin Waymouth, Deputy Head of Unit DG GROW, highlighted the three main objectives of the European Commission for SMEs: sustainability and the green economy, digitalization, and resilience. He mentioned Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) as a contact point for SMEs with experienced business consultants specialized in internationalization and presented the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) as one of the European projects to foster international cooperation among European entrepreneurs. The Chamber is also taking part in this programme as intermediate organization for Belgium and Luxembourg.  

During the panel discussion, Beatriz Rios, EU reporter, mediated the discussion and directed the attendees’ questions to the panelists.  

Jose Enrique Val, EU Project Manager and co-cordinator of the MobiliseSME programme at Fundación Equipo Humano, talked about the objectives of this European programme, being the main one to promote SMEs internationalization and to boost their capacity building, staff skills and knowledge. Participating SMEs can enjoy multiple benefits, such as international expansion, creation of new products or services, market research and wide their networks abroad, between others.  

Then, Noelia Sánchez, Project manager and coordinator of the MobiliseSME programme from the Chamber, explained the registration process for companies that want to participate in this pilot project, as well as the practical and financial support provided by the organizations that act as local contact points of the MobiliseSME programme.  

Lastly, attendees could enjoy the testimonials of the two first SMEs that have participated in the MobiliseSME programme. Marta Templado, CEO of Turiart, and Claudio Cristofori, CEO of J&K Viaggi, explained how they found in the MobiliseSME programme the perfect opportunity to further expand their business while their companies in the tourism sector had been affected by the COVID-19 crisis.  

During the Q&A session, assistants had the opportunity to ask further questions regarding the MobiliseSME programme, with topics such as the future and scope of the MobiliseSME project to help European SMEs with their main challenges and barriers, tackling the current COVID-19 situation.  

After the webinar, a 1:1 meeting session took place for those participants interested in having tailored meetings with MobiliseSME local contact points to further information about the programme. 

From the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, we would like to thank Denis Genton, Crispin Waymouth, Marta Templado, Claudio Cristofori, Fundación Equipo Humano, and all the attendees for their participation. 

The Consultation Committee decides on an Outdoors Plan – more people outdoors from 8 March onwards

Last Friday, the Federal Government and the Governments of the Federated entities, meeting in a Concertation Committee, discussed the situation of the coronavirus. The Concertation Committee believes that caution remains the guideline and wishes to give priority to education, young people and outdoor activities in the first instance.

Outdoor activities present a much lower virological risk. By being able to be in slightly larger groups outdoors, people can strengthen their social ties that bind them together – a basic human need that has been undermined by the pandemic. This is important for young people in particular.

Outdoors in larger numbers
From 8th of March onwards, 10 people will be able to gather outside. However, it is still important to respect the rule of physical distance of 1.5m.

Funerals
From the 8th of March onwards, it will also be possible to gather with a maximum of 50 people for a funeral or burial, as long as a space of 10 square metres per person is provided.

Focus on young people and education

From the 8th of March onwards, organised outdoor activities (sports and other) will be permitted:

  • For children (-13 years old) with max. 10 indoors or 25 outdoors.
  • For young people (-19 years old) with max. 10 outdoor.
  • The sports training audience is limited to one person per child.

From the 15th of March:

  • Extra-curricular school activities of maximum 1 day will again be allowed in primary and secondary education.
  • For vulnerable groups in special education and part-time vocational education, 100% face-to-face teaching will again be permitted.
  • A maximum of 20% face-to-face teaching will be allowed in higher education.

In addition, AM will also allow photographers to receive clients from the 8th March (maximum 1 consumer per 10 square metres, living under the same roof). Private saunas will also be opened for use by people living under the same roof. Jacuzzis, steam cabins and hammams will remain closed.

Outdoors plan
As long as the epidemiological situation allows it and depending on the pressure on hospitals and the progress of the vaccination campaign, an Outdoors Plan will come into effect from April onwards, which should allow the following activities to take place:

  • Outdoor activities organised for everyone (sports associations or others, including sports training): maximum 10 people. The public during sports trainings will be limited to one person per -19 years old.
  • Culture, events and worship: maximum 50 people, subject to the rules of distance and the obligation to wear a mask.
  • Amusement parks.
  • Primary and secondary education: after the Easter holidays, face-to-face lessons every day.

The Consultation Committee also decided to authorise during the Easter holidays activities organised with overnight accommodation for children and young people up to and including 18 years of age, provided that the group has a maximum of 25 people, not including supervision. The camp can only take place if all participants are tested before the start of the camp and at the end of the camp.

Massive investment in rapid tests
Provided that the epidemiological situation permits and depending on the pressure on hospitals and the progress of the vaccination campaign, and with the use of rapid tests, it will be possible to plan even more outdoor and indoor activities on the 1st of May. These include social contacts, outdoor and indoor catering, shopping and itinerant shops, culture and events, youth activities, worship, community life and sport, home care and funfairs.

Rapid tests could play a key role here. This will require the development of a flexible legal framework so that antigenic tests are widely available in the short term.

The Covid-19 Management Strategy Expert Group (GEMS) has been asked to develop a more detailed plan of approach so that the next steps can be taken safely. Particular attention will be paid to immunization and the role of CO2 measurement devices in reviving indoor activities.

Rules for non-essential travel
The Concertation Committee decided to maintain for the time being until 18 April 2021 the ban on travel for recreational or tourist purposes to and from Belgium, but this measure will be re-evaluated at the next Concertation Committee meeting. The travel ban is a responsible and indispensable measure if the circulation of the virus is to be prevented.

The Consultation Committee will review the situation of the coronavirus pandemic in Belgium on the 26th of March.

Source: info-coronavirus.be

Online Breakfast-Debate with Cibrán Fernández Silva, member of the Cabinet of Charles Michel, President of the European Council

On Wednesday, 3 March 2021, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg organised a new virtual breakfast-debate in the framework of its “Business Circle” forum. Cibrán Fernández Silva, member of the Cabinet of Charles Michel, President of the European Council, participated in the debate. The topic of the breakfast was: “The priorities of the European Council“.

Pablo López Álvarez, Vice-president of the Chamber and moderator of the event, welcomed and briefly introduced the speaker and thanked him and all the attendees for their presence.

Cibrán Fernández Silva began his speech thanking those present for their participation and the Chamber for its work to bring the European debates closer to our companies. First of all, he briefly presented the functions of the European Council, such as strategic orientation and impulse, crisis management and resolution, as well as its role as a the institutional framework for ensuring consensus in the strategic lines of the European Union. He also highlighted the figure of the President of the European Council, currently Charles Michel, who represents the Heads of State and Government, ensures consensus among leaders and prepares Summits.

The Cabinet member then highlighted the various priorities of the European Council based on the sections of the Strategic Agenda that was agreed in 2019. The pandemic has, obviously, significantly altered this agenda and new priorities have emerged, such as protecting the Schengen Area, activating the SURE mechanism, making State aid more flexible or managing the difficulties in purchasing equipment or vaccines. The speaker also highlighted the fact that, despite the extremely difficult negotiations in July, the Recovery and Resilience Fund has been a historic milestone in the European project, as demonstrated by the fact that common debt compromises have been taken and major advances have been made in the Union’s own resources.

In terms of priorities, Cibrán Fernández highlighted the green agenda. Its strategic goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and reducing emissions to at least 55% by 2030 have been set by the European Council. The digital transition will aim to generate European digital sovereignty and activate innovation. Recovery funds will play a key role in both transitions and part of the funds of the national reconstruction plans should be allocated to these priorities. At the international level, the speaker also wanted to stress the important agenda of President Michel and the commitment of the leaders to stablish a European strategic sovereignty that is committed to multilateralism, but that has its own recognised international profile as well.

During the question and answer session, the participants were able to express their doubts and comments on numerous issues of interest. Thus, issues such as the role and influence of Spain in the European Council, which leaders generate consensus during Summits, the national recovery plans, the possibility of a common industrial policy or the Conference on the Future of Europe were discussed.

From the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg we would like to thank Cibrán Fernández and all the attendees for their participation.

Launch of a new quarterly publication focused on the financial sector

The Official Spanish Chamber of Comerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, through the Spanish Financial Forum, will launch a new publication at the beginning of April focused on the financial services industry.

Through this sectoral newsletter, the aim is to address issues of interest to SFF members, as well as to promote business opportunities and collaboration between Spain and Luxembourg in the financial sector.

The SFF newsletter will be distributed in digital format in two languages, Spanish and English, and aims to become the publication of reference for all those professionals linked to the provision of financial services in Spain and Luxembourg mainly.

This new communication tool will include current news, opinion columns, interviews and specialised articles, among other information of interest.

The Chamber offers the opportunity to contract advertising and to sponsor contents in this publication. You can find more information here, or contact us by sending an email to mailto:luxemburgo@e-camara.com.

Interview with Davide Cavanna, Sworn Translator and Intepreter at Traductor.lu

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