Belgium

February 2026 – AKD expands its tax practice in Brussels with the appointment of Elien Van Malder as partner, alongside tax adviser Adrien D’Heure. Their expertise reinforces AKD’s position in complex transactions, M&A, corporate structuring, financing, real estate deals and tax disputes for Belgian and international clients. Elien Van Malder advises clients on the tax aspects of transactions, restructurings, financing arrangements and real estate, and represents them in audits and dispute resolution. She translates complex tax regulations into clear, actionable solutions that align legal, financial and strategic objectives. “Tax law is evolving faster than ever, while businesses need clarity,” says Elien. “My goal is simple: helping clients anticipate tax challenges, structure transactions and manage tax risks in ways that are both legally robust and practically implementable.” Her in-house experience at a Belgian multinational gives her a unique perspective on how tax, legal and finance intersect. This allows her to design structurally sound and strategically relevant solutions, strengthening AKD’s position as a partner in complex tax matters and fostering lasting client relationships built on trust, clarity and forward-looking guidance. In addition to her practice, Elien is academically active at Ghent University as a lecturer and researcher and is frequently invited as a speaker and author within the Belgian and international tax community (BATL, IFA Belgium). Carlos Pita Cao, Managing Partner AKD: "We are delighted to welcome Elien to our team. She combines technical depth, practical clarity and strategic insight. Her arrival significantly strengthens AKD’s tax practice and demonstrates our ambition to be a leading partner in the Benelux for complex transactions and structures. With Elien and Adrien, we provide clients with solutions that are both actionable and strategically impactful." The addition of Elien and Adrien underlines AKD’s growth ambition in tax advisory and the firm’s focus on a multidisciplinary approach, integrating legal, tax and financial expertise to support clients in strategic and complex matters.  

As Belgium introduces mandatory structured e‑invoicing and a redefined regime for service and commercial agreements, it is time for both Belgian companies and international companies operating in Belgium to rethink their general terms, templates and internal workflows. Belgium’s updated rules on e‑invoicing, contract interpretation, liability and service obligations reshape the way companies must operate, both domestically and internationally. This article highlights the key changes and explains why they matter for both compliance and contract drafting. Peppol e-invoicing: mandatory since 1 January 2026 From now on, all Belgian companies subject to VAT must exchange their B2B invoices only through the secure Peppol network. Traditional PDF invoices or e-mail attachments no longer suffice. What will this mean for your company, in specific terms? Date of receipt is fixed Peppol registers exactly when an invoice is delivered. However, under contract law, it remains crucial to determine when an invoice is deemed to have been received, because this affects payment terms, disputes and possible interests. Automatic processing as tacit acceptance Many companies process Peppol invoices automatically in their accounting package. This gives rise to a new risk: it is easier for automatic processing to be interpreted as tacit acceptance, especially when there are no provisions to the contrary in the agreement. Therefore, clear provisions in your general terms and agreements are essential. Disputes Because the actual receipt of an invoice through Peppol can no longer be disputed, a diligent approach to disputed invoices becomes all the more important.  Your contract counterparties will be quicker to claim that your company did not dispute the invoice in due time. We advise you to limit this risk by fine-tuning your general terms, stipulating: Within what period an invoice can be disputed; How this should be done; That technical receipt through Peppol does not imply automatic acceptance. New Civil Code: Book 7 to enter into force The Civil Code is being thoroughly renewed. In the course of 2026, Book 7 – Specific Agreements will enter into force. This will bring important changes, including for sales, contractors and service provision. For service agreements, special attention will have to be paid (among other things) to the following: Criteria for obligations of means vs. obligations of results; More extensive information duties; Revised rules on price reviews and additional services; New rules on notice and termination; Restrictions on liability clauses. New 'default rules' mean that certain provisions in your current agreements may no longer be legally sound or enforceable. Therefore, this is the ideal opportunity to have your templates, agreements and general terms revised and updated where necessary. This can be done efficiently under the motto 'Better safe than sorry'. How we can support you Our team would be happy to provide you with practical support with: Updating your general terms and templates; Adapting your agreements to the new regulations; Including correct Peppol clauses; Optimising your internal processes from a legal perspective. This will allow you to comply with the legislation and gain efficiency and legal security. Do you have questions or would you like a screening of your documents? Do not hesitate to contact us! We like to think with you in a proactive manner, and we are always available for a short catch-up. A cup of coffee is waiting for you at our new offices in Hasselt @Re-Core.  

The Flemish Government concluded 2025 with two important initiatives in the field of defence and security. On 19 December 2025, the Council of Ministers approved both the Flemish Innovation and Industrial Strategy for Security and Defence (FISD) and the draft for a new Arms Trade Decree. In doing so, the Flemish Government promotes investments in companies in the Defence Industry and presents a revised legal framework aimed at facilitating legitimate trade in military goods.” The Flemish Innovation and Industrial Strategy for Security and Defence (FISD) The Flemish Government had already approved the Flemish Defence Plan on 4 April 2025. The Flemish Innovation and Industrial Strategy for Security and Defence (FISD), adopted by the Council of Ministers on 19 December 2025, fits within the ambition of the Flemish Defence Plan to set up a specific stimulus programme. The FISD is a long-term plan to strengthen and expand Flemish defence technology and industry. In this way, Flanders seeks to respond to geopolitical shifts, changes in the international security situation, technological acceleration and the need for strategic autonomy. The FISD is based on three pillars: Investing in the defence industry Promoting research, development and innovation (R&D&I) Facilitating companies in this sector through subsidies, co-investments and supporting policies The rollout of the FISD will take place via orientation roadmaps in domains where Flanders is already strong, such as maritime applications, aviation and (counter-)UAS, space, AI, cyber security, biotechnology, autonomous systems, and energy/geo-intelligence. Funds are reserved for these every year, which could rise to € 50 million by 2029. The rollout of this strategy offers prospects for Flemish companies with ambitions in the defence sector. More information about the approval of the VISD can be found here. The new Arms Trade Decree In the same Council of Ministers on 19 December 2025, the Flemish Government also approved the draft decree to regulate the import, export, transit and transfer of military goods, civilian firearms, essential components and ammunition (in short, the Arms Trade Decree). The Flemish Government considers it necessary to organise efficient and effective export control, for which a revision of the 2017 Arms Trade Decree was deemed necessary. This responds to today’s changed geopolitical situation and to the importance of investments in defence and security. With the new Arms Trade Decree, the Flemish Government pursues a dual objective. On the one hand, it aims to facilitate the legitimate trade in military goods, civilian firearms, essential components and ammunition, as well as participation in EU defence projects. On the other hand, the decree is intended to prevent the undesirable proliferation and misuse of weapons. The draft decree will now be submitted for advice to the SERV and the Flemish Supervisory Commission for the processing of personal data. More information about the approval of the draft Arms Trade Decree can be found here.  

AKD welcomes Harm Kerstholt as partner in its energy practice in the Netherlands. Harm brings over 25 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and large-scale sustainable projects, including offshore wind, solar energy and hydrogen. With Harm’s arrival, AKD adds a strong transactional component to its energy practice, which is already renowned for its expertise in permitting, grid connections and litigation, giving the team a significant boost. Harm has witnessed first-hand how profoundly the energy sector has changed over the past decades. “Where the market was once stable and fossil-driven, it is now open, volatile and fully focused on sustainability,” he says. “Decentralised generation, grid congestion, hydrogen projects and the growing demand for electricity all require a new approach. In this dynamic landscape, it is crucial that deals and collaborations are both legally robust and flexible. With my experience I help clients seize opportunities and manage risks, ensuring that investments deliver maximum return.” His expertise and leading market position are internationally recognised, with top rankings in prestigious legal directories such as Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500. Clients describe his approach as pragmatic and results-oriented, with a strong focus on collaboration and clear explanations of complex matters. “Alone, we go fast; together, we go further. I look forward to working with the AKD team in the coming years to strengthen our reputation as the undisputed ‘go-to firm’ for strategic deals, projects and disputes in the Benelux energy sector,” says Harm. “We are delighted to welcome Harm to our team,” says Carlos Pita Cao, managing partner of AKD. “The energy sector is in the midst of a fundamental transition. For our clients this means that transactions and projects are becoming increasingly complex and strategic. With Harm on board, we are strengthening our ability to support clients in this area. His experience is an excellent match with our firm’s focus on the further expansion of our energy practice.” In recent years, AKD has played a leading role in a wide range of energy projects and transactions. The firm advises clients in the Netherlands and Belgium on the full spectrum of energy law. Within a single integrated team, the firm combines project development, transactions, permitting, financing and energy disputes. This approach makes AKD a true ‘one-stop shop’ for project developers, investors, financiers, grid operators, public authorities and energy companies navigating the energy transition. With over 500 lawyers, tax advisers, civil-law notaries and support staff in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, AKD is a leading Benelux law firm. For our clients, we are the gateway from, to and in the Benelux. Rashida Ishaak [email protected] +31 6 11 18 97 09 AKD Wilhelminakade 1 3072AP Rotterdam www.akd.eu