Belgium

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  

We are proud to announce that Lizelotte De Maeyer has joined Loyens & Loeff’s Belgium office as a partner in our Tax practice. Lizelotte is a highly respected tax lawyer with extensive experience in tax controversy - including audits, litigation, dispute resolution, recovery measures and state liability claims - and advise on strategic risk management in contentious tax matters. Her experience covers corporate and personal income tax, as well as indirect taxes and criminal tax law. Lizelotte is particularly renowned for her expertise regarding the fundamental rights of taxpayers. Her expertise spans both domestic and international tax matters, and she is known for her strategic insight, technical excellence, and client-focused approach.  “We are pleased to welcome Lizelotte to our team,” says Nicolas Lippens, a fellow Tax partner at Loyens & Loeff Belgium. “Her outstanding expertise in tax litigation, combined with her international experience, will significantly strengthen our tax litigation capabilities and reinforces our position as a go-to firm for high-stakes tax disputes in Belgium. I’m confident she’ll bring valuable insights and solutions to our clients’ most complex tax challenges.”  Prior to joining Loyens & Loeff, Lizelotte held senior roles at leading law firms and regularly represented clients in high stake tax litigations. She is also an active contributor to the tax law community, serving as vice-treasurer of the Belgian branch of the International Fiscal Association, regularly publishing on tax procedural matters, and regularly speaking at domestic and international conferences.  “We are very happy to welcome Lizelotte to our partnership,” says Christophe Laurent, Managing Partner of the Belgium office. “Her arrival reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in top-tier talent and delivering exceptional value to our clients. Lizelotte’s expertise and energy will be a great asset to our team and to the clients we serve.”  Lizelotte’s appointment enhances our ability to provide tailored, forward-thinking tax solutions that support our clients’ ambitions in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. We look forward to the valuable contributions she will bring to our clients and our team in Belgium.   

Brussels, Belgium - September 1, 2025 Strelia, a leading independent business law firm with offices in Brussels and Luxembourg, is proud to welcome Tom De Coster as partner to lead its IP and Technology practice. Tom joins us after 15 years at the forefront of IP and technology, including a successful career at Linklaters. He brings exceptional expertise in advising on complex issues in which innovation meets regulation, areas that are increasingly critical to our clients’ businesses. “Joining Strelia is a natural next step in my career,” Tom explains. “I was impressed by the firm’s clear strategic vision, its client-focused culture, and its commitment to excellence. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help clients navigate their demanding projects.” Managing Partner Gisèle Rosselle adds: “Tom’s arrival reflects our ambition to build unmatched strength in the areas that matter most to our clients. His expertise and judgment add real weight to our partnership and further reinforce Strelia as the firm of choice for strategic and high-stakes matters.” About Strelia Founded in 2013, Strelia is an independent law firm with offices in Brussels and Luxembourg. We approach each matter with a dedicated task force that brings together the right blend of people and expertise across practice areas. We are trusted advisors on some of the most complex and high-profile transactions in Belgium, Luxembourg and globally. We support boards and senior management in critical moments - from strategic investments, restructurings and sensitive investigations to litigation exposure and reputational risk. Our work is known for delivering original, practical solutions that drive results and shape precedents in business and in law. Press Contact: David Angyo Business Development & Marketing Manager [email protected] | +32 2 627 00 9