Legal obligations
Electrification of mobility is supported by increasingly stringent regulations. For companies, this means concrete obligations: for example, the provision of charging points in new construction or renovation of parking lots, third-party accessibility, and the application of standards around safety and energy management.
We help you understand what applies to your situation, and how to stay compliant in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Legislation around charging infrastructure in Belgium
The obligations around electric charging infrastructure are set at different levels: federal, regional (Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia) and sometimes local (municipalities, cities).
The rules vary by region and have been tightened several times in recent years. Below you will find the current status for Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia.
Flanders
For new construction and major renovations
For new construction or major renovations of non-residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces, the following requirement has been in effect since March 11, 2021:
- At least 2 charging stations, plus preparatory infrastructure (cable trenches or conduits) for 1 out of every 4 locations.
- In the case of renovation, this applies only to the extent that the loading-related cost remains below 7% of the total renovation cost.
For existing non-residential buildings with 20 or more parking spaces
As of January 1, 2025, a separate, broader requirement applies to existing nonresidential buildings with 20 or more parking spaces:
- At least two charging stations are required there as well, regardless of whether renovations are taking place.
Failure to comply may result in an administrative fine: €2,000 per missing charging station and €1,000 per parking space lacking the required infrastructure.
Source: Energy Decree of May 8, 2009 (Title XI/1) and the accompanying Flemish implementing decree. Enforcement by the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA).
Brussels
Brussels is implementing a phased system starting with 10 parking spaces, which will be phased in through 2035. New parking facilities must meet the 2035 target from the outset. The required percentage depends on the type of parking facility:
Office Parking Lots
- 10% locations by 2025 (at least 2 charging points), 20% by 2030, 30% by 2035
Other parking lots
- (public, commercial): 5% in 2025, 10% in 2030, 20% in 2035
Residential parking lots
- Every resident with an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle who has access to the parking lot must have their own charging station by 2025
Safety Requirements
In addition, safety requirements apply: the charging station must be mounted on a non-flammable or fire-resistant surface, be physically protected against collisions (or installed at a sufficient height), and the electrical installation must comply with AREI standards.
Source: Decision of the Brussels-Capital Region Government dated September 29, 2022.
Wallonia
Since March 2021
- New construction and major renovations with more than 10 parking spaces require at least 1 charging station, plus cable ducts for 1 in every 5 spaces (20%).
Since January 1, 2025
- The same requirements apply to all non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces, even if they are not undergoing renovation.
Since May 26, 2026
The European EPBD4 Directive has been implemented, with stricter standards.
- For new construction and major renovations involving 5 or more parking spaces, the requirement is now 1 charging station for every 5 spaces (1 for every 2 spaces in office buildings), with pre-wiring for at least half of the spaces.
- For existing buildings with more than 20 parking spaces, an additional requirement will take effect no later than January 1, 2027: at least one charging station for every 10 parking spaces, or cable ducts for at least half of the parking spaces.
Source: PEB Decree of December 17, 2020 (Art. 10), AGW of January 11, 2023 (Art. 13), and the EPBD4 transposition (EU Directive 2024/1275).
What if you don't meet the requirements?
Failure to comply with this requirement may have consequences during inspections, permit applications, or grant applications, and in Flanders may specifically result in a fine.
The sooner you determine which standard your building must meet, the more time you’ll have to plan this carefully, rather than having to make last-minute changes under time pressure.
New Legislation
And the government isn't sitting idly by. For example, it appears that starting in 2028, all New Charging Stations: Smart Charging will have to support. The preliminary draft of a decree to regulate this has already been submitted.
Grants and Tax Benefits
Federal
- VAT reduction on installation for public use subject to conditions.
- Mobility budget can be used for home charging solutions for employees.
Flanders
- VEA premiums for smart charging stations.
- Ecology Premium+ and SME Portfolio may be eligible, depending on the investment.
- Flemish Climate Fund also provides project subsidies for making business parks more sustainable.
Brussels & Wallonia
- Support through energy grants, innovation projects or Embuild pilot projects for sustainable mobility.
- Support through energy grants, innovation projects or Embuild pilot projects for sustainable mobility.
Importance of correct interpretation
The law changes regularly and includes exceptions and nuances.
Exactly which subsidies apply depends on your region, the type of building, and when you submit your application. The overview above is a good starting point, but for the exact conditions and the application process itself, it’s best to consult the relevant authority.
Are you unsure which legal threshold applies to your building? We’d be happy to help you figure that out.