Belgium's three regions have agreed to introduce a new road tax from next year, requiring both domestic motorists and foreign drivers passing through the country to contribute to the maintenance of its road network.
The measure, announced on Friday, marks a significant shift for a country where motorists have long enjoyed toll-free access to nearly all highways.
The new road user charge is scheduled to take effect from May 1, 2027. Under the proposal, motorists will be required to register their vehicles and purchase a road pass before using Belgian roads.
The system will also cater to occasional visitors by offering daily passes for drivers transiting through the country.
The pricing structure is designed to encourage cleaner transportation. Owners of zero-emission vehicles will pay €90 for an annual pass, while drivers of more polluting vehicles will be charged up to €125 per year.
Authorities will enforce the system through roadside cameras capable of identifying vehicles without a valid pass. Motorists found violating the rules will face a €70 fine.
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François Desquesnes, Transport Minister for Belgium's southern Wallonia region, said the new policy is based on the principle that everyone using the country's roads should contribute fairly to their upkeep. "Every individual utilizing our roads must fairly participate in their upkeep," he said.
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Roads and highways in Belgium are maintained by the country's three regional governments, which have long explored options to generate dedicated funding for infrastructure maintenance and operations. Revenue from the proposed road tax will be directed toward maintaining and improving the national road network.
The proposal still requires final approval from regional authorities and European institutions before it can be implemented.
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Meanwhile, the chairman of Belgium's liberal-conservative MR party stated that the federal government intends to offset the financial impact of the new road tax by reducing other taxes for Belgian residents, aiming to keep the overall tax burden balanced for domestic motorists.