“The current law is no longer adapted to the expectations of consumers and retailers, nor to the development of e-commerce, which is much more flexible than physical stores, causing distortions of competition,” Eléonore Simonet, Belgium’s minister for small businesses, the self-employed and SMEs, said in a statement in July 2025.
“More flexibility should ensure that retailers can adapt to current expectations,” she added.
While large retailers have welcomed the increased flexibility, employees have raised concerns.
Earlier this week, workers at Aldi, one of Belgium’s largest supermarket chains, went on strike after the company told unions it would start exploring the option of opening branches on Sundays.
Smaller and self-employed retailers fear the measures will put pressure on them, as larger companies will find it easier to adapt. The Neutral Union for the Self-Employed (NSZ) has argued that the reforms will lead to higher operating costs without increasing income.
Since July 2025, the legislation has undergone a formal consultation procedure before being approved by the Council of Ministers on Friday. The law, which forms part of the current government’s coalition agreement, must now be approved by the Belgian parliament and is expected to enter into force later this summer.