An “in-depth investigation” is launched which will determine whether Belgium’s implementation of a system of support for innovative companies i.e., research and development (R&D) incentives is consistent with the EU rules on state aid. It is announced by the European Commission.

According to the EC, under which a certain number of Belgian companies have benefited from tax relief, will be considered.Belgium had promised to incorporate the definitions of the types of research eligible for tax breaks under European rules on state aid for research, development, and innovation into their own laws.EC subsequently found out that until 2013 these definitions were not introduced in Belgium. For these reason some Belgian companies have got an unfair advantage during that period.