Belgium: Criminal Law

A new EU Directive on anti-corruption will require significant changes to national laws across Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Poland and the Netherlands. This analysis examines the specific legislative amendments each jurisdiction must implement, from new criminal offenses and penalty regimes to corporate liability frameworks. Poland faces the most substantial overhaul, while other member states will need moderate adjustments to align with the Directive's requirements.

This year has been a strained year for Belgium's criminal justice system, marked by mounting budgetary and staffing pressures that have left prosecutors and judges openly questioning their ability to keep pace.

Recently, various cases have arisen – from ‘spiking' committed by bar staff and the case of rape in Leuven to the prosecution of various public figures – that have once again fuelled debate within society on the subject of consent and about unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour.