Belgium implements pension helpline changes and school neutrality rules

Starting September 1, the Belgian Federal Pension Service (SPF Pensions) has replaced its free 1765 helpline with a standard number, 02/225. 17. 65. The change is intended to save the institutions involved—SPF, Inasti, and Sigedis—over one million euros annually. While the service and operating hours remain the same, callers will now be subject to standard telephony rates, though most fixed and mobile plans may include calls to 02 numbers. Citizens can also access information via official websites, mail, or by appointment.

In East Flanders, a new regulation has taken effect banning the visible wearing of religious or conviction-based symbols in nine provincial schools. This ban applies to both students and staff and includes items such as veils, kippas, crosses, and political insignia. The measure was passed following a coalition agreement involving N-VA, CD&V, and Vooruit, but required support from Vlaams Belang to secure a majority. While a principle of neutrality exists within the GO! education network across Flanders, other networks maintain autonomy over such policies.