New Criminal Code in Belgium series
15 minutes
In a legislative move, the Belgian Parliament has approved draft bills recasting the first and second books of the Belgian criminal code. Published in the Belgian Gazette on April 8, 2024, this comprehensive reform aims to make the criminal code clearer, enhance accessibility, and introduce significant novelties.
Our podcast series delves into these changes, offering insightful discussions and expert analyses to help you understand the implications of this reform. We have four episodes in this series: the first one delves into the changes for corporates, the second focuses on white-collar offences, the third explores ecocide, and the fourth discusses director liabilities. Join us as we explore the key aspects of the new criminal code in Belgium.
Spirit of the reform
The reform is firmly rooted in a modernisation vision for the Criminal Code that dates back to… 1867! The draft bill contains several changes with three main goals: modernising, simplifying and making the new rules easier to read and understand. By drawing on practical insights, it seeks to streamline the process of qualifying offences while maintaining the paramount goal of ensuring enhanced legal certainty.
The New Criminal Code is expected to come into effect two years after its publication in the Belgian Official Gazette, which is anticipated to be sometime in the year 2026.
Key changes for corporates and white-collar offences
In our first two podcasts focusing on key changes for corporates and white-collar crimes, we discuss the main adjustments to white-collar offences that corporates could potentially be charged with.
The first podcast explores the broader changes to general principles of criminal law, including the introduction of new sentences and the expansion of punishable attempts and participation. These reforms aim to modernize, simplify, and enhance the clarity of the Belgian Criminal Code, reflecting a vision that dates back to 1867.
The second podcast delves into the significant changes to forgery definitions, bribery sentencing, tax fraud classifications, and fraud requirements.
Ecocide crime and director's liabilities
Our third podcast will introduce the crime of Ecocide, a major new feature of the revised Belgian Criminal Code, highlighting the legislator’s strong environmental concerns. We discuss the scope and application contexts of this crime.
In our fourth podcast, we will delve into the overhauled provisions dedicated to punishable participation, explaining the new system that no longer distinguishes between co-perpetrators and accomplices, and addressing FAQs regarding the liability of directors.
Survey - New Criminal Code in Belgium
As we delve into the revised code, we invite you to share your questions and concerns with us. These will not only shape the content of our upcoming newsletters dedicated to exploring this topic, but also fuel a forthcoming series of podcasts aimed at addressing the most pressing issues and queries surrounding the new code.
Discover more on our dedicated webpage
Explore our in-depth articles on the dedicated Criminal Code page and discover a wealth of additional information right here on this page.