Parliament has extended the use of meal vouchers for grocery shopping until the end of 2026, initially introduced during the Covid pandemic to enhance purchasing power. The Senate has approved a bill allowing vouchers for supermarket items, addressing previous restrictions. Minister Véronique Louwagie expressed approval of the measure, which aims to simplify consumer choices. Legislators are focused on comprehensive reforms to adapt to changing consumer behaviors, with plans to introduce key reforms by summer while balancing immediate needs and future improvements.
Extension of Meal Vouchers for Grocery Shopping
Parliament has decided to extend the use of meal vouchers for grocery purchases until the end of 2026, a measure initially introduced during the Covid pandemic to bolster purchasing power. The government has committed to reforming the system promptly to modernize its application.
Following the approval of the National Assembly in late 2024, the Senate has overwhelmingly supported this bill, which allows consumers to utilize meal vouchers at supermarkets for items like pasta, butter, and flour. This decision marks a significant milestone in the legislative process, enabling swift implementation.
Legislative Urgency and Future Reforms
The initial plan to discuss this text in mid-December was postponed due to the political climate, which resulted in confusion regarding the use of meal vouchers starting January 1, 2025. Under previous regulations, consumers could no longer purchase food items requiring preparation, although ready-to-eat options like sandwiches remained available. This highlighted the urgent need for legislative action to restore the previous exceptions.
Véronique Louwagie, Minister Delegate for Small and Medium Enterprises, expressed satisfaction with the adoption of this measure, stating it simplifies the process for consumers and alleviates current uncertainties. The Federation of Commerce and Distribution celebrated the decision, emphasizing the flexibility it provides employees who partially fund their meal vouchers, allowing them more choices in their spending.
The discussions in the Senate primarily focused on the duration of this extension, with a debate over whether it should last until the end of 2025 or 2026. Ultimately, the urgency of the situation led to a consensus aligning with the National Assembly’s two-year extension. Lawmakers acknowledged the need for a comprehensive reform of the meal voucher system to adapt to evolving consumer habits, especially in the context of the rise of remote work.
As the process moves forward, officials aim to introduce the main aspects of the meal voucher reform by summer, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed and prepared for the changes ahead. However, some legislators voiced concerns about a potential delay in reform, urging a balance between immediate action and long-term improvements to the system.