All EU companies, including those in Belgium, will be required to disclose wage information from 7 June 2026, under European Directive 2023/970. The goal is to close persistent pay gaps and ensure equal pay for equal work.
The rules don’t mean individual salaries become public. Instead, employers must publish average pay figures for groups of employees in similar roles. Workers will also have the right to ask about salary criteria and how pay is determined.
If a pay gap larger than 5% is found without objective justification, employers must correct it and fully compensate affected employees — including missed bonuses, promotions, and damages.
Reporting frequency depends on company size: businesses with over 250 employees must report annually, those with 100–250 employees every three years, and smaller firms are exempt but may opt in voluntarily.
Job seekers also benefit — every job ad must include a starting salary or pay scale, and recruiters will no longer be allowed to ask about a candidate’s previous earnings.
Belgium is still finalising the practical details, but employers have until June to update their HR and pay policies.
More info can be found at The Brussels Times.
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