Belgium approves controversial wage index reform and pension changes

Belgium’s federal parliament has approved a controversial package of budget measures, including the new “centenindex” system that will limit automatic wage and benefit increases for some workers and pensioners. The measures were passed late on Thursday night after months of political debate and delays. The government says the reforms are needed to reduce Belgium’s budget deficit and keep pensions affordable in the long term. For many expats and newcomers to Belgium, the most important change is the centenindex. Belgium normally links...