Belgium

Subtitle:cooperation out of necessity and confirmation of executive dominance

Overall, Belgium’s governance of the pandemic showed elements of continuity and some—perhaps lasting—changes. The early phases of the pandemic triggered cooperative intergovernmental relations to take containment measures and urgent health policies, with an uncontested leading position at the federal level. Yet, with respect to economic measures and between the peaks of the pandemic, the diverging positions between regions and political parties re-emerged, partially reinstalling the politicised relations. In addition, the dominant position of executives over parliaments was strengthened during the pandemic, while experts and courts popped up as active players.

ISBN:978-3-031-14144-7

Publication year:2022

Keywords:H1 Book chapter

Accessibility:Closed