New 30% reduction target for red tape (Belgium)

The Belgian Federal Government has published its third governement-wide Action Plan for administrative simplification 2012-2015. In a new stage of the 10 year old policy, the plan purports to further streamline the full range of administrative procedures for citizens and business with a view to reduce administrative burdens on business by 30% by 2014, to comply with the 25% reduction target recommendend by the European Small Business Act. It consolidates and coordinates various official policies, among which the programmes managed by ASA, the federal simplification agency. Most interesting features for business are the "only once " principle, the "e-Depot" scheme, the simplification of official tenders and electronic billing. Citizens will receive an electronic ID card. The well-known Kafka test in operation since 2004 will be revamped by 1 October 2012. An evaluation of the programme is scheduled for November 2012.