Belgium Amends Juvenile Delinquency Law: Harmonization with New Penal Code Effective 1 September 2026

On 10 July 2026, the Flemish Government enacted a decree amending the juvenile delinquency law of 15 February 2019 to harmonize it with the new Penal Code of 29 February 2024. This decree was published in the Belgian Official Gazette on 18 August 2026 and is set to enter into force on 1 September 2026.

Key Amendments Introduced

• Alignment with New Penal Code: The decree updates references and terminologies in the juvenile delinquency law to ensure consistency with the provisions of the new Penal Code.
• Technical Corrections: Various technical corrections are made to improve the clarity and applicability of the law, ensuring that legal practitioners and stakeholders can effectively interpret and apply the provisions.

Implementation Timeline

The decree will take effect on 1 September 2026, providing a transitional period for legal practitioners, juvenile justice authorities, and other stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the changes and ensure compliance.

For detailed information, stakeholders are encouraged to consult the full text of the decree or seek legal advice to understand the specific implications of the amendments.