King Philippe’s civil list to be subject to VAT

The civil list granted to the future King Philippe will be subject to VAT and excise duties, various Belgian media report today. The amount will be identical to that of Albert II’s civil list, the prime minister and his deputies in the federal government decided last night. The restricted council of ministers agreed on ‘main parameters ’ regulating Philippe’s civil list, opting to keep it at €11.55m, the same as for Albert. However, in practice, the introduction of taxation on the civil list (mainly VAT and excise) will lead to a "moderation of about 7-8% compared to Albert’s civil list", representing around €700,000, according to the prime minister’s office.