The first reading adoption by Wallonia of the draft decree organizing the integration of employment support devices in sectoral policies, effectively marks the end of the APE scheme by January 1, 2027. A fairly technical reform aimed at aligning employment support with sector realities, eliminating the “windfall effect” that certain sectors previously benefited from, while others received less.
With this framework decree, we are clearly moving into action. We are ending an increasingly incomprehensible system to build a fairer, simpler, and more effective model. Our goal is clear: to bring coherence to public action and ensure that employment support truly serves employment. It is a reform of responsibility, setting demanding rules for less dispersion, more clarity, and more impact,” explains Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Minister of Employment (MR).
This framework decree setting a common course imposes several principles: – Transparency: annual publication of a register of beneficiaries – Equity: aid allocation based on objective and verifiable criteria – Simplification: end of scattered mechanisms, more readability – Sustainable support to sectors by maintaining subsidies exclusively for worker remuneration – Accountability: regular evaluation of devices and correction mechanisms in case of drift.
In this reform, the savings focus on public and para-public bodies. Local authorities are directly affected. Mayor of Beaumont Bruno Lambert (Les Engagés) had already expressed his concern on this matter a few months ago.
While Pierre-Yves Jeholet clarifies that the APE scheme reform does not mean job cuts, for some employers, especially in small structures like the Maison de la Presse et de la Communication in Charleroi, this reform is concerning.
Note that some sectors are preserved, such as handicapped persons, early childhood, nurseries, and CPAS. The process will be implemented progressively with a transitional period until 2027. Each affected employer will be individually informed to ensure a smooth transition.
“This reform will ensure sustainable support for important sectors for all French speakers, while maintaining an essential link with employment. It is a budget of over 1.2 billion that will finally be allocated objectively and transparently, ending so many years of inequitable support for operators in essential sectors for our society,” adds Pierre-Yves Jeholet.
