In brief
Following its introduction in 2024 and several subsequent postponements, the long-criticized Belgian Federal Learning Account (FLA – see our previous newsflash here) has now been formally abolished by law. As from 1 January 2026, employers are no longer required to use a federal platform to register employee training activities. While existing training obligations remain unchanged, the abolition of the FLA removes a significant administrative burden for HR teams.
What happened?
At the end of 2025, the Belgian legislator formally repealed the Federal Learning Account framework. The repeal follows sustained concerns around administrative complexity, overlap with existing training obligations and the practical feasibility of the system for employers.
The FLA was originally designed as a mandatory federal digital tool to record individual training rights and completed training. Its implementation was repeatedly delayed and ultimately abandoned in favour of regulatory simplification.
The repeal applies retroactively to the reporting obligation as from 1 January 2025, meaning that employers were not required to complete FLA registrations for 2025.
Data already recorded
Training data previously entered into the FLA will remain accessible until 31 December 2026. The data will be permanently deleted thereafter.
What HR teams should do now
- No action is required in relation to the Federal Learning Account.
- Continue to manage and document training in line with existing legal and internal requirements.
- Monitor future legislative developments: policymakers have indicated that a more streamlined “Individual Learning Account” (ILA), focusing on the employee’s certifications rather than on employer’ obligations, may be introduced from 2027.
Important clarification
The abolition of the FLA does not remove employers’ underlying legal training obligations. Requirements relating to individual training entitlements, training plans and internal record-keeping (where applicable) continue to apply. What has been abolished is the federal reporting mechanism, not the obligation to provide training.
Why this matters for HR professionals
- No federal training reporting toolEmployers are no longer required to enter training data into a federal learning account platform.
- Reduced administrative burdenThe abolition prevents the introduction of an additional reporting layer on top of existing training obligations, avoiding duplication of HR processes.
- Regulatory clarity and stabilityHR systems do not need to be adapted to accommodate a new federal infrastructure.
- Focus on training deliveryHR teams can continue to focus on substantive training initiatives rather than administrative reporting formalities.
Our view
The formal abolition of the Federal Learning Account brings welcome clarity for employers. The FLA had the potential to add a disproportionate administrative burden without clear operational benefits, particularly for organisations with complex HR structures. Its removal restores predictability and allows HR professionals to prioritise meaningful training outcomes over compliance-driven reporting.
For further information, please contact:
Jehan de Wasseige, Bird & Bird
jehan.dewasseige@twobirds.com
