VBO FEB

What we do: VBO FEB, the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium, is the largest multi-sector employers’ organization in the country, representing and defending the interests of businesses across all three Belgian regions. We unite over 40 sectoral federations, which together represent more than 50,000 companies—accounting for over 75% of private sector employment in Belgium. Our core mission is to promote a sustainable and prosperous economic environment by advocating for sound economic policies at the federal, European, and international levels. We focus on creating jobs for the future, particularly in the service, industrial, and construction sectors, and act as a key social partner in negotiations with governments, trade unions, and other stakeholders. Our work spans economic, social, legal, and fiscal issues, always with the aim of fostering innovation, competitiveness, and growth for Belgian enterprises.

Where we are located: Our headquarters is located at Rue Ravenstein 4, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. This central location allows us to maintain close contact with national and European institutions, as well as with our extensive network of member organizations across the country.

Short history: VBO FEB was founded in 1973 through the merger of the Federation of Belgian Industries and the Federation of Non-Industrial Enterprises of Belgium. Since then, we have grown into the leading voice of business in Belgium, consistently working to create an optimal business environment and to ensure that the interests of entrepreneurs are heard in over 150 federal, European, and international bodies. Pieter Timmermans has served as CEO since 2012, and René Branders is the current President.

Organization & culture: With a team of around 195 dedicated professionals, VBO FEB combines deep expertise with a collaborative spirit. Our culture is built on the values of collaboration, integrity, and innovation. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where every voice is heard and teamwork is highly valued. By maintaining strong relationships with our members and partners, we strive to build a better future for businesses in Belgium.

Recent developments: VBO FEB remains at the forefront of addressing contemporary challenges, such as reducing administrative burdens for businesses, promoting gender equality and inclusive workplace cultures, and exploring the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. We regularly publish thematic reports and organize conferences to keep our members informed and engaged on the latest economic and social trends.