Constitutional Court of Belgium

What we do: The Constitutional Court of Belgium is the highest judicial authority in Belgium for constitutional matters. Our core mission is to ensure that all legislative actions—laws, decrees, and ordinances—comply with the Belgian Constitution and respect fundamental rights and freedoms. We review the legality of legislative acts, resolve conflicts of authority between federal and regional governments, and have the power to annul or suspend laws that violate constitutional principles. Our work directly impacts the protection of democratic values, the rule of law, and the rights of all citizens. We serve the entire Belgian population, as well as public authorities and institutions, by providing authoritative legal rulings that uphold the constitutional order.

Where we are located: Our headquarters is located at Pl. Royale 7, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, in the heart of the capital’s legal and political district. This central location reflects our role at the core of Belgium’s federal structure and our accessibility to all citizens and institutions across the country.

Short history: The Court was originally established as the Court of Arbitration in 1984, with a mandate to settle conflicts of competence between Belgium’s various legislative bodies. In 2007, it was renamed the Constitutional Court and its jurisdiction was expanded to include the review of laws for compliance with constitutional rights and freedoms. This evolution marked a significant step in strengthening the protection of fundamental rights in Belgium. The Court’s history is closely tied to the country’s federalization process and its ongoing commitment to balancing unity and diversity.

Organization & culture: The Court is composed of twelve judges, equally divided between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking members, ensuring linguistic parity and a balanced perspective on Belgium’s complex legal landscape. Our team of around 34 professionals includes legal experts, researchers, and administrative staff who work collaboratively in a culture that values integrity, transparency, and accountability. We foster an environment of mutual respect, continuous learning, and open dialogue, recognizing that diverse viewpoints strengthen our decision-making. Our organizational culture emphasizes the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards and serving the public interest with impartiality and dedication.