Artikel

Ontstaan en ontwikkeling van de nationale economische begroting in België

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Abstract

Origin and evolution of the National budget in Belgium - The national budget, first suggested by Lord Beveridge in 1944 as a means of achieving full employment by adjusting aggregate demand and fixing targets for the policy maker, is considered by most E.E.C.-countries as a mere forecast of annual national accounts. It enables governements to embetter budgetary forecasts, to prepare anti-cyclical measures and to control the execution of mediumterm indicative planning. The first national budget was issued by the Belgian government in October 1962. Political, economic and administrative factors influenced the coming into existence of the new practice at that time. The will of the government to extend its intervention in economic life is perhaps the most relevant reason. The publication of this first document coincides with the recommandation of the E.E.C.-Commission to coordinate short term economic policy among membercountries, and, in order to do so, to communicate macro-economic forecasts twice a year (preliminary and definitive national budgets). The Belgian national budget is not only an economic survey requested by the E.E.C.-authorities. It is best known as a parliamentary document, delivered by the Minister of Economic Affairs, providing an introductory commentary to the general state budget. Before its final approval by the government, the national budget is submitted for advice to the Central Economic Council. This consultation enables the government to collect the views on economic development of the employers organizations, the trade unions and independent experts. Up to now the forecasts set up in the frame of the national accounting system are prepared with eclectic methods; the use of an econometric model is now taken into consideration.

How to Cite:

Van Herbruggen, C., (1969) “Ontstaan en ontwikkeling van de nationale economische begroting in België”, Tijdschrift voor Sociale Wetenschappen 14(3), 313–350. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvsw.95833