The European Commission has announced its decision to approve the extension of the Belgian scheme exempting seafarer employers from social security contributions to 31 December 2032. --- State aid: Commission approves prolongation of Belgian scheme to exempt seafarer employers from social security contributions The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the prolongation of a Belgian scheme exempting employers of certain seafarers from the payment of social security contributions. The aim of the scheme is to increase the attractiveness for shipping companies to employ seafarers, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and the expertise of the shipping sector. The measure...