BELGIUM REPORT In October 2001 Prof. Peeters presented the results of his Economic Impact Study (EIS) following which the Belgian government promised to take measures to encourage the flagging in of the merchant fleet. In cooperation with the government and with the technical assistance from specialised Tax Consultants, the Belgian Shipowners' Association worked out a proposal for a durable policy. In 2002 a number of fiscal measures, such as tonnage tax, were incorporated in the Belgian corporate tax Law. In July 2002 the Belgian Parliament accepted the proposal. However, the new law can only enter into force after the European Commission's approval. In the course of 2001 the Belgian Shipowners' Association strove, more than ever, to promote the maritime professions. In cooperation with dredging, tugging, fisheries and inland navigation, an expensive promotion campaign, which included recruitment commercials on TV and in movie theatres, was set up in order to convince young people to choose a maritime profession. The first results seem to be more than encouraging.