B2B relationships, particularly in the retail sector, are often characterized by an economic imbalance between the contracting parties, resulting in one party being able to impose contractual terms that would not be possible under normal market circumstances. Therefore, on 21 March 2019, the Belgian Parliament passed a new act on the abuse of economic dependence, unfair terms and unfair practices in B2B relationships (the ‘Act’). 

Under Belgian law, the following options are generally available for contracting authorities to award public contracts for goods, services, and works urgently.