The Belgian financial industry welcomes the Late Payment Regulation and supports the goal of the Commission to combat late payments but has, in this respect, some practical remarks concerning the financing of corporates in the EU. Our concerns over a strict 30-day limit for commercial invoice payments will have negative effects on the financing of certain sectors and businesses in the EU. The Late Payment Regulation should allow certain flexibilities, including a clear carve-out for credit agreements. Banks want to retain the ability to negotiate tailor-made solutions for their commercial clients, or even provide for industry-wide allowances for deferrals, as was the case during the COVID pandemic.