A video decoder for decoding a multi-layer video data stream into which a scene is coded in a hierarchy of layers using inter-layer prediction from a first layer to a second layer, the video decoder supporting parallel decoding of the multi-layer video data stream in accordance with spatial segments into which pictures of the layers are sub-divided, the video decoder comprising: an entropy decoder configured for entropy decoding data from the multi-layer video data stream to obtain, related to each spatial segment of a picture of a first layer and of a picture of the second layer of the layers, residual data and a coding parameter, wherein the coding parameter relates to inter-layer prediction for spatial segments of the picture of the second layer; a predictor configured for generating a prediction signal associated with the spatial segment based at least on the coding parameter; and a combiner configured for combining the prediction signal and the residual data to reconstruct a portion of the picture, wherein the video decoder is configured for determining subdivision of pictures of the first and second layers by decoding a long-term syntax element and short-term syntax elements from the multi-layer video data stream, responsive to the long-term syntax element having a first value indicating that, during a predetermined time period, the pictures of the second layer are subdivided so that borders between the spatial segments of the pictures of the second layer overlay every border of the spatial segments of the first layer, periodically determining, in time intervals smaller than the predetermined time period, the subdivision of the pictures of the first layer and the second layer into their respective spatial segments based on the short-term syntax elements, and responsive to the long-term syntax element having a second value, periodically determining, in the time intervals smaller than the predetermined time period, the subdivision of the pictures of the first and second layers into their respective spatial segments based on the short-term syntax elements wherein for a first value of the short-term syntax elements, there exists a border between the spatial segments of the pictures of the second layer not overlaying any of the borders of the spatial segments of the first layer, and, for a second value of the short-term syntax elements, borders between the spatial segments of the pictures of the second layer overlay every border of the spatial segments of the first layer. an entropy decoder configured for entropy decoding data from the multi-layer video data stream to obtain, related to each spatial segment of a picture of a first layer and of a picture of the second layer of the layers, residual data and a coding parameter, wherein the coding parameter relates to inter-layer prediction for spatial segments of the picture of the second layer; a predictor configured for generating a prediction signal associated with the spatial segment based at least on the coding parameter; and a combiner configured for combining the prediction signal and the residual data to reconstruct a portion of the picture, wherein the video decoder is configured for determining subdivision of pictures of the first and second layers by decoding a long-term syntax element and short-term syntax elements from the multi-layer video data stream, responsive to the long-term syntax element having a first value indicating that, during a predetermined time period, the pictures of the second layer are subdivided so that borders between the spatial segments of the pictures of the second layer overlay every border of the spatial segments of the first layer, periodically determining, in time intervals smaller than the predetermined time period, the subdivision of the pictures of the first layer and the second layer into their respective spatial segments based on the short-term syntax elements, and responsive to the long-term syntax element having a second value, periodically determining, in the time intervals smaller than the predetermined time period, the subdivision of the pictures of the first and second layers into their respective spatial segments based on the short-term syntax elements wherein for a first value of the short-term syntax elements, there exists a border between the spatial segments of the pictures of the second layer not overlaying any of the borders of the spatial segments of the first layer, and, for a second value of the short-term syntax elements, borders between the spatial segments of the pictures of the second layer overlay every border of the spatial segments of the first layer.