The Flemish government agreement sets out an ambitious outline for a warm and prosperous Flanders

Some 1,000 N-VA members headed to the Antwerp Expo for an explanation of the recently reached Flemish government agreement. They were given a detailed explanation of the agreement by Matthias Diependaele and were able to put questions to the negotiators. The government agreement was subsequently approved almost unanimously by the members present. This paves the way for a Flemish Government that resolutely aims for a warm and prosperous Flanders.

Our Flemish prosperity is gaining an extra boost with additional investments in infrastructure and a better and faster licensing framework coupled with administrative simplification. We continue to invest heavily in education, both in buildings and in people. In doing so, acquiring Dutch will be a substantial focus. We will also place great responsibility on parents.

We are continuing the climate objectives of the previous Flemish Government, with a continued focus on feasibility and affordability. In that respect, the renovation obligation is being relaxed but we remain strongly committed to the Blue Deal and the further greening of our environment, including through additional forestation.

Balanced budget in 2027

We continue to strive for an employment rate of 80%, with an extra focus on activating the long-term sick. A reform of the VDAB The Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding (VDAB, Flemish Public Employment and Professional Training Service) is a Flemish public service that coordinates supply and demand in the employment market, with its main task consisting of serving as an intermediary for job seekers and providing them with support in getting back to work. Since the State reform in 1989, job placement has been a competence of the Regions and job training a competence of the Communities. The VDAB’s counterpart in Wallonia is Forem, and Actiris in Brussels. VDAB is essential in this regard. The inheritance tax will be reduced by 20%. We will call for efforts from owners of electric cars and foreigners. And, of course, we will maintain a balanced budget in 2027.

A warm Flanders will tackle poverty with an action plan. The focus remains on acquiring a job. A central register will be established to ensure that social benefits reach those who need them.

Lower registration fees

To make acquiring a home faster and easier, we are reducing registration fees to 2%. We remain committed to more social housing, with a freer role for local authorities. However, activating social tenants remains central to the policy, as does the continued screening of foreign social properties.

Our Flemish identity remains a common thread in policy. The story of Flanders and the Flemish Canon continues to be told. We are catching up considerably to make our Flemish cultural infrastructure shine and are working on an experience centre around our Flemish history and culture.

Flanders is and remains a top-level sporting nation. To that end, we will develop a top-level sport policy plan and increase the top sports index. We will also bring top sporting events to Flanders.

A culture of frugality

Politics must examine itself to make savings. That is why we are introducing a culture of frugality. We are abolishing the Senate, by which we will reduce party funding.

We are continuing our process of citizenship education and integration unabated. We are demanding more of language tests and focusing on shared values and norms. We will motivate newcomers to the fullest to get jobs.

Within the Flemish justice system, we will pursue a policy in which victims and surviving dependants are central. We will remain tough on crime and ensure that punishments are carried out effectively and efficiently.