Valerie Van Peel: “Entrepreneurship is the foundation of our prosperity”

During a debate organised by the business federation VOKA The Vlaams netwerk van ondernemingen (VOKA, Flemish Network of Enterprises) is a Flemish employer’s organisation that represents more than 16,000 companies in Flanders and Brussels, about 65% of private employment. VOKA was created in January 2004 when the Flemish Economic Alliance (VEV) and the eight regional Chambers of Commerce in Flanders decided to work together. Voka , N-VA chair Valerie Van Peel outlined her vision for the future of the economy, the need for structural reforms and a Europe that must stop stifling its industry. Her message was clear: “Entrepreneurship is the foundation of our prosperity. We understand that wealth first needs to be created before it can be distributed.”

Refocusing Europe on industry and prosperity

Valerie Van Peel did not hold back in her criticism of the European Union’s current direction. “The European Union has lost sight of its original purpose – peace and prosperity – by becoming preoccupied with too many side issues.” In particular, she argued that the way climate targets have been pursued has placed an unsustainable burden on energy-intensive industries.

For Van Peel, Europe must refocus on strengthening the single market, removing barriers between member states and ensuring a level playing field in competition with China.

Reforming to secure our future

In a pointed discussion on Belgium’s federal finances, Van Peel highlighted the heavy legacy inherited by today’s policymakers. She criticised what she described as the opposition’s cynicism and stressed that the N-VA is implementing reforms that experts and Flemish citizens alike have been calling for over the past two decades.

“Limiting the duration of unemployment benefits, making the labour market more flexible and introducing tax reforms that ensure people in work earn at least €500 more than those who do not work. If a previous government had had the courage to implement even one of these reforms 20, 10 or even five years ago, we would not be in this situation today. If the Vivaldi coalition were still in office, Europe would already be stepping in to take control of our country’s finances.”

Tackling red tape

At the Flemish level, Van Peel also acknowledged that entrepreneurs too often find themselves blocked by excessive bureaucracy and regulatory hurdles. She emphasised that the Flemish Government is working on a far-reaching overhaul of the permitting system.

The objective is clear: broader social and economic interests must carry greater weight, so that major projects can no longer be held up indefinitely by a single individual. “Cutting administrative burdens is an absolute priority. We need to get rid of the unnecessary rules we have imposed on ourselves,” she said.

Asked how Belgium should address labour shortages, Van Peel remained firmly aligned with the N-VA’s position. While she is open to targeted labour migration in sectors such as healthcare, her priority is to activate the workforce already available within the country. By limiting the duration of unemployment benefits and providing more effective pathways into employment, she wants to tap into the vast pool of untapped talent at home before looking elsewhere.

A stable environment for growth

Van Peel concluded the debate with a strong message for the entrepreneurs in attendance: the N-VA stands with those who take initiative, create jobs and drive prosperity. According to her, putting public finances back on a sustainable footing is the first step towards a stable and business-friendly climate. She also pledged to continue promoting growth, including by mobilising dormant savings and directing them towards industry and productive investment.

“We are acutely aware that entrepreneurship is the alpha and omega of a healthy society,” Valerie Van Peel concluded.