More cooperation for regional airports, bonfire of outdated planning rules, big sports events free-to-air

Greater cooperation between airports

The Flemish Government says it believes in the added value of the region’s regional airports but wants them to become less dependent and to stand on their own two feet.

To this end, the Flemish government has thoroughly revised the operational framework within which the airports operate and has made adjustments to concession and subsidy agreements.

‘We are strengthening cooperation between the four Flemish airports and focusing on efficiency gains and reduced operating costs,’ said Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder (Flemish nationalist N-VA).

“The airports can now refocus on what really matters: sustainable and forward-looking growth.”

A table shows that funding for Antwerp and Ostend-Bruges airports will fall from 131 million euros in the 2020–2024 period to nearly 96 million euros in the 2025–2029 period. This represents a fall of 26.8 per cent. For Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport, funding for the same periods is set to fall from 11.1 million euros to 10.5 million euros, or around 5.7 per cent.

Easier to apply for planning permission

The Flemish Government has also approved measures designed to make planning permission procedures simpler and faster. Unnecessary procedures will be abolished, and outdated building regulations can be amended more efficiently.

“Too many projects are currently being delayed by rules that were once well-intentioned but are no longer suited to today’s reality,” says Flemish Environment Minister Jo Brouns (Christian democrat CD&V). “We are now removing old obstacles.”

“We are scrapping procedures that add little value, phasing out outdated rules and making planning permissions more robust, clearer and faster. Anyone wishing to build, start a business, invest or organise an event should not have to spend years in the government’s waiting room.”

Event organisers will also receive clarity on permits more quickly. In addition, anyone applying for a permit will henceforth be entitled to a preliminary consultation. This will allow concerns to be identified and resolved at an earlier stage, even before an official application is submitted.

Additional short-stay places in elderly care

The Flemish government is investing an extra 40.4 million euros in new residential care places where the need is greatest. A large proportion of this expansion is being directed towards short-stay care. This will give older people more opportunities to continue living at home for longer and provide informal carers with greater breathing space.

551 new short-stay places will be created. 131 previously planned places will also be realised. Short-stay places allow older people to stay in care temporarily when living at home becomes difficult for a period of time.

To meet the rising demand for places in residential care homes, 3,349 new places are being created. This includes 1,115 new residential places and 2,234 previously planned places that had not yet been realised.

Major sports events on free-to-air television

The Flemish Government has tightened the rules governing the broadcasting of major sporting events. These must be available to view via free-to-air television. They may not exclusively be shown on a pay-tv channel or via a separate app.

The rules were already in place, but the government is amending them following the men's football cup final in May, which was only available on DAZN, much to the displeasure of many Flemish football fans.

Media Minister Cieltje Van Achter (Flemish nationalist N-VA) is also looking into whether the list of mandatory sports matches can be expanded. “You simply must be able to watch a Red Devils match or a major European football final on television,” said Van Achter.

“The basic principle must be that the Flemish Media Regulator can act swiftly when the most important matches are not available via standard television services.”