Flemish coalition resumes talks to trim budget by up to €1.9 billion
The Flemish Government restarted negotiations on Sunday, aiming to achieve €1.6-€1.9 billion in budget cuts before the September Declaration.
Budget negotiations for the Flemish region resumed on Sunday following an early-night impasse on Saturday, with the coalition led by Minister-President Matthias Diependaele targeting €1.6-€1.9 billion in savings. The talks involve the three governing parties - N-VA, Vooruit and CD&V - which disagree on the distribution of cuts among departments, with accusations that N-VA’s own proposals are insufficient. A controversial idea floated on Saturday would replace one outlet €1,300 birth grant with contributions to a long-term investment fund for children, prompting skepticism from Vooruit and CD&V over its effect on household budgets.
The negotiations occur ahead of the annual September Declaration, which will set the main fiscal priorities for the 2027 budget. No final agreement on the full €1.9 billion package has been announced as of Sunday afternoon.
Why it matters
The outcome will shape Flanders' fiscal path and affect public services and family benefits.
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