Online shopping continues to grow in Belgium, yet many still rely on local shops and markets for daily needs. On 2025-08-22 03:30:00, Flemish Parliament member Toon Vandeurzen highlighted the worrying decline of small businesses in rural areas. This shift threatens the social fabric that village markets and local stores help maintain.
- Mensen kopen meer online, verliezen sociale cohesie
- CD&V wil kleine handelszaken ondersteunen
- Vermindert administratieve lasten en biedt fiscale voordelen
- Introduceert multifunctionele dorpspunten voor diensten
- Richt zich op landelijke gemeenten met lage bevolkingsdichtheid
- Bevordert lokale economie naast innovatieve bedrijven
As digital convenience rises, traditional shops like bakeries, butchers, and neighborhood cafés are disappearing. Vandeurzen warns that losing these hubs means losing more than just services—it means losing community connection and spontaneous social interactions. But how can Belgium reverse this trend?
Is it realistic to expect small shops to survive with fewer customers? Vandeurzen proposes innovative solutions that support multifunctional village points and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, aiming to revive rural economies and preserve social cohesion.
What strategies can effectively balance modern consumer habits with community needs? Vandeurzen’s approach suggests that:
- Encouraging multifunctional village points can combine services like dry cleaning, postal packages, and shoe repair.
- Reducing administrative burdens and offering fiscal incentives can motivate shopkeepers to open in rural areas.
- Supporting local economies strengthens social bonds and reduces dependence on cars for essentials.
To build stronger, happier communities, Belgium must rethink rural commerce beyond pure profitability. Will local governments and entrepreneurs embrace these changes to keep villages vibrant? The future depends on preserving places where people meet, chat, and connect daily.
