On October 3, 2025, Mieke Schauvliege, the leader of Groen, expressed concern regarding an expert committee report that is meant to inform the future environmental policy of the Flemish government.
Concerns Over Environmental Protection
Schauvliege highlighted that while the report includes beneficial measures like promoting mediation and pre-consultation in permitting processes, it also proposes alarming suggestions that could undermine environmental protection in Flanders. She stated that simplifying regulations could jeopardize environmental safeguards.
The report advocates for permits based on economic, social, or societal value, a principle that Schauvliege argues could allow politicians significant leeway in defining “socially responsible” practices. She pointed out that some local mayors have already violated regulations, such as by allowing construction in flood zones. This raised fears that open spaces would suffer further degradation.
Schauvliege also criticized the potential erosion of the standstill principle, a cornerstone of European environmental law. This principle ensures that the quality of the environment must not deteriorate. She warned that weakening this principle would strip crucial protections, calling it a disaster for environmental safeguarding in the region.
Another issue Schauvliege flagged was the pressure on access to legal recourse. Individuals or organizations that did not raise objections during public consultations would lose their right to appeal to the Council for Permit Disputes. She asserted that this systematically excludes those defending their local environments, contradicting the principles of legal protection and public involvement.
Next Steps for Environmental Policy
The discussions surrounding the report will guide the development of the Flemish government’s environmental policy. Stakeholders are expected to continue evaluating its provisions and potential impacts on local ecosystems and communities.
