On Tuesday, during a parliamentary committee session, Environment Minister Jo Brouns (CD&V) confirmed that the Flemish government has decided to abolish its Climate Adaptation Plan, arguing that climate adaptation measures should be integrated into existing initiatives, such as the Blue Deal, reports 24brussels.
The original Flemish Climate Adaptation Plan, adopted in 2022, aimed to prepare the region for the impacts of climate change by 2050. However, the Green party, Groen, has already criticized the government for progressively reducing its budget for climate initiatives.
Brouns stated that the “new climate adaptation plan will take a different form” and will be “aligned with broader Flemish policy initiatives.” He emphasized the necessity to avoid duplication and fragmented communication, dismissing the idea of creating additional plans for their own sake.
Blue Deal as cornerstone
The Environment Minister underscored that the Blue Deal, a framework of pilot projects aimed at enhancing Flanders’ resilience to heavier rainfall and prolonged droughts, will remain central to future adaptation policy.
Despite its reputation for wet weather, Flanders faces one of the lowest levels of available freshwater per capita in Europe, even less than southern Spain. Much of the rainwater is lost through sewers and waterways, leading to alternating shortages and floods. Five years after the launch of the Blue Deal, the region remains highly vulnerable to drought.
We’re back to square one
“It is your responsibility to shape the adaptation strategy,” responded Groen leader Mieke Schauvliege. “All you say is, ‘We have the Blue Deal’. I hear no commitment. There is no plan and no follow-up. It’s just a repeat of what was done before. We’re back to square one.”
Even opposition MP Leo Pieters (Vlaams Belang) expressed support for a new adaptation plan, adding, “The old plan had its flaws, but we still believe adaptation is essential.”
