Strategic Initiatives for Flemish Brabant: Mobility and Economic Development
Flemish Brabant stands at the crossroads of Europe, with Brussels Airport serving as a central economic pillar. This region, as outlined in Voka Flemish-Brabant's election memorandum (NL), faces pivotal challenges and opportunities that require strategic planning and robust policy support.
Key initiatives include:
- Enhancing Mobility: The memorandum emphasizes the need for a futureproof mobility policy that includes upgrading public transport frequencies and abolishing the Diabolo surcharge to improve accessibility. It also calls for the expansion of high-speed rail connections directly linking Brussels Airport with major European cities to boost its status as a logistical hub.
- Brussels Airport Development: As the second largest economic pool in Flanders, Brussels Airport is crucial for the regional economy. Voka advocates for a coherent aviation strategy that ensures the airport's growth is integrated with regional development plans, emphasizing noise regulation, flight routes, and operational sustainability.
- Multimodal Transport Hubs: Recognizing the limited space for enterprise expansion, the memorandum highlights the importance of developing multimodal transport hubs. Proposed projects like Spoorhub Tienen aim to enhance logistics and connectivity, leveraging the region’s dense network of rail, road, and waterways to boost economic activities.
- Business Expansion and Innovation: With space at a premium, the memorandum stresses the need for strategic use of available industrial lands and the development of new sites like BEK Kampenhout-Sas and Buda+ to accommodate growth and innovation.
These strategic areas are vital for the continued prosperity of Flemish Brabant. By addressing mobility, supporting the airport, and fostering conditions for business expansion, Voka aims to ensure the region remains a competitive and attractive place for international and local businesses alike.