Calls to end Flemish trade support for Israeli ventures are growing
Two Flemish governing parties, CD&V and Vooruit, have called for an immediate halt to the support that Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT) provides to Belgian companies investing in Israel. This demand, reported by Het Nieuwsblad on Monday, adds momentum to the growing political push to reassess Belgium’s economic ties with Israel amid the war in Gaza.
FIT is the Flemish government’s trade agency and offers free advisory services and access to a global network for companies of all sizes looking to expand internationally or invest in Flanders. However, CD&V and Vooruit now argue that Israel should be excluded from this support.
"We support tough economic sanctions against Israel"
This builds on an earlier demand from opposition party Groen, who want FIT to close its office in Tel Aviv. CD&V party leader Sammy Mahdi voiced support for the idea, stating: "We support tough economic sanctions against Israel. Actively boosting their economy through trade promotion contradicts that position.”
This stance comes as the Flemish government faces pressure to take a clearer position on potential sanctions in response to the devastating military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in widespread civilian suffering and looming famine, according to many international observers.
Division among parties
The debate has already sparked serious tensions at a federal level, with a divide emerging between the liberal MR and the nationalist N-VA on the one hand, and Vooruit, CD&V and Les Engagés on the other.
The latter group is calling for tougher sanctions against Israel and the formal recognition of the State of Palestine, in line with moves made by several neighbouring countries.
Until recently, the Flemish government had largely remained silent on the issue. However, both CD&V and Vooruit, who are in favour of stronger sanctions, have now entered the regional debate. This raises questions about how the N-VA, which leads the Flemish coalition, will respond. The Flemish Parliament is planning to convene an emergency session to address the matter.
Military goods in transit
The debate extends beyond FIT. Last month, a court in Brussels imposed a ban on the transit of military goods destined for Israel following a legal challenge. The judge also blocked the export of a container of tapered roller bearings suspected of having military applications.
This ruling has highlighted the weaknesses in the enforcement of dual-use regulations, which cover items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Since 2006, Flanders has maintained a relatively strict export policy, prohibiting direct arms exports to Israel. However, loopholes persist in the transit of potentially military-relevant goods.
"Export controls appear robust, but transit is much harder to monitor," said Diederik Cops of the Flemish Peace Institute in an interview with Mediahuis. "Shipments often move rapidly via logistics companies, and customs authorities frequently lack detailed information, making traceability difficult."
Flanders can take action
Although the federal government often takes centre stage, the Flemish government also has several instruments at its disposal. Beyond exerting pressure on FIT, Flanders could back the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the framework underpinning political dialogue, economic cooperation and cultural exchange between the EU and Israel.
The agreement contains a human rights clause, meaning that adherence to human rights and democratic values is a fundamental condition of the partnership.
Although MR and N-VA oppose this at the federal level, Flanders has its own competencies in this area. There is already a consensus within the Flemish government in favour of a partial suspension, with CD&V and Vooruit pushing for a full suspension.
Flanders could also terminate scientific and innovation partnerships with Israel, including participation in EU-funded Horizon Europe programmes. Discussions on this front are already under way within the European Union, potentially paving the way for coordinated regional action.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT
Related news
