Flanders claims half a billion euros back from Federal Government

The Government of Flanders demands that a miscalculation in the sixth state reform be corrected. The cabinet of Flemish Budget Minister Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) estimates that the amount is about 500 million euros, "although the exact calculation still has to be done", writes De Standaard on Tuesday. According to the Walloon Minister for the Budget, Adrien Dolimont (MR), the regions together contest an amount of 489 million euros.

The cause of the miscalculation is a technical matter. It goes back to the transfer of powers under the sixth state reform of Belgium and the agreements that were made about the financing of those powers, in particular through allocations from the federal government for the federal states.

Diependaele indicates that the federal government acknowledges the miscalculation. But that never resulted in an actual repayment. "At the Consultation Committee next Friday, we will therefore ask for a rectification," stresses spokesman Ben Bruynseels. The amount will be used to reduce the Flemish debt.

In a reaction to the statements by his Flemish counterpart, Walloon budget minister Dolimont said Tuesday that the various regions together are disputing 489 million euros. For Wallonia alone, the amount is 105 million euros. But, says Dolimont, "this is only one case among many".

He also looked at the lower than hoped-for federal contribution to the European recovery aid, which, according to Wallonia, should take into account the floods of July last year. According to Dolimont, "federal support is limited to a loan of 1.2 billion euros".

(TOM)

Flemish Budget Minister Matthias Diependaele (N-VA). - © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK