Flemish majority pushes for phase-out plan of PFAS-based pesticides by 2026

21 October 2025

Belgium's Flemish governing parties N-VA, CD&V and Vooruit are calling on the regional government to present a strategic plan by January 2026 to protect drinking water, including a phase-out of pesticides containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

The proposal follows a series of expert hearings in the Flemish Parliament on the health and environmental risks of these persistent chemicals.

Earlier this year, opposition party Groen demanded an immediate ban on PFAS-based pesticides, but its resolution was voted down. Instead, the governing majority drafted its own motion, requiring the government to identify which PFAS-containing pesticides are currently authorised for use in households, agriculture, industry and other sectors, and to propose a strategy for their gradual elimination. The plan must also consider the availability of viable alternatives to prevent disruption to the farming sector.

Additional measures are necessary

The proposal's lead author, Andy Pieters (N-VA), said that, given the health risks associated with PFAS pesticides, "additional measures are necessary". His colleague Kris Verduyckt ( Vooruit) added that "the time for turning a blind eye is over". Bart Dochy (CD&V) said that the phase-out must be "sensible", taking into account both agricultural needs and European coordination. "Flanders is not an island," he said, "which is why we are advocating a European approach to ensure a level playing field for farmers and consumers alike."

Belgium still imports 8,000 tonnes of PFAS each year

Belgian industry continues to import more than 8,000 tonnes of PFAS annually, mainly for use in medical devices, textiles and cooling systems...

belganewsagency.eu

PFAS, often called forever chemicals as they degrade very slowly and build up in the environment and human body, have not been produced in Belgium since 3M stopped operating its Zwijndrecht plant after a pollution scandal. Imports now come from elsewhere in Europe, the United States and China.

PFAS contamination has been detected at over 23,000 sites across Europe. While EU-wide restrictions remain under discussion and are unlikely to be finalised before 2026, France and Denmark have already announced national bans. The Flemish initiative therefore aims to anticipate European regulation, establishing Flanders as a leader in tackling PFAS pollution.

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