The Flemish government aims to strengthen its focus on the aerospace sector in Flanders, with Minister-President Matthias Diependaele accompanying industry leaders on a business trip to Scotland this week, although no additional funding has been promised.
During his visit on Wednesday, Diependaele toured two companies that specialise in the production of compact satellites and observed the technology being assembled in cleanrooms.
The trade mission to Edinburgh and Glasgow, organised by Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), was arranged for Flemish companies active in the aerospace sector. Diependaele described his attendance as “a lubricant” to facilitate networking.
“We have chosen to make aerospace one of our strategic sectors,” stated the Minister-President. “Economic figures from the past decades show a growth of aerospace companies in Flanders. We see an opportunity in this field.”
In April, the Flemish Aerospace Industry (VRI) raised concerns about potential cuts to the Belgian contribution to the European Space Agency (ESA), as outlined in federal budget plans. The success of Flemish aerospace companies largely depends on ESA contracts.
Two months later, VRI’s managing director, Kris Vanderhauwaert, who is also in Scotland, expressed relief. “We received confirmation that there will be no cuts to ESA this year, and efforts will be made to maintain funding in the coming years,” he explained.
Vanderhauwaert is also looking to the Flemish government for support. Discussions are underway about continuing an existing Flemish aerospace programme, and he added, “Though, of course, more support would always be welcome.”
“There are already innovation funds allocated to aerospace,” emphasised Diependaele. While more funding “is up for consideration,” the Minister-President made no promises. He noted that aerospace companies are already eligible for support through existing programmes and wants to explore more targeted support for the sector.
