Flemish Minister for Integration, Hilde Crevits (CD&V), is reorganising the Flemish action plan to enhance integration, with a focus on integrating girls and women of foreign origin from 2026 onwards.
The new plan, called the “Social Cohesion Plan,” revises the previous “Plan Samenleven” initiated by former Minister Bart Somers. It prioritises employment, education, and Dutch language proficiency, especially for women and girls.
Minister Crevits highlighted the challenges faced by non-European women in integrating, citing their significantly lower employment rate compared to Belgian women. In Belgium, only 52% of migrant women are employed, which is lower than in neighbouring countries, where the rate is around 60%.
The Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG) is concerned. Spokesperson Nathalie Debast pointed out the budget reduction from €16 million to €4.8 million. Funds will now flow through the Agency for Integration and Inclusion, except in Antwerp and Ghent. Minister Crevits argues this approach will serve all local governments across Flanders, unlike the previous plan that reached only a limited number of municipalities.
Debast expressed worries on Radio 1’s “De Ochtend,” stating that around 150 municipalities had invested in various initiatives and hired people with expertise. She fears they will be forced to halt these efforts due to unclear directives in the new plan and hopes for further discussions with Minister Crevits.
Opposition member Aimen Horch (Groen) criticised the plan as a “shameful good news show.” He accused Minister Crevits of presenting severe budget cuts as an opportunity for improved local integration. Horch stressed that the previous plan allowed thousands to learn Dutch, pursue higher education, and engage in sports or culture. He warned that such drastic budget cuts would deny many future opportunities.
