Brussels, Belgium – November 26, 2025 — BRUSSELS — In a significant step towards fostering regional cooperation, Flemish coalition partners have agreed to form a new Cross-Border Environmental Commission, aiming to address persistent challenges in water management and strengthen ties with neighbouring regions. The announcement was made on Tuesday, 25 November, following weeks of negotiation between key political figures from the Flemish Parliament and their counterparts in Wallonia and the Brussels-Capital Region.
The new commission, set to convene its inaugural session in early December, will bring together environmental experts, policy makers, and community representatives from across the Belgian borders. Its mandate focuses on harmonising water management protocols, promoting sustainable resource use, and facilitating transparent data sharing among regions. The initiative comes at a time when water quality, flood prevention, and climate resilience have become central issues in Belgian environmental policy.
Flemish Minister for the Environment, Dries Van den Broecke, described the commission as “a landmark achievement in interregional collaboration,” emphasising its potential to deliver concrete solutions to longstanding disputes over water allocation and pollution control. “By pooling expertise and resources, we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable future,” Van den Broecke said at the press briefing in Brussels.
The commission’s formation follows a series of high-level meetings in October and November, during which regional leaders debated the complexities of implementing the European Union’s Water Framework Directive and Floods Directive. Differences in regulatory approaches and monitoring standards have historically led to tensions, particularly regarding the management of transboundary rivers and shared aquifers. The new body is tasked with streamlining objectives, coordinating flood risk assessments, and developing joint action plans for ecological restoration.
One of the commission’s first priorities will be to establish a unified monitoring system for water quality, drawing on advanced technologies and citizen science initiatives. The system aims to provide real-time data on pollution levels, enabling rapid response to environmental incidents and supporting evidence-based policymaking. “We are committed to transparency and public participation,” said commission spokesperson Annelies De Smet. “Our approach will ensure that communities have a direct voice in shaping water management strategies.”
Local authorities and environmental organisations have welcomed the move, highlighting its potential to address gaps in data collection and enforcement. The Flemish Sustainability Education Hub, which has played a key role in fostering environmental literacy, will contribute expertise in public engagement and educational outreach. “This commission represents a new chapter in cross-border cooperation,” said Hub director Pieter Janssens. “It empowers citizens and officials alike to work together for cleaner rivers and healthier ecosystems.”
The initiative also aligns with the broader European agenda on climate adaptation and circular resource management. With the EU Green Week conference scheduled to take place in Brussels next June, organisers have expressed optimism that the commission’s work will serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. “Belgium’s commitment to integrated water management sets a positive example for the continent,” said EU Environment Council delegate Maria Lefevre.
In addition to technical coordination, the commission will facilitate joint investment in green infrastructure, such as wetlands restoration, permeable pavements, and nature-based flood defences. These projects are expected to create new opportunities for local businesses and research institutions, driving innovation in environmental engineering and sustainable urban planning.
The commission’s governance structure includes rotating leadership and equal representation from each participating region, ensuring balanced decision-making and accountability. Quarterly public forums will be held to gather feedback and report progress, with the first scheduled for Antwerp in February 2026.
While regional tensions over water management have occasionally flared, coalition partners have emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue and shared responsibility. “Our differences are real, but our commitment to cooperation is stronger,” said Walloon Environment Minister Sophie Lemaire. “Together, we can overcome obstacles and deliver lasting benefits for all communities.”
Looking ahead, the Cross-Border Environmental Commission is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Belgium’s response to climate change, safeguarding water resources, and fostering unity across regional boundaries. As the commission begins its work, stakeholders remain optimistic that collaborative solutions will pave the way for a more sustainable and harmonious future.
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Image Credit: Photo by amirdeljouyi on Unsplash
