Taskforce Looks Back on Six Years of Economic Renewal Together with Ambassadors and Partners
DIEPENBEEK – During a celebratory gathering at Campus Limburg DC, the SALKturbo taskforce approved thirteen new projects, representing nearly €26 million in investments. The meeting was not only an important decision-making moment for new Limburg projects, but also an opportunity to look back on six years of economic renewal in Limburg together with ambassadors, European representatives and partners.
“With SALKturbo, we have helped build a stronger Limburg over the past years,” says Tom Vandeput, Provincial Executive Member for Economy and Chair of the taskforce. “Companies, knowledge institutions and governments have jointly developed projects that generate investments, jobs and new activities in our province. That work is not finished today. Limburg will continue to need additional support in the future.”
More Than 557 Million in Investments
The approved projects are part of the European investment programmes ERDF and ESF Europe, which support Limburg in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, training and labour market development.
“Never before have so many European resources been deployed in Limburg as during this programme period. In challenging economic times, we are providing an additional investment boost today for a more competitive, innovative and sustainable Limburg,” says Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele, responsible for Economy, Innovation and Industry.
Since the launch of SALKturbo, a total of 130 projects have been approved. Together, they represent more than €557 million in investments in Limburg. Many projects are already being implemented today. Other initiatives are ready to be launched or continue to further develop their plans. Additional calls will also be launched in the coming months to give new projects opportunities.
European Investments Visible on the Ground
The gathering took place at Campus Limburg DC in Diepenbeek, where the taskforce also received a tour of several investment projects.
“Campus Limburg DC demonstrates how European funding can truly make a difference,” says Tom Vandeput. “Researchers, companies and educational institutions work together here in one location. The fact that approximately 35 percent of European investment funding in Limburg has gone to projects on and around this campus shows how important this site is for our province today.”
Limburg Requests Extension as a Transition Region
During the closing session, the taskforce also looked ahead. Limburg continues to advocate for an extension of its European recognition as a transition region and is requesting additional European funding after the current subsidy period ends.
European Commissioner Raffaele Fitto recently visited Genk as well, where the future of European support for transition regions was a key topic. The European Commission is currently working on a reform of several funds. As a result, it remains unclear how support for regions such as Limburg will look in the future.
“Europe has helped Limburg turn difficult economic years into new growth,” says Tom Vandeput. “That is why we continue to advocate for ongoing European support. And if Europe provides fewer resources, we will have to work together with Flanders to determine how we can continue supporting Limburg.”
Looking Towards Horizon 2050
In addition to the ongoing investment programmes, Limburg is also looking ahead with Horizon 2050, a future-oriented plan intended to guide the Limburg economy in the long term. According to the taskforce, Horizon 2050 is not a successor to SALKturbo, but a broader long-term vision through which Limburg aims to continue building economic growth, collaboration and new business activity.
