During the final meeting of the SALKturbo task force of the provincial legislature, numerous actions were once again approved to implement the economic future strategy. Thirteen projects with a total investment of €19.5 million have been awarded the SALKturbo label. This brings the total to 95 approved SALKturbo projects, with a combined project budget of €466.8 million.
Tom Vandeput, Deputy for Economy and Chairman of the SALKturbo task force: “The goal of SALKturbo, under the direction of the provincial government, POM Limburg, and UHasselt, is to accelerate Limburg’s socio-economic development. Midway through the plan period, it is clear that we have succeeded, thanks to the active involvement of many Limburg stakeholders. More importantly, these projects are creating impact. The transition to a competitive, sustainable, digital, and inclusive economy is well underway. This is also confirmed by the interim evaluation by Professor Piet Pauwels and the report from Professor Stijn Baert. No other Flemish province is doing better.”
Fifty-nine projects are currently underway, supported by European, Flemish, and provincial funds. The task force has also approved €7.3 million in European transition funding for six new projects.
Flemish Minister of Economy Jo Brouns: “The ERDF program is a crucial pillar for a sustainable and innovative future for Flanders. The €7.3 million we are investing today in these six promising projects will not only contribute to Limburg’s economic growth but also to the transition to a low-carbon, digital, and circular economy. This is an important step forward for Limburg and all of Flanders.”
Progress across all SALKturbo priorities
The SALKturbo economic strategy aims to strengthen and accelerate the transition to a competitive, sustainable, digital, and inclusive economy. Deputy for Economy Tom Vandeput: “It is very positive that we are making progress in all four priorities. An innovative and digital economy cannot thrive without well-trained employees. The projects under the ‘inclusive’ priority enhance the skills of Limburg’s workers and job seekers, ensuring that every talent counts. A competitive economy also requires investments in sustainable and digital production processes.”
Overview of approved SALKturbo projects by priority
| Priority | Previously approved | Task force 23-09-2024 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive Limburg | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| Sustainable Limburg | 29 | 2 | 31 |
| Digital Limburg | 19 | 2 | 21 |
| Inclusive Limburg | 18 | 9 | 27 |
| Total | 82 | 13 | 95 |
Of the 82 previously approved projects, 53 are already in execution, resulting in an implementation rate of 65%. Other projects are ready to start or awaiting suitable European calls.
| Priority | Approved | In execution | Implementation rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive Limburg | 16 | 13 | 81% |
| Sustainable Limburg | 29 | 14 | 48% |
| Digital Limburg | 19 | 15 | 79% |
| Inclusive Limburg | 18 | 11 | 61% |
| Total | 82 | 53 | 65% |
Together we build Limburg
A plan without financial resources ends up on the shelf. The strength and success of previous economic plans lay in collaboration and shared financial responsibility. Deputy Tom Vandeput: “This is no different for SALKturbo. The provincial government provided €6.1 million in start-up funding, allowing many projects to commence immediately after approval while awaiting further European and Flemish funding. The €152 million from the European transition region recognition serves as a real lever. Minister Brouns has also allocated an additional €12.5 million in supplementary funding from Flanders.”
Overview of allocated support (in million euros)
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| European transition support | 65.5 |
| Other European support | 6.7 |
| Flemish support | 12.5 |
| Provincial support | 6.1 |
| Total | 89.9 |
Today, the SALKturbo task force approved €7.3 million in ERDF funding for six projects. Flemish Minister of Economy Jo Brouns: “With the previously approved projects, a substantial €72.2 million in European subsidies and €12.5 million in Flemish support is once again flowing to Limburg. This creates a real lever for a promising economic future.”
It is crucial to maintain momentum in implementing SALKturbo. Various projects are ready to launch. The task force has therefore issued four new ERDF project calls with a total budget of €23.7 million.
- Innovation: €7.1 million
- Skills: €6.6 million
- Renewable energy: €7.5 million
- Mobility: €2.5 million
