GDP per capita still 22% behind Flanders
With financial support from Europe, the Limburg economy has reinvented itself in recent years. Employment rates have risen spectacularly, bringing Limburg closer to the Flemish average. However, despite efforts and progress, the region’s economic position remains vulnerable. Closing the historical gap has proven to be a persistent challenge, particularly in terms of lower output per worker. Supported by the Flemish government agreement, the province of Limburg is therefore advocating for the continuation of its status as a European transition region. “This is absolutely necessary; otherwise, we risk falling behind,” says Tom Vandeput, Deputy for Economy and Chairman of POM Limburg.
Limburg has been recognized as a transition region until 2027, enabling it to access €166 million in European support since 2021 to address socio-economic challenges. The economic action plan SALKturbo serves as a guiding framework, facilitating ambitious projects made possible by European funding, such as the development of the Health Campus and Bouwcampus in Diepenbeek. According to Tom Vandeput: “These European funds act as a powerful lever, with 95 approved SALKturbo projects already representing a total investment volume of €466.8 million.”
Work is not yet finished
These efforts are delivering tangible results. Limburg has nearly closed the employment gap with Flanders, and its unemployment rate is now below the Flemish average. Moreover, the funded projects contribute to a smarter, more sustainable, and more innovative Limburg economy. However, Deputy Vandeput emphasizes: “The work is far from done. While several indicators are moving in the right direction, Limburg’s economic growth remains fragile due to structural challenges. In the coming years, our province will experience a sharper rise in aging demographics compared to other regions. Additionally, Limburg lags significantly behind Flanders in labor productivity. The industrial sector, historically Limburg’s economic backbone, is also losing ground. Furthermore, we continue to face key geographical and infrastructural disadvantages, including our location outside the Flemish Diamond, inadequate infrastructure and public transport, and a lack of sufficient university education opportunities.”
Prosperity under pressure
As a result, Limburg’s gross domestic product per capita remains 22% lower than the Flemish average, and the gap continues to widen year after year. This growing disparity poses a serious threat to regional prosperity. Today, Limburg’s purchasing power standard is already 5% below the European average, while Flanders as a whole stands more than 20% above it. The positive news is that the Flemish government recognizes Limburg’s critical economic situation. The Flemish Government Agreement explicitly states: “With the new ERDF program after 2027, we advocate for the continued funding of Limburg as a transition region.” ERDF refers to the European Regional Development Fund.
Commitment to the region
Deputy for Economy and POM Limburg Chairman Tom Vandeput welcomes the Flemish Government’s commitment. “Limburg is undoubtedly moving in the right direction toward a competitive, sustainable, and innovative economy. Ranking 20th on the European Competitiveness Index, well ahead of most Walloon provinces and even surpassing West Flanders, proves that we have strong assets. However, we need continued European support to fully capitalize on these strengths. The efforts of recent years must not only continue but, where necessary, be intensified. Extending Limburg’s status as a transition region is crucial; without it, we risk falling behind the rest of Flanders. The figures speak for themselves: in terms of wealth creation, Limburg faces an enormous gap compared to other Flemish provinces. It is only logical that our province remains a priority when distributing European support funds. We are therefore very pleased with the Flemish Government’s commitment. By investing in Limburg, we strengthen both Flanders and Europe.”
Europe makes a difference in Limburg
European support is not a luxury but a vital engine for Limburg’s economic transformation. Since the closure of the coal mines, Europe has played a key role in Limburg’s transition from an underdeveloped region to a competitive player. With 2,100 projects and a total investment of €2.1 billion, European funding has significantly reshaped the Limburg landscape. During the most recent support period alone, Europe allocated €166 million to Limburg’s transformation, including €109 million from ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) and €57 million from ESF (European Social Fund). Deputy Tom Vandeput affirms: “Europe truly makes a difference in Limburg. Additional funding is not a bonus but an absolute necessity to realize strategic investments that will propel us into the European top tier. That remains our ambition, and we must not lose momentum.”
