Flemish Government Cuts De Lijn Funding, Breaking Budget Promise

The Flemish government's 2026 budget reduces De Lijn's promised funding increase from 325 million euros to 137.5 million euros, continuing a long-term decline in real terms. The public transport company's budget has fallen from 717 million euros in 2010 to 527 million euros (inflation-adjusted) in 2026, a quarter reduction. This breaks a commitment made at the start of the legislative term and signals fiscal tightening in Belgium's Flanders region.