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Archived edition · August 24, 2026 Today's news →

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LandUse 🌳

Environmental Planning Under Scrutiny; School Year Confirmed

Controversy has erupted in Deurne as a highly contested tree-felling operation began amidst a significant police presence. This comes as Toon Denys, the top Flemish environment official, emphasized the critical need for strategic land-use planning and warned that the 'bouwshift' (building shift) is progressing too slowly, urging the government to make timely decisions to prevent long-term consequences.

In education, the upcoming school year is confirmed to proceed despite anticipated chaos and disruptions. This news is accompanied by a report investigating the cost of education in comparison to neighboring countries.

Internationally, Belgium's media is following developments in the war with Iran, the Ukraine conflict, and the death of French journalist Philippe Bouvard. The Cofnas case has also placed Ghent University at the center of an American culture war.

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Flemish Environment Official Urges Action on Land Use

Toon Denys, Flanders' top environment official, has highlighted the critical importance of strategic land-use planning and warned that the 'bouwshift' (building shift) is progressing too slowly. He stressed the urgency for the government to make timely decisions to prevent long-term negative consequences from poor development permits.

School Year to Commence Amidst Anticipated Challenges

Despite expectations of a chaotic start, the school year in Belgium is confirmed to proceed, addressing ongoing concerns about potential educational disruptions.

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