Audit Court Slams Flanders' Infrastructure Projects for Lack of Transparency and Political Interference

A critical report from the Audit Court has sharply criticized Flanders' management of infrastructure investments, highlighting a significant lack of transparency and undue political influence in the allocation of funds for projects like bridges, tunnels, and cycle paths. The report suggests that a persistent deficit in maintenance funding could force drastic safety interventions, including potential tunnel closures or speed restrictions.

The Audit Court's review of the "Integrated Investment Program" (GIP), a system designed for objective distribution of infrastructure funds, found that its goals have not been met. The court stated that the selection process for projects lacks objectivity, transparency, and thorough consideration. Despite assurances from Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Annick De Ridder that the selection is objective, the Audit Court has raised "serious questions" about this claim.

The report indicates that the "political character has become stronger," with the Flemish government and political actors making numerous changes to projects after their initial submission, often without objective scoring. The Audit Court noted that over 150 projects were added, while others were removed or replaced without substantive justification. This suggests that project selection is still largely driven by "political horse-trading" rather than a rational decision-making framework, according to Jasper Pillen, a Flemish Parliament member for Anders.

Furthermore, the report points out that the annual budget of approximately 2.5 billion euros for infrastructure works, while increased, does not represent a real boost due to inflation. The Audit Court also noted that a promise to increase maintenance budgets by 2025 has not been fulfilled. The Agency for Roads and Traffic has stated it cannot rule out the possibility of tunnel closures or speed reductions for safety reasons, underscoring the potential consequences of these systemic issues.