Twice as Many Schools Seek Asbestos Removal Subsidies, But Over 6,000 Still Need Assessment

A significant increase in schools seeking government funding for asbestos removal has been observed in Flanders. This year, 173 schools applied for subsidies, a near doubling compared to the 91 applications received in 2025. These figures were revealed by Flemish Parliament member Gianna Werbrouck, based on data from Flemish Minister of Education Zuhal Demir.

While this surge in applications is seen as positive progress, Werbrouck cautioned that a substantial amount of work remains. A mandatory asbestos inventory certificate is required to apply for these removal subsidies. The Flemish government mandated that all schools must have this certificate by 2032, as part of a broader initiative to make Flanders asbestos-free by 2040. Educational bodies have committed to advancing this deadline to 2030.

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This is positive news. Compared to last year's figures, the number of schools has nearly doubled.

Currently, only 1,633 schools possess the required asbestos certificate. Of these, 1,323 schools need to take measures to remove asbestos, with over half requiring "urgent measures" or "urgent removal." Despite the availability of full reimbursement for removal costs, a significant hurdle remains: more than 6,000 schools have not yet initiated the process of obtaining their asbestos inventory certificate. Werbrouck suggested several reasons contribute to this delay, indicating a complex path ahead in ensuring school safety.

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However, there is still a long way to go to remove asbestos in the schools where it is needed.