Belgium: Commission finds that support for Flemish land management associations does not constitute State aid
The public funding was granted between 2003 and 2017 to Natuurpunt Beheer, Durme and Limburgs Landschap, all three non-for-profit organisations. It was conceded for the acquisition of land suitable for nature conservation in Flanders, which was subsequently landscaped, transformed into and managed as nature reserves.
In June 2024, the Commission opened an in-depth investigation to assess whether the public funding of the three associations constituted State aid, following a complaint by the Flemish Association for Equal Rights in relation to Nature Management.
The Commission concluded that, as nature conservation and education activities are not economic in nature, public funding awarded in their support does not constitute State aid. Other activities, such as cafeteria services or book sales were conducted on a limited scale and only on local markets. As they are not liable to have an effect on trade, they do not constitute State aid.
The decision will be made available under the case number SA.36303 in the State aid register.
For more information, see the Commission’s PR.