On Friday 8 June, a Flemish-Dutch parliamentary delegation visited Ghent – Terneuzen. The key focus of the visit was the cooperation between Flanders and the Netherlands in the field of infrastructure and mobility.
General Representative in the Netherlands Axel Buyse emphasized the importance of a strong strategic cooperation. “A strong cooperation with the Netherlands has always been a priority for Flanders’ foreign policy. Our cooperation goes far beyond culture and language,” said Buyse in his opening speech.
In 2012, Flanders and the Netherlands decided to build a new and larger lock in the Locking Complex of Terneuzen. This locking complex controls the access to the ports of Ghent and Terneuzen and is a crucial link in the Seine-Schelde connection. The new lock is necessary to realize growth of freight transport by inland waterways. The first passage is scheduled for 2022.
The members of the delegation discussed cross-border projects, such as train operations, the mileage tax and the Low Countries Studies and they received an update on the construction of "lock complex Terneuzen".