On 30 November and 1 December, Minister Bart Somers and Minister Zuhal Demir took part, on behalf of Belgium, in the Informal videoconference of European ministers responsible for Urban Matters and Territorial Cohesion.
The conference was marked by the adoption of the new Leipzig Charter on sustainable urban development and of the Territorial Agenda 2030 on spatial planning.
Minister Somers pointed out that cities play an important role in several societal challenges such as the corona virus, climate, inclusion, economic innovation and mobility. Flemish cities are already working hard on the social, ecological and economic priorities of the new Leipzig Charter.
Minister Demir endorsed the message of the Territorial Agenda 2030 that integrated and sustainable spatial planning and territorial development are crucial to create a green and just Europe. Flanders is putting this message into practice, for example through the 'Blue Deal' to tackle drought and water scarcity.
