flandersfocus on THE DUTCH SPEAKING PART OF press review weekly, does not appear in July • number 8 • 23 February – 1 March 2002

INTRODUCTION

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os Geysels and Karel De Gucht, men and leaders of the majority u and three in Tihange (near JPolitical Secretary of Agalev and factions of Chamber and Hoei). The current Purple-Green government’s Chairman of the liberal VLD re- managed to iron out the creases. coalition agreement specifies that nuclear ener- spectively, had already made it Nothing can stand in the way now gy will gradually be downscaled. An agreement clear last weekend. The bickering of the Purple-Greens’ continua- on this has now been reached. All nuclear pow- between government partners, es- tion until the next election, say the er stations must close after 40 years which pecially between Blues and government parties (FF). means the oldest power stations, Doel I and II Greens, had to stop. Immigrant and Tihange I, must close in 2015 and the last voting rights, the appointment of DE FINANCIEEL-ECONOMISCHE TIJD • power station will shut down in 2025. Never- representatives for the European 1 MARCH theless, the liberals want to leave the option to convention and eco-taxes could no keep the nuclear power stations operational, in longer be stumbling blocks. At a One of the first decisions was to case insufficient replacement electricity is gen- special meeting, Prime minister meet more frequently, thus allow- erated by 2015. The Greens, in turn, want guar- (VLD), the chair- ing adjustments to be made more antees that this option is not an excuse to allow quickly if a dossier threatened to the alternative energy policy to slacken. For the get out of hand. Federal Prime min- Greens, the agreement is a political windfall, CONTENTS ister, Guy Verhofstadt, solemnly even if, strangely enough, they have the banks Politics: promised that he would not force to thank for it, De Standaard points out (28 Feb- Purple greens have lost any more government candidates ruary). After all, the banks announced they their verve 2 onto the Parliament, as was the were pulling out of nuclear energy. The invest- No federal money for Walloon case when appointing the Belgian ments are massive (EUR 2.5 billion per power care insurance, says Dewael 2 representatives (including De station) and their capital will produce a faster, Gucht) for the European conven- safer return elsewhere, they argue. Electricity Mobility: tion. As far as the immigrant vot- producer Electrabel and the employers’ organi- Road safety is top priority 3 ing rights dossier was concerned, sations are firmly against the decision. Nuclear the VLD agreed that a vote would power stations are not worn out after 40 years, Agriculture: Vulnerable be taken on the current proposal in they suggest. They feel that closing them be- areas increase manure surplus 4 the Senate Committee that dealt fore the end of their economic life is an ex- Housing policy: Gabriels sends with this. Greens and socialists tremely uneconomical decision. Not to mention VHM management home 4 agreed to submit to the results of an unecological one. Because, electricity will this vote. Federal Deputy Premier, unavoidably have to be generated by power Economy Louis Michel, had already an- stations that burn fossil fuels. Wind energy ABX parcel service being nounced that he would ask his par- alone can never meet the vast demand for elec- privatised 5 ty, the PRL, to vote against the pro- tricity. Even if the least polluting solution, nat- KLM suspends flights from posal. The PRL is, in fact, in favour ural gas power stations, is chosen, enormous Deurne 5 of the voting rights but does not quantities of CO2 will still be released. Belgium 2002, a crucial year for Telenet 6 feel they are worth a government may well meet the Kyoto standard in 2012, but No merger between crisis. The Greens have now been by 2015 that will be incredibly difficult, em- and SN 6 given the assurance that the clo- ployers maintain. What’s more, natural gas has sure scenario for nuclear power sta- another disadvantage. Its price fluctuates with Youth policy: Anciaux tions will definitively be approved that of oil. It is feared that electricity prices will subsidizes youn travelers 7 at the meeting of the cabinet. The do the same. It would have been more logical if Media and Culture: VRT radio Council of State will also be asked the government had first answered the ques- networks not troubled by to provide an emergency advice on tion of what energy sources Belgium would use newcomers 7 the eco-bonuses bill, another in the post-nuclear era, concludes De Finan- Rik Wouters exhibited in Green initiative. cieel-Economische Tijd (22 February). Antwerp and Brussels 7 Frank Vandecaveye | editor in chief

focus on • 23 February - 1 March 2002 • Number 8 2 politics

GOVERNMENT BART EECKHOUT • DE MORGEN • Purple-greens 26 FEBRUARY ‘I do not feel Geysels is attacking have lost their verve Verhofstadt,’ explains De Gucht. ‘But I do sense concern from a coali- he Purple-Green coalition’s there was a consensus among the tion partner who is seeing the com- T open debate culture has degen- majority at government level con- mon address disappear. It is a con- erated into an open-chaos culture. cerning De Gucht’s candidacy, a cern I share. Purple-Green language The parties in power now seem large number of majority MPs ab- must again resurface.’ Even De only to be able to agree that they stained. These undoubtedly in- Gucht feels that too much energy disagree. This was how De Finan- cluded a significant number of has recently gone into in-fighting cieel-Economische Tijd concluded Greens. In the end, De Gucht won and Purple-Green bickering. its assessment of Purple-Green just 55 of the 135 votes cast. Many Verhofstadt himself is not aware of policy on February 23th. Things MPs refused to accept that De any harm. According to spokesman were scarcely more encouraging in Gucht was delegated, although he Miguel Chevalier, the lack of cohe- De Morgen: the Purple-Greens does not sit in the Federal Parlia- sion in the government team is ‘an lack persuasiveness, the Purple- ment. His Green candidate re- obstinate cliché without basis. In Green recovery appears to have placement Fauzaya Talhaoui paid the PCB crisis, for example, the gov- ground to a halt and Verhofstadt the price for it vis-à-vis the liberal ernment declared its support for seems to have lost control of his MPs. She was not even elected. In Minister Aelvoet (Agalev).’ The fact coalition. De Standaard also re- an interview in De Morgen, Jos that VLD Chairman De Gucht ported that the bottom had Geysels, Agalev’s political secre- agrees with Geysels is not a prob- dropped out of things. The on-go- tary, concluded that the Purple- lem for Chevalier. ‘Party chairmen ing shilly-shallying around voting Greens have lost their verve and have a different view of things,’ he rights for immigrants in the Senate that Guy Verhofstadt, otherwise claims. ‘The truth is that people are committee has not done the cohe- so driven, is noticeably silent. Gey- working harder than ever. We have sion any good. A low point in the sels feels that the government reached a period in which existing relationship between the majority team must just clearly state what plans are being implemented, but parties was the vote in the Cham- else will be achieved before the does not always provide ‘sexy’ poli- ber for the delegation of VLD elections in June 2003. His call has tics.’ Chairman Karel De Gucht to the now found a willing ear with VLD European convention. Although Chairman Karel De Gucht. (FF).

CARE INSURANCE the understanding that a federal rul- ing is unlikely to emerge, the Fran- Dewael: no federal money for cophones are hoping for federal money to develop a care insurance Walloon care insurance system in the French Community. Premier Verhofstadt laughed off their request. The prime minister he Walloon Region, the French MARK DEWEERDT • DE FINANCIEEL- however denied any Francophone TCommunity, the Commission ECONOMISCHE TIJD • 27 FEBRUARY offensive. ‘The Francophone minis- communautaire française (COCOF) ter-presidents do not want federal (French Community Commission) in The views of the Francophones are care insurance, they are only asking Brussels and the German-speaking not entirely in unison. Everyone us to play a coordinating role. At Community are seeking a counter- knows François-Xavier de Donnéa their request, we will organise an in- part to the Flemish care insurance (PRL), Prime Minister of the Brus- terministerial conference to discuss for non-medical assistance and ser- sels Region, believes that care insur- the problems of an ageing popula- vices. On 26 February, a number of ance should be worked out on a fed- tion’, said Verhofstadt. Mieke Vogels Minister-presidents tabled the ques- eral basis. Care insurance must not (Agalev), the Flemish Welfare Minis- tion in the Conciliation Committee, lead to subnationalitities in Brus- ter, felt that the initiative of the oth- in which the Federal Government sels, he says. The Walloon Minister- er regions and communities was and regional governments are repre- president, Jean-Claude van Cau- purely and simply a request for fed- sented. The Flemish Minister-Presi- wenberghe (PS), acknowledges that eral money. Minister-President De- dent, Patrick Dewael (VLD), boost- Flanders is authorised to organise its wael said it was unacceptable for the ed by the Court of Arbitration, own care insurance, but refers, like communities to ask for federal mon- which dismissed an annulment ap- his colleague in the French Commu- ey to develop a Walloon care insur- peal instituted by COCOF against nity, Hervé Hasquin (PRL), to the ance system. Nor was it acceptable, the Flemish care insurance, says coalition agreement, which refers to he said, for the Federal Government there can be no question of organis- a global approach to the dependence to take on community tasks. The ing federal care insurance or making of elderly people requiring care and a communities are empowered to pro- federal money available for Walloon concerted effort with the communi- vide assistance to people and conse- care insurance (FF). ties in relation to care insurance. On quently care insurance, he said.

focus on FLANDERS • 23 February - 1 March 2002 • Number 8 mobility 3

STATES GENERAL FOR ROAD SAFETY Road safety becomes Opinion

top priority STEFAAN HUYSENTRUYT • DE FINANCIEEL-ECONOMISCHE TIJD • 26 FEBRUARY FF EDITOR MICHEL VANDERSMISSEN/ DOMINIQUE MINTEN • DE STANDAARD • What applies to the speed limit on On 25 February, the States-General 26 FEBRUARY regional roads, applies to all pro- for Road Safety met for the first posals in the States-General. The time. In Belgium, no fewer than One of the controversial issues is Purple-Greens have made road seven federal and regional minis- speed restrictions. The Federal safety a political topic. But words ters have partial responsibility for Transport Minister, Isabelle Durant are not enough and the implemen- road safety and all of them related (Ecolo), launched, among other tation of a policy by this coalition what they had done for road safety things, a proposal to cut the speed leaves a lot to be desired. There is a during their term of office and in limit on regional roads from 90 to good chance that nothing will particular what more they were go- 70 kph. 70 kph would be the gener- change in terms of road safety. ing to do. al rule, but exceptions could be per- There is also the question of According to Transport Minister Is- mitted up to 90 kph, for example on whether we actually need addi- abelle Durant (Ecolo) and Prime safe regional dual carriageways. tional measures to promote road Minister Verhofstadt (VLD), the Some liberals have already hinted safety. What is the point of reduc- scale of the States-General illus- they are unhappy with the measure ing the speed limit still further if, in trates the importance the Purple- and even the qualified Walloon the absence of checks, the existing Green Government attaches to the Minister Michel Daerden (PS), who speed limit is already ignored? The matter. The aim is to halve the high did not attend the States-General, greatest contribution the Purple- number of fatalities (1470 in 2000) let his scepticism be heard this Greens can make to road safety is by 2010. The photos of 127 young weekend. However, he too would to increase the chances that drivers road victims on the wall of the now sign up to the 70 kph rule. are caught. More and better checks States-General in the Heizelpaleis Steve Stevaert has long been a firm need to be carried out. The Federal in Brussels underlined the gravity supporter. ‘The only certainty is Minister for Internal Affairs, An- of the situation. The ministers plan that this measure will reduce the toine Duquesne, has already an- measures in their own areas and number of road traffic accident vic- nounced that more police officers have set out quantifiable objectives tims. In any case, I notice that there will be made available for road to this end. is a great interest in Flanders to in- checks. Why this can only be done The planned campaigns are aimed troduce the speed restriction.’ Last gradually is unclear. Budgetary chiefly at speeding, driving under year, he wrote a letter to all Flemish considerations cannot be invoked. the influence of alcohol or drugs local authorities. He offered the The police officers carrying out the and enforcing the compulsory possibility to install unmanned checks pay for themselves. At wearing of seat-belts. Earlier, it had cameras in their municipality. ‘I least, if those who are caught also been announced that fines would also proposed signs on regional actually have to pay the fines. The be increased significantly. Verhof- roads limiting the speed to 70 kph. introduction of an efficient system stadt also promised to increase the The response has been much of administrative fines would pre- number of road checks. The fact greater than expected. Almost one vent overburdened Public Prosecu- that the measures are unpopular in three municipalities wants to in- tor’s Offices from dropping cases. does not matter to him. The main troduce the restriction.’ This system would also ensure that thing is that they save lives, he For the sake of clarity: the Flemish fines are collected promptly, thus feels. Region may put up road signs, the restoring the direct link between The Flemish Transport Minister, Federal Government checks fine and payment. If the chances of Steve Stevaert (SP.A), argued in whether this restriction is ob- being caught are increased, higher favour of the general introduction served. fines are not necessary. Simply in- of the 70 kph speed limit on region- creasing the fines, as the Federal al roads. Let us make 70 kph the Government recently decided to general rule outside built-up areas do, means opting for a greater de- and 50 kph in built-up areas, Ste- terrent in the hope that this will vaert proposed. Exceptions would compensate for the poor chances of then be 90 kph on some regional being caught. roads and 30 kph in e.g. areas around schools. It would also save the a large number of road signs, says Stevaert.

focus on FLANDERS • 23 February - 1 March 2002 • Number 8 4 agriculture and housing policy

MANURE HOUSING POLICY Gabriëls sends VHM Vulnerable areas increase management home manure surplus n Friday, the Flemish Housing lemish farmers no longer know Patrick Dewael (VLD) became in- OMinister, Jaak Gabriëls (VLD), F what to do with their manure. volved and together with Dua will propose to the Flemish gov- Half the manure in Flanders will wants to ask the European Com- ernment that the senior manage- become surplus manure next year. mission to show sympathy for ment of the Flemish Housing Com- Thanks to stricter fertilising stan- Flemish agriculture. Meanwhile, pany (VHM) be shown the door dards, they can only spread a tiny the VLD has called for discussions and replaced by an interim man- portion of the manure on their own with farmers. Over the past few agement. The scandals in the so- land. weeks, farmers’ organisations and cial housing sector, revealed by De According to the Manure Action the environmental movement met Morgen in April last year, have Plan, the manure needs to be several times at Dua’s offices, but caused heads to roll for the first processed but the manure process- Minister Gabriëls told the press time. The management has been ing capacities are far from ade- agency Belga that was not enough given the boot following a vote of quate. Manure exports to the Wal- and that Dua had to talk directly to no confidence by the Board of Di- loons were the only solution. Un- the farmers’ organisations. rectors (FF). der Flemish legislation, such ex- Before the Flemish Government ports were perfectly legal, but not goes to the European Commission DOUGLAS DE CONINCK • DE MORGEN • under Walloon law. However, Wal- with final maps, a finer-meshed and 27 FEBRUARY loon farmers made a good living more objective measuring net for out of them (up to EUR 250 per determining the nitrate content of In April last year, De Morgen pub- tonne). That was until Walloon En- ground- and surface-water needs to lished a series of articles about the vironment Minister Foret (PRL) be- be developed for the VLD. The lib- VHM. These revealed that the came aware of the transports and erals also want to wait for the re- board members of some of the 118 put a stop to them. Now Flanders sults of a socio-economic study Flemish social housing companies has nowhere to go with its ma- into the impact of the delimitation (SHMs) were lining their pockets nure. of vulnerable areas on the farming via exorbitant expense claims, ex- What’s more, the Flemish Agricul- sector. Minister Dua told Belga that pensive cars, business seats in foot- ture Minister wants to earmark she wanted the Flemish Govern- ball stadiums, accounting fraud, 54% of Flanders as vulnerable area ment to approve the final maps of study trips or simply by having lux- with much stricter fertilising stan- vulnerable farming areas by mid- ury homes or shops built for them- dards. Until recently, only 15% of March. In the meantime, she hopes, selves or their family. All this was Flanders was designated vulnera- along with Dewael, to be received done using funds that had been pro- ble area, but Dua is under pressure by the EU Commissioner for the vided by the government for hous- from Europe, because in many Environment Wallström. ing the socially vulnerable. Al- parts of Flanders the European ni- Dua is not prepared to wait for a so- though all this had been reported by trate standard of 50 mg/litre is be- cio-economic study. That will keep the financial inspectors of the ing exceeded. us busy for months, she said. On VHM, little or nothing was done. Compared to the Netherlands and the VRT programme ‘De Zevende The inspectors who reported the Denmark, where 100% of farm- Dag’, Dua said she would present a fraud, however, had to process one land has been designated vulnera- draft to Europe that was as benefi- disciplinary procedure after the ble, that is not even all that strict a cial as possible for agriculture and other, often thanks the head of the measure, but the farmers have en- which included extremely broad anti-fraud cell, the Geraardsbergen tered the fray and are seeking sup- margins for fertilisation. The min- CD&V politician Paul Michel. The port from the VLD. Minister Dua ister underlined that she had her audit carried out following our se- (Agalev) wants the Flemish Gov- back to the wall as a result of the ries of articles revealed that his ernment to reach a decision in sev- European Nitrate Directive. ‘My electoral campaign for the local eral weeks, but her VLD colleague, predecessors granted more and elections had been run by a VHM Jaak Gabriëls, Economic Affairs, more licences and now we’re in a secretary. In addition to an audit, says they must wait for the results situation that we don’t know what which largely confirmed the re- of a study into the socio-economic to do with the manure’, said Dua. ports in De Morgen, Gabriëls con- consequences (FF). cluded that the VHM ‘used incor- rect formulas’ in its 2002 invest- MARK DEWEERDT • ment programme. The annoying DE FINANCIEEL-ECONOMISCHE TIJD • consequence is a chunk of some 26 FEBRUARY EUR 30 million out of the Flemish budget. ‘The VHM’s treasury plan- Dua had wanted to submit her plan ning has to be entirely re-done,’ to the European Commission at the says Gabriëls, who pointed out that end of last year, but the liberals put for him this was the straw that a stop to that. Prime Minister broke the camel’s back.

focus on FLANDERS • 23 February - 1 March 2002 • Number 8 economy 5

RAILWAYS AVIATION KLM suspends flights Privatisation from Deurne airport of ABX parcel service n 1 July, the Dutch BX, the ‘parcel service’ of the tor of the NMBS and the ABX hold- OKLM will halt its three daily ANMBS that delivers goods by ing will become a subsidiary. I flights from Deurne (Antwerp) to lorry in more than 100 countries, know ABX like the back of my Schiphol. The high-speed train, will be transferred to a separate hand and am extremely attached to Thalys, will transport all passen- holding company open to private it.’ Furthermore, the NMBS will gers to Schiphol as from 1 July. Ac- capital. In an initial phase, the only be able to give ABX a subordi- cording to KLM, this involves ap- company is allowed to attract EUR nated loan of EUR 50 million, prox. 75,000 customers on an an- 250 million in private capital in whereas Schouppe had hoped for nual basis. In so doing, KLM fol- a decision of the Federal Govern- EUR 85 million. Minister Durant lows Air France’s example which a ment. loses face. Wednesday evening, she year ago scrapped the scheduled As a result, Etienne Schouppe, turned up with yet another report flight from to Charles Managing Director of the NMBS, in support of her position for an im- De Gaulle in Paris and transported has gotten what he wants. Not mediate sale of ABX. ‘I never asked its Belgian customers in the Tha- only has he got his EUR 250 mil- for ABX to be sold tomorrow,’ she lys. In 2001, Deurne welcomed lion to make the company prof- said on Friday. 273,208 passengers, an increase of itable, the company will also be And yet the Ecolo minister will around 4%. The only two sched- partly made independent. save face by translating the govern- uled flights remaining in Deurne Transport Minister Isabel Durant, ment’s decision into a sale, in the are Antwerp- City and on the other hand, wanted to sell long term. ‘The contribution of pri- Antwerp-Geneva, both operated the loss-making ABX and stop the vate capital up to EUR 250 million by VLM Airlines (Vlaamse Lucht- NMBS pouring money into it. She is just the first phase. From today vaartmaatschappij) (FF). wanted the EUR 250 million to be the process will be set in motion for invested in B-cargo, the NMBS di- the NMBS to withdraw from ABX.’ JOHAN VAN BAELEN • vision that transports goods by Premier Verhofstadt seemed ex- GAZET VAN ANTWERPEN • 27 FEBRUARY rail. And yet Durant has not en- tremely satisfied with the solution tirely lost the argument. She has after the Cabinet meeting. Certain ‘This is bad news for Deurne air- been promised that the NMBS will coalition partners -read: the PS - port. One third of all our passen- not give the company any more still have a problem with the idea gers,’ says Deurne’s airport chief, money in the future and is pro- of the partial privatisation of a state Paul Paridaens. In particular, this claiming that the deal will ulti- enterprise. There is little doubt affects handler Aviapartner, which mately result in ABX’ sale in the that, with a ceiling of EUR 250 mil- generates 80% of its turnover long term. The administrative lion, the NMBS will remain ABX’ thanks to KLM. Taxis, car-hire bodies of the holding company and main shareholder. Clearly that was firms and shops at the airport will subsidiaries will be appointed by necessary to win over the social- also be dealt a heavy blow. The air- NMBS’ shareholder, i.e. the gov- ists. What is more, only in this way port chief is especially disappointed ernment. Schouppe will not be can the shareholder (the govern- because KLM gave no warnings and able to take all decisions alone. ment) appoint the administrative refused all talks. Furthermore, ABX will distribute mandates in the Board of Directors ‘At the diamond sector’s request, parcels of less than thirty kilo- of the new holding and the sub- we wanted to have discussions after grams in tandem with De Post (the sidiaries. the fourth flight was scrapped. Af- Belgian postal service). ABX and Schouppe also finds it important ter 28 years of working together we De Post will establish a new com- that the NMBS has a major say in were not even consulted.’ pany for this purpose (FF). ABX. Only in this way can the syn- Marleen Wijckmans of KLM Bel- ergy with B-Cargo, which provides gium: ‘The Deurne line was ex- CHRISTOF VANSCHOUBROEK • goods transport by rail, and with tremely important in the Flanders DE STANDAARD • 23 FEBRUARY the shipment company InterFerry- package. Last year, we invested in Boats, be guaranteed. an attempt to attract more cus- The flipside is that Schouppe will tomers. Without success. The occu- have less influence on his ABX. His pancy rate was too low, the operat- darling is leaving home and is going ing costs were high.’ Pessimists see to live in digs. An explicit demand a clear sign in VLM’s new flights is that NMBS’ shareholder (the gov- from Zaventem: the beginning of ernment) will appoint the Board of the end for Deurne? Directors of the ABX holding and subsidiaries. Schouppe will proba- bly have to tolerate a strong man in ABX alongside himself. But he does not seem prepared to simply let go of the reins. ‘I am Managing Direc-

focus on FLANDERS • 23 February - 1 March 2002 • Number 8 6 economy

TELECOM MARKETSHARE OF FLEMISH RADIO STATIONS Jan/Feb Jan/Feb 2002, a crucial year 2001 2002 VRT 85.5 83.0 Radio 1 6.8 7.3 for Telenet Radio 2 32.2 30.2 Radio 3/ Klara 1.6 1.4 Studio Brussel 8.4 6.2 ollowing the rather alarming more debt. Sickinge faces a diffi- Radio Donna 36.4 37.9 reports concerning Telenet in, cult task (FF). . VMM 5.8 F Q-Music 3.0 among others, De Standaard last Topradio 1.8 week, Telenet CEO Duco Sickinge BERT BROENS • Mango 1.0 felt the time had come to explain DE FINANCIEEL-ECONOMISCHE TIJD • 4FM 0.4 about the forthcoming reorgani- 28 FEBRUARY CONTACT GROEP 2.9 Contact 2.3 sation of his company. He ex- Contact2 0.6 plains the announced redundan- Between January 1999 and June last OTHER FLEMISH STATIONS 3.0 cies (139 of the 900 employees), year, Telenet’s cumulative losses (local & cable) the increases in rates and inter- amounted to EUR 445 million due NOT FLEMISH 2.1 connection (connection of other to the considerable start-up invest- DOESN’T KNOW 2.7 operators to the Telenet network) ments. Next year, the debt will as a financial and organisational reach its ceiling of EUR 1.25 bil- AVIATION catch-up manoeuvre. This year, lion, but it will be eight to ten Telenet is aiming for an increase months before that drops again, No Virgin-SN in the number of telephone and says Sickinge. Internet lines from EUR 410,000 The take-over of the cable compa- to EUR 747,000 and an increase in nies by Telenet depends on secur- merger turnover from EUR 177 to EUR ing the loan of EUR 1.35 billion. 307 million. However, signs of a Sickinge says he sees no reason why FF EDITOR positive cash-flow will only be the loan should not be in place in noticeable in 2004. Due to the time. The cable companies are prof- The merger between SN Brussels high number of new connections, itable: their operating result for this Airlines and Virgin has fallen investments will rise to EUR 225 year is estimated at EUR 90 million through. The talks collapsed over million in 2002. Telenet has suffi- positive. Telenet’s management the valuation of each other’s assets. cient financial breathing space to also wants to free the company However, both parties are doing keep the company operational from the costly bond loan passed on everything possible to maintain until July of this year at the latest. by main shareholder Callahan. We their commercial collaboration. There is little time to organise a would welcome strengthening the Virgin boss Richard Branson had loan of EUR 1.35 billion which company’s capital by replacing this pledged EUR 24.7 million to SN will be used to finance an earlier loan, says CFO Leo Steenbergen. Brussels Airlines and would have loan of EUR 550 million, the take- According to him, talks are current- been prepared to increase this in- over of the mixed cable compa- ly under way between shareholders vestment to EUR 100 million. nies (EUR 400 million) and concerning this loan. Branson announced to withdraw growth (400 million). Ten banks his 24.7 million investment in SN have already subscribed to this Brussels Airlines. According to De loan for EUR 1.1 billion. In the Financieel-Economische Tijd, how- meantime, they mustn’t run into ever, 5 extra candidate-investors have already come , who to- gether would invest a sum greater than Branson’s EUR 24.7 million. ENERGY PRODUCTION SINCE 1975 (IN BILLION KWH) Last week, SN Air Holding, the main shareholder in SN Brussels 100 Produced by oil and liquid fuels Airlines, decided to join forces with Produced by coal and solid fuels Birdy Airlines, the new airline of Produced by wind and water power Georges Gutelman and Victor Has- 80 Produced by natural gas Produced by Nuclear Power Stations son (former owners of bankrupt City Bird), for its scheduled flights to Africa. According to SN Air 60 Holding, the Birdy dossier was fi- nancially and qualitatively more interesting than that of the other 40 candidates, , British Mid- lands and VG Airlines (owned by Flemish businessman, Freddy Van 20 Gaever).

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focus on FLANDERS • 23 February - 1 March 2002 • Number 8 youth and culture 7

MEDIA YOUTH POLICY VRT networks Anciaux subsidizes young travellers not really troubled by commercial lemish Minister for Culture and many rules, but there are still a newcomers F Youth, Bert Anciaux (Spirit), number of restrictions. For in- has prepared a new project for stance, projects in certain coun- young people who want hands-on tries are not possible because they The arrival of the regional commer- experience abroad. All youngsters, cannot be insured. This implies no cial radio stations Q-Music and aged between 16 and 25, who want good deeds or cultural work in 4FM has not resulted in the much to meet the local population Afghanistan. Tourist projects are feared shift in Flemish peoples’ lis- abroad are able to submit a re- not permitted either, nor are ordi- tening patterns, concludes the pub- quest for grants up to EUR 1,000 nary employment or training be- lic broadcasting company VRT. provided their plans involve a pro- cause several international hands- This emerges from the audience ject. Anciaux has positioned his on experience courses exist. Any survey, Radioscan. With a market project in support of a tolerant Eu- youngster or group of up to four share of 3% for Q-Music and a mea- ropean community (FF). youngsters is able to submit a pro- gre 0.4% for 4 FM, the Flemish ject proposal to the co-ordinating commercial radio stations have not DE STANDAARD • 27 FEBRUARY body of the International Youth caused a shift in the Flemish radio Agency (Jint). After the exchange, landscape. Admittedly, the market Anciaux gives a couple of exam- youngsters are expected to get to share of the VRT networks Donna, ples: in the Brazilian city of Sal- work on the results. These propos- Radio 1, Radio 2, Klara and Studio vador a young Flemish woman als are also assessed by Jint. Young- Brussel has dropped slightly, but at shoots a report on ‘capoeira’, the sters can expect EUR 250 a month, 83% is still overwhelming. With Q popular fighting dance; four for up to three months, and recoup Music and the network radios Man- Antwerp rappers go to Morocco in 75% of their travelling expenses. go and Topradio, the Flemish Media search of their roots and set up a The subsidies are in addition to the Company (Vlaamse Media Maat- dance and music project; two young existing European support for schappij), parent company of com- people document the winter migra- group exchanges or voluntary work mercial TV broadcaster VTM, has tion of wild geese in collaboration that are generally organised via or- become a minor player in the Flem- with a Canadian nature group. ganisations. These application files ish radio market (5.8%). The examples are so varied that also go through Jint, which means they raise many questions. Anci- there is no overlapping. TABLE PAGE 6 aux does not want to impose too www.jint.be

EXHIBITIONS and photos, Wouters’ death mask, his hand in bronze. True Wouters Rik Wouters exhibited fans will get a lump in their throat when they see 4 never-before-seen in Antwerp and Brussels photos of an elderly Nel, Wouters’ wife and favourite subject, his mag- net for colours, the axis of his light wo exhibitions of the work of BERNARD DEWULF • carousel. In one photo Nel is laying T Mechelen painter Rik Wouters DE MORGEN • 23 FEBRUARY her hand on the large ‘Het (1882-1916) are running simulta- Zotte Geweld’, which shows an ex- neously: in the Museum voor The museum in Antwerp has taken uberant, dancing naked woman for Schone Kunsten in Antwerp and this opportunity to set up a perma- which Nel posed for hours. The in the Paleis voor Schone Kunsten nent Wouters Room, where the do- same ‘zotte geweld’ also ‘ceremoni- in Brussels. Anyone visiting the nation will stay. The collection in- ously’ opens the exhibition in Brus- exhibitions will get a complete cludes wonderful such as sels as a monument to sensuality. It overview of Wouters’ oeuvre, who ‘Lezende Vrouw’ (his wife Nel is followed by three of Wouters’ died of bone cancer aged 34. There Wouters in her famous red-and- best works, after which, just as in is good reason for the smaller exhi- white striped dress), ‘Vrouw in het Antwerp, Wouters is placed in his bition in Antwerp alongside the zwart, een krant lezen’, ‘Naakt- time period, alongside and between large exhibition in Brussels. The studie’, ‘Vrouw aan de haartooi’ and works by such artists as, Rodin, En- museum possesses a large number the well-known ‘Rik met de zwarte sor, Cézanne and Bourdelle. of works by Wouters. 58 of these ooglap’. In an adjacent room, in a Wouters’ work then extends over were donated by Ludo Van Bo- temporary exhibition, several several large rooms. On the walls gaert-Scheid, who specified in the works by Wouters are exhibited to- paintings, in the centre on a sort of donation deed that they must not gether with works by contempo- lectern, the drawings and a sculp- leave the museum (FF). rary artists - Rodin, Parels, Brussel- ture here and there. mans, Schirrens and Peeters. Sever- Wouters’ work is timeless, even al rooms on the ground floor are when there is so much, as in Brus- also filled with drawings, letters sels. For Wouters, light was his main

focus on FLANDERS • 23 February - 1 March 2002 • Number 8 8 culture concern. Many of his works show Sometimes it seems to be beside it- tinguishes himself from other the very bright light of high summer. self and to tremble with excitement. painters who tried similar things. It comes from inside and outside, It is precisely in that trembling, in hangs and moves simultaneously. that shimmering that Wouters dis-

Antwerp) with compositions by Van der • Until 14 April: Jan Van Imschoot, Steven Roost, Rodrigo and Bartok; info: Aalders and Yshai Jusidman, SMAK, Diary 09/282.71.34 Ghent; info: 09/221.17.03 www.smak.be • 6 March: Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano) • Until 31 March: Focus 1: a special meet- with compositions by Schubert, Rachmani- ing with works by Edgard Tytgat, Ossip nov and Liszt, PSK, Brussels; info: Zadkine, Floris Jespers, Marc Chagall, Fris MUSIC, DANCE THEATRE 02/507.82.00 Vanden Berge, Gustave De Smet, Museum • 9 March: Christina Branco (Fado), Dhondt-Dhaenens, Deurle, • 20 February until 17 November: Bruges • 9 March: Royksopp, Culture Club, Ghent; www.museumdd.be 2002, Cultural Capital of Europe; info: 0900/26060 • Until 24 March: Hundred houses for hun- info: 070/22.33.02 www.brugge2002.be • 12 March: Suzanne Vega, Koningin Elisa- dred European architects, exhibition, De • Until 6 March: Viewpoint, festival of the bethzaal, Antwerp; info: 0900/26060 Singel, Antwerp; info: 03/248.28.28 documentary film, Ghent; info: • 10 March: Jools Holland & his rhytm and www.desingel.be 09/225.08.45 www.viewpointdocfest.be blues orchestra, Ancienne Belgique, Brus- • Until 21 April: Paris 1900, exhibition, • 6 March: Akademie für Alte Musik con- sels; info: 02/548.24.24 www.abconcerts.be Museum Elsene, info: 02/515.64.21 ducted by Andrew Manze with composi- • 10 March: Jorma Hynninen. Ilkka Paana- • Until 12 April: The non-conformist city tions by JF Rebel, JM Leclair, G Muffat an nen with Lieder by Wolf, Sibelius, Brahms by Luc Deleu, exhibition on urban design, JP Rameau, De Singel, Antwerp; info: and Gothoni, Flanders Opera, Antwerp; Mercator Galery, Antwerp; 03/248.28.28. www.desingel.be info: 03/233.66.85 www.desingel.be info: 03/247.24.19 • 5 and 6 March: Swollip by Alexander Baer- • 13 March: Pieter Wispelwey, Cello with 6 • Until November: Living Tomorrow, voets (dance), De Monty, Antwerp (info: suites by JS Bach, De Singel, Antwerp; info: where visions meet, the house of the fu- 03/238.91.81) www.monty.be 03/248.28.28 www.desingel.be ture, Vilvoorde; info: www.livtom.be • 6 March: Marc van Runxt and Eric • 18 March: Zehetmair Quartett, Conserva- • Until 21 April: Bert De Beul & Honoré Raeves/ Maria Villa Lobos (dance), De tory, Brussels; info: 02/507.82.00 d’O, exhibition, MUHKA, Antwerp; Vooruit Gent (info: 09/267.24.24) • 20 March: Spiegel Strijkkwartet with info: 03/238.59.60 www.vooruit.be Teodoro Anzelotti (accordeon) with compo- • Until 14 April: Berlinde De Bruyckere, • 6 March: 2Pack by Abdellaziz Sarrokh sitions by Pintscher, Vermeersch and Sciar- Ilse Jolliet and time/work, exhibition, (dance), PSK, Brussels; info: 02/507.85.10 rino, De Singel, Antwerp; info: Caermersklooster, Ghent (Patershol), www.pskpba.be 03/248.28.28 www.desingel.be info: 09/269.29.10 • 7 March: Swollip by Alexander Baervoets • 14 to 24 March: Cinema Novo Festival, • Until 24 March: Francky Cane, Jan and Hush!Hush!Hush! (dance) De Vooruit Brugges, info: 050/33.54.86 www.cine- Decleir/Fred Bervoets and Patrick de Gent; info: 09/267.24.24, www.vooruit.be manovo.be Spiegelaere, exhibition, De Zwarte Panter, • 8 and 9 March: Salia Sanou, Compagnie Antwerp; info: 03/233.13.45 Salia Ni Seydou (Burkina Faso), Tagalaa, • Until 17 March: The Pose, photo exhibi- dance; De Singel, Antwerp; info: EXPO tion by Malou Swinnen, Begijnhof, Hasselt; 03/248.28.28. www.desingel.be info: www.limburg.be • 6 to 15 March: Jan Lauwers & Needcom- • Until 2 June 2002: Brains in action, • Until 11 March: I mode you in red, pany, Images of Affection, theatre, in Eng- exhibition, Museum of Natural Sciences, exhibition, Fashion museum, Hasselt; lish, Kaaitheaterstudio’s Brussels; Brussels; info: 02/627.42.52 info: 011/23.96.21 info: 02/201.59.59 www.kaaitheater.be www.natuurwetenschappen.be • Until 26 March: Art Fashion, Fashion • 8 to 16 March: Jan Ritsema & Bojana • Until 17 March: Europe in Euphoria (1851 designers, exhibition Goethe-Institut Inter Cvejic, Today Ulysses, theatre, Kaaithe- - 1913), exhibition, Royal Museum of Art Nationes Brussels; info: 02/230.39.70 aterstudio’s, Brussels; info: 02/201.59.59 and History, Jubelpark, Brussels; • Until 13 May: Brugges 2002: exhibition: www.kaaitheater.be info: 02/741.72.11 www.europaeuforie.be Attachment +, contemporary art, Normaal- • 7 March: Femi Kuti, Ancienne Belgique, • Until 2 June: About the Head, exhibition, school Brussels; info: 02/548.24.24 Museum Dr.Ghuislain, Ghent; • Until 30 June: Brugges 2002 Impact, 1902 www.abconcerts.be info: 09/216.35.95 www.fracarita.be Revisited: The Flemish Primitives at • 8 March: Das Pop deluxe, De Vooruit, • Until 24 March: Woman’s business - Bruges, exhibition, Arentshuis, Bruges; Ghent; info: 02/267.24.24 www.vooruit.be Business Women, exhibition, St-Pieters- info: 070/22.33.02 www.brugge2002.be 9 March: Ian Bostridge & Julius Drake, De abdij, Ghent; info: 09/243.97.30 • Until 26 May: Rik Wouters, exhibition, Munt, Brussels; info: 070/23.39.39 • Until 31 March: Frans Olbrechts – in KMSK, Anwerp; info: 03/238.78.09 www.demunt.be search of art in Africa, photo exhibition, www.antwerpen.be/cultuur/kmska • 6 March: I Fiamminghi with Fabio Zanon Etnographical Museum, Antwerp; • Until 26 May: Rik Wouters, exhibition, in MUHKA (Museum contemporary art, info: 03/220.86.00 PSK, Brussels; info: 02/507.84.66 www.pskpba.be

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focus on FLANDERS • 23 February - 1 March 2002 • Number 8