Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Belgian officials, led by PM De Croo and Finance Minister Van Peteghem, express commitment to retaining Audi Brussels’ factory amid fears of closure. Proposed incentives include tax breaks, worker training, and infrastructure support, aiming to secure the future of 3,000 jobs.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Finance Minister Vincent Van Peteghem submitted a letter of intent to the board of Audi Brussels amid suspicions about the future of the company’s factory in Forest.
All Belgian governments are committed to convincing the German car manufacturer to support its operations in Belgium. “We would like to thank Prime Minister De Croo and the various governments for this letter of intention,” factory spokesperson Peter D’hoore stated, adding that the contents of the letter will be examined and considered.
How does Audi’s potential move affect Belgian workers?
Audi’s assembly manufacturer in Forest has until recently simulated the electric SUV Q8 e-tron, but the company will discontinue this production line from 2027 onwards, potentially moving functions to Mexico. This would cost Belgium 3,000 employees and has prompted the government to pledge flexible benefits to Audi if it were to stick around.
What incentives are proposed to keep Audi in Belgium?
Proposed efforts were put together by a working group (under De Croo’s tutelage) made up of representatives from different governments and the factory administration to find a solution ahead of the upcoming elections. As it stands, “there are no guarantees from the car manufacturer,” according to the Prime Minister. Van Peteghem reflected on this uncertainty, stating that “it is difficult to notice which measures will be executed today” as the carmaker has not committed to anything yet.
De Croo referred back to the government’s past victory in holding onto Volvo’s factory in Ghent as a model to emulate. “Volvo faced doubts ten years ago. Today, they manufacture for the entire world.” He also overlooked suggestions that this latest move correlated to electioneering ahead of Sunday’s ballot. “We are here on invitation. Our actions are not defined by electoral deadlines.”
How is the government addressing Audi’s concerns about infrastructure?
The letter of intent, witnessed by the media, sets out various actions which Audi could benefit from, such as tax assumptions for investment in the production of electric or other sustainable models. This suggestion entails pre-existing deductions as well as a particularly tailored plan. The government is also offering worker training support and a budget for research and development.
Audi wishes to benefit from railway infrastructure during daytime hours (freight is currently only in operation at nighttime) and has asked that its morning shift staff be given the option to travel to work by train. The letter of intent implies that railway operator Infrabel is open to these demands.
What role does the Brussels-Capital Region play in this?
The Brussels-Capital Region has also pledged Audi that it will do its best to guarantee that the legal process of getting a wind turbine goes as smoothly as feasible for the company. The region is looking into obtaining Audi’s suppliers closer to the Forest site and has ensured that its brief unemployment scheme will remain available in the future among a raft of other efforts exclusively for Audi’s benefit.
