Expenditure Flemish government

The expenditure of the Flemish government amounted to 59.6 billion euros in 2023. This is an increase of 9.1% compared to 2022 (in current prices (open definition) (open definition)). This concerns ESR expenditure (open definition) (open definition).

The strongest increase in expenditure in recent years occurred in 2015. Expenditure then increased by 36% due to the transfer of a number of federal powers to Flanders. Based on the 6^th state reform, powers were transferred in the areas of the labour market, family allowances, healthcare, justice and traffic.

Current expenditure accounted for 90% of Flemish expenditure in 2023. The remaining 10% was capital or investment expenditure.

In 2023, 27% of current expenditure was intended for the Flemish government itself (including interest). 32% went as transfers or subsidies to other governments and 41% to other sectors. These are citizens, associations, companies and foreign countries.

Of the capital expenditure, 56% went to the Flemish government itself. 14% went as transfers or subsidies to other governments and 30% to other sectors.

Education and social protection were the largest expenditure items of the Flemish government in 2023. They each accounted for 27% of expenditure. Economic affairs, including mobility, came in third with 19%.