Flemish Minister Cancels Religion Class Plan, Seeks New Budget Cuts

The planned reform for religion classes in Flemish schools has been cancelled. The minister will now look for different ways to save money for the education budget.
By Newsroom | Education, Belgium |

Flemish Education Minister Hilde Crevits announced on January 5, 2026, that a planned reform of religious education in Flemish schools has been abandoned. The move comes after significant backlash and disagreement, forcing the minister to look for alternative avenues to achieve previously targeted savings. The exact financial figures involved remain a point of contention, but the reform's demise necessitates a recalibration of the education budget.

The proposed reform, which aimed to adjust the structure and delivery of religious instruction within the Flemish education system, has been put on indefinite hold. This decision appears to stem from a broad spectrum of opposition, though specific details of the dissenting voices have not been fully articulated by the ministry. The government had been counting on savings derived from this reform, and their failure to implement it now presents a budgetary challenge.

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Further details on how the minister intends to offset these unexpected fiscal shortfalls are expected in the coming weeks. The ministry has stressed its commitment to maintaining the quality of education while navigating these financial adjustments.

Background: A Fractured Educational Landscape

The Flemish people, an ethnic group primarily associated with the northern part of Belgium, share linguistic ties with the Dutch. Historically, Flemish culture and language have extended into regions now part of France, known as French Flanders. This area, comprising parts of the Nord department, alongside Walloon Flanders and the French Westhoek, has seen Dutch and Flemish as dominant languages.

Flemish emigrants have established communities worldwide, with notable populations in France, the United States, and other former colonial territories. The language itself, often referred to as Flemish, is in fact a dialect of Dutch. Efforts to define and delineate the boundaries of Flemish-speaking regions have often intersected with historical administrative divisions and ethnic identities, particularly in areas bordering France. The ongoing evolution of educational policies in Flanders, therefore, operates within a complex socio-historical context.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Flemish Education Minister cancel the religion class reform?
The reform was cancelled on January 5, 2026, because of strong disagreement and opposition from various groups.
Q: What does this cancellation mean for the education budget?
The government planned to save money with this reform. Now that it is cancelled, the minister must find other ways to make budget savings for Flemish schools.
Q: What happens next with religion classes in Flanders?
The reform is on hold for now. The minister will announce new plans for budget savings in the coming weeks.
Q: Who is affected by this decision?
Students, teachers, and parents in Flemish schools are affected because the planned changes to religion classes will not happen. The education budget will also need to be adjusted.