Local entrepreneurs formally declare Minister Demir in default in Ventilus file
The new Ventilus high-voltage line is to bring the power from offshore wind turbines ashore. This may be done above ground, to the protest of farmers and companies. There is mainly uncertainty about the health risks. The companies want to hear from the minister by 4 November whether a full-fledged investigation into an underground solution is still possible, whether companies along the route can receive compensation and whether Elia includes this compensation in the total cost of an above-ground route.
Ignace Vandewalle, spokesperson for Involte vzw: “At no point was it foreseen that compensation would be paid to companies for relocation. So companies are actually not taken into account at all, employees are not taken into account at all and that disturbs us enormously.”
“Business leaders are deeply concerned about the unrealistic radiation and health standards, which in practice will not provide any protection. There is currently too little clarity about the impact on health. And when it comes to health, we cannot allow people to take risks.”
Minister Demir is not responding to the notice of default for the time being. At the beginning of November, the Flemish government wants to make a decision.