The Flemish government is requiring higher education institutions to implement substantial cost‑cutting measures. For Vrije Universiteit Brussel, this represents a total structural exercise amounting to 24.4 million euros. That total amount remains unchanged, but following consultations with the competent Flemish minister, the VUB succeeded in securing an important adjustment: almost 14 million euros in staff savings may be spread over a five‑year period.
This phasing means that the impact on staff will be less abrupt than initially feared. It gives the university the necessary room to opt for a gradual and careful approach, with maximum attention to consultation and reorientation. At the same time, it remains clear that the full savings will have to be realised over the medium term.
Rector Jan Danckaert underlines the importance of this approach: “Following negotiations with the minister, we are able to spread the impact on staff over five years. I am committed to guiding this process in a careful, step‑by‑step and socially responsible manner.”
To this end, the VUB will work with a clear decision‑making framework, including natural attrition, a more stringent recruitment and replacement policy, voluntary departures, and targeted transformations of activities. The aim is to limit the human impact as much as possible while safeguarding essential competencies.
The reduction of 10.5 million euros in operating funds remains unchanged and must be implemented within the current year. This means that the university will need to simplify and modernise its operations in order to remain viable, efficient and financially sustainable in the future.
The full savings plan will be further developed in the coming months in consultation with the social partners. The VUB emphasises its continued commitment to constructive social dialogue and to a careful and responsible process for its staff.