Asbestos negotiations collapse: Flanders sues Eternit and Etex
The Flemish government is breaking off negotiations with Eternit and Etex over Flanders' asbestos legacy and is restarting legal proceedings against the former asbestos cement producer. Talks held over the past year and a half failed to produce a breakthrough.
The Flemish government had already reached a deal with Eternit in 2014 over asbestos cement waste in the gardens and driveways of residents in Kapelle op den Bos and surrounding municipalities, under which the company agreed to pay 4.8 million euros by 2030.
Former Flemish Environment minister Zuhal Demir considered that amount insufficient and sought to secure higher compensation through a notice of default in 2024, demanding up to 1.95 billion euros. After a summons for a provisional amount of one euro, the procedure was temporarily suspended to allow for talks between the Flemish government and Eternit aimed at an amicable settlement.
Talks collapse
The Flemish government has now pulled the plug on those negotiations. "We have given Eternit and Etex the opportunity to take responsibility for one of the most serious environmental and health crimes in our recent history. That opportunity was not seized, and we regret that," explained Flemish Environment minister Jo Brouns.
The government is also immediately activating civil proceedings against Eternit, Etex and the legally responsible directors, while a criminal complaint is being prepared. "We will use all the resources that the rule of law offers us. This is out of responsibility towards the victims, local residents, local authorities and all Flemish people who today help pay for the consequences of the asbestos history," Brouns added.
Eternit regrets change of course
Eternit, for its part, said it regrets the "sudden and unilateral change of course by the Flemish government". It added that it had been "open and constructive" during recent discussions and had put "concrete and significant proposals on the table to help realise the policy objectives for an asbestos-free Flanders, within the limits of our own economic capacity".
Eternit also maintained that it has always complied with applicable laws and regulations and said that, "as one of the few existing companies with an asbestos history", it takes on a social role toward people who fall ill due to past exposure to asbestos. The company said it remains open to consultation, "insofar as the Flemish government is prepared to continue discussions with a view to a short-term solution".
#FlandersNewsService | PHOTO © Marco BERTORELLO / AFP
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