The exploration phase consists of several steps:

  1. Start phase: The Minister of I&W makes an official start decision for the exploration. We also publish the participation plan at the start, in which we will explain how we will involve stakeholders. 
  2. Analysis phase: In the analysis phase, we first determine which solutions will be investigated (scope) and how that investigation will take place (level of detail). This is called the Outline Memorandum on Scope and Detail Level (NRD).
  3. During information meetings, stakeholders from the surrounding area can contribute ideas on possible solutions. Experts assess these solutions in outline form. Ultimately, we choose the most promising solutions. These are recorded in the Promising Solutions Memorandum.  
  4. Assessment phase: In the assessment phase, we assess the possible effects on the environment and the living environment for each promising solution. We will record these in an Environmental Impact Report (EIR plan). We will create one report for this cross-border project. The same EIR plan is therefore also part of the procedure in Flanders.
  5. Decision-making phase: Based on the information we have gathered, the minister makes the final Preferred Decision, in close cooperation with the Flemish government. According to the current schedule, a final decision on where adjustments to the rail network are desired will thus be made by the end of 2027.