On Saturday, the Brussels Employer’s Federation BECI criticised the Brussels government’s lawsuit against the federal State. It regards air traffic noise in the capital. In a press release, Brussels employers said the decision was ‘surprising’ and ‘non-concerted’.
“It is time to accept that Brussels needs an international airport. It is completely the wrong time to wage war against Brussels Airport!” says Thierry Willemarck, President of the BECI.
“If our Brussels ministers wanted to do (more) damage to the economy and employment in the region and its large metropolitan zone, they’ve gone the right way about it”.
The Federation wants to remind people how important the airport is for economy in the Brussels region. It creates 20,000 jobs, and 3,000 Brussels residents work there.
“The Brussels government blows hot and cold. They love Brussels Airport when they talk about the economy, employment, and the importance of the catering industry and tourism in the region. But as soon as there are planes above Brussels, they only talk about high pollution levels and how ‘Zaventem Airport’ doesn’t meet noise pollution norms. It goes without saying that the government has to meet the European environmental and noise pollution norms! It’s obvious that we have to think about safety when planes go over densely populated areas. The BECI has been asking Brussels Airport and the Environment minister Céline Fremault to work together for well over a year. Which the minister has point blank refused to do”, the press release said.
(Source: Belga)
