Brussels 'initiators' Christophe De Beukelaer and Elke Van den Brandt announced on Wednesday that they are now moving to a new phase in their efforts to resolve the political deadlock in Brussels-Capital Region.
Dubbed 'dialogue tables,' the new series of meetings will be organised on Thursday, Friday, and next week, following consultations the initiators recently had with the various political parties, excluding Vlaams Belang.
The meetings aim to reduce tensions around topics or positions seen as divisive or problematic by some partners.
Early-week discussions with party representatives in the Brussels Parliament offered a chance to address urgent and crucial issues for the region.
Each party shared its analysis and feelings on the political situation and the economic, social, and security challenges facing Brussels. Based on the exchanges, Van den Brandt and De Beukelaer have identified dialogues to restart and bridges to rebuild.
The dialogue tables are intended to explore how political actors can work together for the benefit of the region, despite their differences. They are seen as essential for restoring trust between Brussels’ political parties.
De Beukelaer and Van den Brandt have declined to provide details on the composition and content of the meetings in order to give them the best chance of success.
Formal and informal contacts, including with parties invited earlier this week, will be held to deepen initial exchanges and cross-reference information, according to the initiators.
Beukelaer (Les Engagés) and Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) were appointed initiators for the French and Dutch colleges in Brussels/Capital Region after David Leisterh (Mouvement Réformateur) put an end on Friday to his unsuccesful attempt to cobble together a coalition government for the region.
