Belgium in Brief: Getting serious about migration, on the ground and in universities

Belgium in Brief: Getting serious about migration, on the ground and in universities
Credit: Belga/MSF

Belgium's reception crisis is an issue that illuminates shortcomings and failures from the local level all the way to the top – with some issues even taking seed at the EU level.

For those not aware of the years-long saga, Belgium reduced refugee reception capacity after the influx of arrivals seen in 2014 and 2015 subsided. Much has since happened – notably the war in Ukraine that put enormous pressure on the country's processing and housing facilities. As the world watched the war unfold, space was found for displaced Ukrainians.

But this effort did not extend to those from other conflict-torn nations. For them, the struggle assistance has brought limited success. Most visibly, they are left to fend for themselves as the reception centres are already overwhelmed and any space that becomes available is typically given to women and minors.

Yet the major sticking point, if one had to be highlighted, is the fact that these people cannot be registered with the federal agency that decides on their immediate future in Belgium. (For any non-national who has been through the gauntlet of local administration, this pales in comparison.) The result is that until their case is inspected individually by the competent authorities, new arrivals are deprived of legal status and any social protection.

In fact, they are denied any shelter at all – be it legal or literal – as they are pursued from one makeshift encampment to the next. As vagabonds huddled beneath tattered tarpaulins they fall victim not only to an administrative system that can't (or won't) perform its legal duty but are also vulnerable to attacks from polemicists who decry an "invasion".

Though nonsense if thought through clearly, the "great replacement" conspiracy is taking hold and seeks to convince that governments will seize land from the native population and give it to new (needless to say non-white) ethnicities. This bogus conception of migration is even due to be debated today in the prestigious KU Leuven university – much to the consternation of academics, students and civil rights groups who denounce the notion as a dangerous step towards normalising racism.

Then again, if organisers decide to pull the event this is likely to only fan the flames of conspiracy. Migration is nothing new – not least to Belgium which has been contested and traversed for centuries. But without a legal structure to manage it properly and facts to show, the gaps will keep growing.

Should the debate go ahead? Let @Orlando_tbt know.

Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:

1. Great replacement conspiracy: Protesters call for far-right debate at KU Leuven to be scrapped

A group of academics, students, civil society organisations and residents of the city of Leuven is protesting a debate that will take place featuring Filip Dewinter of the Flemish far-right Vlaams Belang party. The topic is whether migration is an opportunity or represents a "great replacement" – a well-known far-right conspiracy theory. Read more.

2. Police besiege Brussels building occupied by asylum seekers

For the third time in a week, asylum seekers face eviction and possible loss of possessions as police prepared to evacuate them from occupied offices of what will be Belgium's National Crisis Centre near the Brussels-Nord station. Read more.

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4. Almost 100 Delhaize shops remain closed on Monday

As was predicted last week, the strike actions in numerous Delhaize stores across Belgium have continued, with almost 100 shops keeping their doors closed on Monday in response to the company's decision to franchise all company-owned shops. Read more.

5. Number of 'new' Belgians at highest level in over 20 years

The number of people who became Belgian by applying and attaining citizenship in the country reached the highest level in two decades last year. Read more.

6. Le Chou News: Charles Michel Replaced By Muppet

Le Chou is Europe's most dedicated source of news. Catch up weekly on the biggest headlines with our roundup, all with an intentionally inaccurate and satirical streak. Follow live updates on Twitter and watch Le Chou TV on Instagram. Read more.

7. A toast to Brussels: The capital's most iconic bars

If there is one thing Brussels has no shortage of, it's bars. Everyone has their local but the abundance of spots where you can chill with a glass of wine or one of the country's famous beers can sometimes be overwhelming. Read more.


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