An agreement has been reached between the Muslim Executive of Belgium (the “EMB”) and the French-speaking minister in charge of Higher Education Jean-Claude Marcourt (PS). This may enable the Institute in the future to promote courses upon Islam, which will be unveiled at the beginning of this coming academic year. La Dernière Heure reported this on Wednesday. A Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed by all stakeholders, after the guarantees demanded by the EMB were provided, particularly around the choice of consensus for decision-taking within the Institute’s management board.
A source closely involved with the matter, says, “All that remains is for the EMB to disclose the names of its three representatives and start work when the new academic year begins.” The EMB blocked the implementation by the Institute of the promotion of Islam courses, back in April. At that time it requested clarification and guarantees, in particular around the means of decision-taking within the Management Committee in this respect. The Committee representation consists of three people out of around a dozen posts. The EMB was, in particular, concerned as regards the anticipated majority decision.
An agreement must henceforth be found as to the appointment of the future director of the Institute. This is an aspect which is considered to be central in fighting against fundamentalism and the long-term emergence of this form of Islam within Belgium.
The Brussels Times
