Brussels takes integration into its own hands
From 2024, a new operator will come to Brussels, under the supervision of the Common Community Commission, who will offer their own Brussels integration courses. This is stated in a preliminary draft ordinance that was approved today by the Brussels government.
Newcomers of age who come from outside the European Union have been obliged for several years in Brussels to follow an integration course. These courses are currently being organized by the Brussels reception office for newcomers (BON, Flanders) born and the French-speaking reception offices (BAPAs, Cocof) pregnant.
At the initiative of Minister Alain Maron (Ecolo), the Brussels government now wants to take integration into its own hands.
In the future, according to the draft ordinance, integration courses will be organized under the supervision of the Joint Community Commission (GGC). The newcomers can choose between a French or a Dutch course. The Cocof reception offices will be absorbed by the Joint Community Commission. The GGC is in discussion with Flanders to ensure that the roll-out goes as smoothly as possible. The Brussels welcome office for newcomers (Flanders) can simply continue to exist, alongside the Brussels initiative.
Free courses
The Brussels courses will be free and there will be integration programs tailored to the newcomers. There will also be an organization that will assess integration in the capital.
The Brussels citizenship course will consist of three parts: a welcome module with information, language lessons in Dutch and French, and a citizenship education course, where the newcomer will receive information about, among other things, the functioning of public institutions and the key values of a democracy.
The language lessons will be given by current organizations, which therefore depend on the Flemish community of Cocof.
The preliminary draft ordinance was approved today at first reading and will be discussed in parliament later, after advice from the Council of State and social partners.