‘Bruxelles bruxellait’ as Jacques Brel sang over half a century ago. Today, the capital is still beautiful, lively and bustling. But for how long? The region is at risk of suffocating, paralysed by endless political gridlock, increasing drug-related violence and a worrying lack of job security. As social partners - employers and workers together - we sounded the alarm last week. The political deadlock is not only threatening the stability of the capital and its socio-economic development, it is mortgaging its future. This inertia can no longer continue.
That's why we - CEO and Secretary General of Beci and President and Secretary General of FGTB-ABVV Brussels - would like to call your attention today to the main challenges facing our region and propose solutions agreed between our organisations, which are committed to ensuring that Brussels remains a bustling city!
A peaceful environment for residents, workers and businesses
Neighbourhoods that were once bustling with commerce and conviviality are being undermined by traffickers and gangs.
This lack of security is having serious consequences: for businesses and public services, which are having to bear rising security costs; for workers, tourists and commuters, who no longer feel safe when travelling; and above all for the residents of these neighbourhoods, who suffer on a daily basis; and finally, for all the people of Brussels, whose quality of life is being threatened.
We, the social partners, have been saying it for a long time: if Brussels does not guarantee a safe environment, it will drive away workers and residents. A region where people are afraid to take the metro or come home late is detrimental to its socio-economic dynamism and prosperity.
The federal government has announced a task force, but without real coordination with the Brussels government, this initiative is likely to remain purely political: a sticking plaster on a wooden leg.
But a peaceful environment requires more than just an optimal security policy. There also needs to be better consultation between all the players in the region - politicians, employers‘ representatives and workers’ representatives. That's why we are calling for a new tripartite socio-economic agreement to be concluded, incorporating the shared priorities of the social partners represented within Brupartners.
We also want to work together, with all the public and private players, to relaunch industry in Brussels, in particular through a land policy to increase the space devoted to industrial activity and an appropriate mobility and logistics policy. An industry that is connected to the city and its residents, that combines social progress with respect for the environment.
We also need to pursue the Shifting Economy, to invest more heavily in the climate transition and promote companies that have a positive social and environmental impact, while further developing the policy of supporting research and innovation for the benefit of companies, workers and the people of Brussels.
In view of the measures announced by the federal government on unemployment and long-term sickness, we must also review our employment and training policy to improve access to employment for all Brussels residents and provide more rapid and effective support for those who unfortunately lose their jobs. The fundamental issues of discrimination and diversity in the labour market, the fight against undeclared work and social dumping must also be given particular attention if we want to offer the people of Brussels every chance of finding a quality job.
As far as housing is concerned, in addition to evaluating and perpetuating the Renolution alliance, Brussels must pursue a renovation and construction policy that enables all residents to benefit from decent, high-quality housing at an affordable price. This will involve speeding up and simplifying permit procedures.
The budget
Brussels is also in financial danger. The regional debt continues to grow, Belfius is drastically reducing its cash credit line and the rating agencies are keeping a close eye on the situation. With no stable government and no strategic vision, borrowing costs are likely to soar. With what consequences? Less investment and indiscriminate budget cuts in social and economic policies.
This slump is affecting not only public finances and public services, but also the businesses that keep our region alive. Employers are seeing the capital they need to grow dry up, while workers are suffering from a climate of uncertainty that is undermining their jobs and incomes.
The necessary social policies and services for the people of Brussels can no longer be provided. There is therefore an urgent need to provide the financial resources necessary for the socio-economic development of the Region, by working on both expenditure and revenue, while preserving the economic dynamic and social policy.
Rediscovering the city's attractiveness
Brussels must live up to its title as a major European capital: multicultural, dynamic, lively, innovative and safe. The Region needs a government that takes its destiny back into its own hands, in an area where residents, entrepreneurs, tourists and workers travel with confidence.
Without swift action, the future of Brussels risks being ruined. This is a threat not only to businesses, which will find it difficult to attract the workers and investment they need to develop, but also to the workers and residents of Brussels, who need solid prospects in an environment where it is good to live and work.
Brussels must remain a bustling city for a long time to come!
Jean-Michel Cappoen, Chairman FGTB-ABVV Brussels
Florence Lepoivre, Secretary General FGTB-ABVV Brussels
Thierry Geerts, CEO of Beci
Lisa Isnard, Secretary General Beci
Press contacts:
Beci: Maïlys Charlier Zenari
+32 484 86 28 06
FGTB-ABVV Brussels: Annaïk de Voghel
+32 472 71 99 31