Page 16 - Philippe Close News Today

Belgium’s reception network for asylum seekers and refugees has been oversaturated for months, resulting in Fedasil staff staging a spontaneous strike on Tuesday in an effort to d

Brussels city mayor, Philippe Close (PS), reiterated his goal of decriminalising marijuana and called for a national debate on the topic, arguing that an eventual legalisation of cannabis would significantly alleviate violence linked to drug trafficking. 

After muted celebrations over the past two years due to the pandemic, Brussels is ready to party in style for Belgium's national holiday on 21 July.

Municipal council votes against ending sister-city relationship with Russian capital, with mayor saying the link is purely symbolic.

The City of Brussels, which owns more than 3,500 homes, has decided to reimburse tenants the proportion of their rent that exceeds the indexation of 5%, Bruzz reports.

A new youth hostel will soon be located in the heart of Brussels, a stone's throw from Place Sainte-Catherine and Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains, RTBF reports.

Iconic Belgian rock singer Arno has passed away at the age of 72 after battling with  pancreatic cancer for the past two years. Despite his illness, the multi-talented artist continued performing during the final months of his life.

The last remaining undocumented people who were inhabiting the old KBC Bank building on Avenue du Port in Brussels moved to another building in Rue du Rempart des Moines on Sunday, Bruzz reports.

The global solidarity with Ukrainian refugees is also being demonstrated in Belgium, where they have opened a center dedicated to registering Ukrainian asylum applications. Local NGOs express regret that all asylum seekers are not receiving the same warm hand of welcome. 

Representatives of the federal government and the three regions will meet on Thursday at 9:30 to discuss the reception of refugees from Ukraine, it was announced on Wednesday.