5G: Flanders takes action; Brussels organises a citizens’ panel

The Flemish Government is going to adjust the Flemish radiation standards to simplify the rollout of 5G. This further increases the pressure on the excessively strict Brussels radiation standard. Cieltje Van Achter, N-VA group chair in the Brussels Parliament, places the responsibility with Ecolo minister Alain Maron and wonders what position Ecolo will take during the citizens’ panel on 5G.

Without an adjustment of the radiation standards in Brussels, the rollout of 5G is impossible. In the past, the telecom watchdog BIPT has already repeatedly pointed out the need to raise Brussels radiation standards. In the coming weeks, Brussels MPs will meet together with 45 Brussels citizens who were selected by lot and a number of experts to debate 5G. Following these debates, the citizens’ panel will have to formulate an opinion on the direction it wants 5G to take in Brussels.

Ecolo’s disinformation

“Let’s call a cat a cat,” Cieltje Van Achter responds. “Ecolo has systematically spread disinformation about 5G in Brussels. Just a few months ago, the Ecolo branch of Sint-Agatha-Berchem distributed articles about how 5G would harm health, privacy and even local employment. That is total nonsense, of course. However, this kind of disinformation campaign has led us to contend with greater scepticism against 5G in Brussels. The scientific consensus is nevertheless clear, and our neighbouring countries all apply the internationally recommended standard, which is 50 times less strict than that in Brussels.”

A key question for the citizens’ panel: Quid Ecolo?

“It is now the eve of the start of a citizens’ panel on the rollout of 5G in the Brussels Parliament. This citizens’ panel was set up at the request of Ecolo. I am therefore very interested to know what positions Ecolo will take on 5G and the Brussels radiation standards during the debates with the citizens of Brussels on this important theme. Minister Maron has already indicated that he will take the conclusions of the citizens’ panel into account. Will Ecolo turn a corner on the rollout of 5G in Brussels? That seems to be the key question for this panel,” Cieltje Van Achter concludes.