News

Second-generation immigrants better at securing employment than the first generation

15 February 2011

The second-generation of non-EU immigrants born in Belgium continues to improve its position in Belgian society. Such persons generally do better in school and on the labour market than the first generation. For example, close to 70% of the second generation of non-EU immigrants aged between 25 and …

31% more civic integration contracts in 2010

8 February 2011

In 2010, there were 31% more civic integration contracts signed than in 2009, and in absolute terms this amounts to 18,608 contracts. These figures were released by the Flemish Minister for Civic Integration, Geert Bourgeois (N-VA). The increase is attributable to higher inflows and the better …

Few Flemings present at “Shame” demonstration

24 January 2011

On Sunday, around 34,000 people participated in a demonstration in Brussels to voice their concern about Belgium’s current political stalemate. The demonstration was an initiative by a few young people organised under the slogan “Shame. No government, great country”. The N-VA shares in the …

N-VA sees to tightening of fast-track to citizenship law (snel-Belgwet)

18 January 2011

The possibility to obtain Belgian citizenship via the federal parliament was originally intended to be exceptional in nature and only for select individuals. However, over the years this became more and more of a standard practice, with all the associated opaqueness and behind-the-scenes lobbying …

Flanders prompts older unemployed persons to find work

14 January 2011

The Flemish government and the Flemish social partners have reached an agreement whereby the coaching of unemployed persons above 50 years of age by the VDAB (Flemish employment office) will be expanded to include higher age groups. A systematic approach for people aged 50-52 had already been in …

Marc Hendrickx appointed commission chairman at the Benelux Parliament

7 January 2011

Flemish parliament member Marc Hendrickx (N-VA) has been appointed chairman of the Foreign Policy Commission at the Benelux Parliament. “This is the first time that a Flemish nationalist is appointed chairman of a commission, and for me this is a very big honour” said Marc Hendrickx. “Thanks to the …

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