Brussels government pushes ahead with drug consumption room without permit: “No regard for the law or the citizens”

The Brussels government is pressing on with the construction of a drug consumption room in Ribaucourt—where addicts would be able to use hard drugs in so-called ‘safe’ conditions—even though no urban planning permit has been granted. That emerged during the Territorial Development Committee meeting, following questions by Brussels MP Mathias Vanden Borre. “Governments should uphold the law, not bend it to suit their agenda,” Vanden Borre stated bluntly.

Work underway despite lack of permit and negative advice

Renovation work on the building—a former hotel on Leopold II Avenue in Molenbeek—has been ongoing for nine months already. Strikingly, the public inquiry, conducted in French only, was launched after construction had already started. Moreover, Molenbeek’s local council issued a negative opinion, and the Consultation Committee raised serious concerns—not just about the procedure, but also about safety, the location, and the effectiveness of the proposed measures.

Where do we draw the line?

“The responsible State Secretary confirmed today that work has been underway for months without the required change in building use—from hotel to drug user facility—being approved,” said Mathias Vanden Borre. “This government is clearly pushing forward regardless, with no respect for the principles of caution or due diligence. There’s no permit, official advice has been negative, and it’s unclear whether the works carried out so far even comply with the law. It’s now up to urban.brussels to verify that. And yet, they insist on moving forward at all costs.”

A sober view on what’s ahead

The N-VA also criticises the lack of democratic input. According to Vanden Borre, residents’ concerns have been ignored for months. “They hold an information session when the construction is already well underway and the public inquiry has been closed,” he said. “Fortunately, the State Secretary confirmed that the first inquiry was unlawful. It will have to be redone.”

That’s why Vanden Borre once again calls for the works to be halted immediately. “As long as there’s no permit, no transparency, and no public support, this project should not proceed,” he concluded.