Conquering Molenbeek hearts with a pilot project for young people

“This is proof that we see the fight against extremism as an inclusive global project.” Minister of the Interior Jan Jambon is launching a pilot project for young people in the Brussels municipality of Molenbeek. “The tough approach taken in regard to terrorists and criminals was a first priority, and now we must ensure that young people do not end up back in the networks of criminal gangs,” says Minister Jambon. The project is intended to help young people develop their talents and find a job.

Canal Plan

After the attacks in Paris at the end of 2015, Jan Jambon developed the Canal Plan in the fight against radicalisation and terrorism. The plan was rolled out in a few Brussels municipalities, including Molenbeek. It included increased police checks and checks of residences. The latter checks have already resulted in 8,000 deletions from the population register.

Winning hearts

Now Minister Jambon also wants to focus on prevention with a project in a Molenbeek problem neighbourhood. The Minister is allotting EUR 200,000, and private partners are also investing in the project. “We see this as a national pilot project. If it turns out to be a success, other places in our country can follow. In order to prevent young people from getting caught up in networks of criminal gangs, we must win their hearts and ensure that they seize opportunities in our society,” Minister Jan Jambon concludes.