The Flemish must see Brussels more as a residential city

The majority of Flemish civil servants working in Brussels regard our capital city merely as a place to work, not as a place to live. Flemish MP Annabel Tavernier regrets this, and points out the problematic issues regarding safety, cleanliness and property prices that are not being addressed by the Brussels authorities.

Annabel Tavernier, who lived in Brussels “with pleasure” for seven years, says this is regrettable. “It would be good if the Flemish people also appreciated Brussels as a residential city. Commuting is inefficient and, when done by car, also bad for the climate. Moreover, it is important for Brussels, as the capital of Flanders, that as many Flemish people and Dutch speakers as possible live there. Brussels must continue to be promoted among Flemish people, especially since the Dutch-speaking character of the city is coming under even more pressure due to the increase in teleworking.”

Fighting a losing battle

The N-VA politician says that the Flemish Government is indeed working on promoting Brussels as a liveable city. But Annabel Tavernier says that this is “fighting a losing battle as long as a number of major problematic issues for the quality of life - such as safety, cleanliness and property prices - are not being addressed by the Brussels authorities”. She is calling on the Brussels authorities to do more to make Brussels a pleasant city.