News

Ukraine referendum: “Europe can and must be improved”

7 April 2016
Exchange of passenger information in EU around the corner

The Dutch have voted on the European Association Agreement with the Ukraine. As expected, the no-vote has won, with a large majority of 61.1 percent and a convincing 32.2 percent turnout rate. “In my opinion, this Dutch vote is the umpteenth signal that Europe can and must be improved,” European …

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Reform of EU asylum regulations stuck in half-heartedness

6 April 2016
EU asylum regulations: reform stuck in half-heartedness

The European Commission is planning a reform of the current asylum legislation, which is based on the so-called Dublin Regulation “It is true that change is needed,” say European Parliament members Sander Loones and Helga Stevens. “And it’s also true that the Commission has put forward a number of …

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Less petty crime among illegal immigrants

4 April 2016
Less petty crime among illegal immigrants

The Immigration Service and the police organised a Gaudi campaign together for the third time from 5 December to 31 January. Again, the objective was: giving priority to arresting offenders, such as pickpockets and shoplifters, among illegal immigrants and repatriating them. “There used to be a …

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Combined police zone: time for change, also in Brussels

31 March 2016
Combined police zone: time for change, also in Brussels

“I am glad that support for a fusion of the six police zones in Brussels has mounted so quickly,” Johan Van den Driessche, party leader in the Brussels Regional Parliament says. His comments come after a citizens’ initiative that launched a petition for this. “In that way, Brussels politicians can …

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Newcomers statement stimulates and sanctions

31 March 2016
Newcomers statement stimulates and sanctions

From now on, every non-European wishing to stay in Belgium for more than three months will first have to sign a newcomers statement. By signing this, the newcomer not only indicates that s/he understands our rights, obligations and freedoms, but also that s/he accepts them and will respect them. In …

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No shelter for asylum seekers who misbehave

31 March 2016
No shelter for asylum seekers who misbehave

The government has approved stricter sanctions for asylum seekers that behave badly. This now enables Fedasil, for example, to permanently revoke the right to shelter of asylum seekers if they commit serious violations and ignore the regulations of their shelter. “A big step forwards,” State …

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