Associations to still receive subsidies while Brussels government talks drag on

Non-profit organisations in Brussels that rely on government funding will still receive subsidies to help tide them over until the region's new government is eventually formed.

The subsidies are 85% of the usual amount, reflecting a reduction that the outgoing regional government said was due to financial difficulties.

Non-profit organisations, private companies and associations that received a subsidy from the Brussels region in the past are eligible for the funds, according to budget minister Sven Gatz (VLD).

The measure applies in particular to scientific research, equal opportunities policy and the social economy.

The Brussels region is the last region in the country that still does not have a fully functioning government due to the political deadlock in the capital.

Because talks are still ongoing, the government must limit itself to making only decisions deemed strictly necessary, Gatz said, and that increased budgetary prudence is required.

The subsidies for non-profits are not considered mandatory and there was therefore a risk that they would not be allocated, which was a major source of concern for a number of associations.

In a joint letter, the associations warned that a lack of funding would mean the end of critical social services, for example for homeless people and other vulnerable members of society.