Brussels multi-faith cemetery running out of space

Brussels' main multi-faith cemetery will have reached its maximum capacity in June, with regional minister Ahmed Laaouej (PS) under pressure to find a solution.

The fact that multi-faith cemeteries in Brussels are filling up has been a problem for years, Bruzz reports.

The cemetery is located next to Schaerbeek's main cemetery, but is actually in the municipality of Evere, and serves 12 municipalities.

It is mainly the final resting place for Muslims, Jews and Orthodox Christians. These three religious communities cannot always be buried in a standard cemetery, as each has its own burial customs.

Bernard Clerfayt (Défi), who as minister for local authorities in the previous Brussels government was responsible for cemeteries, highlighted the severe shortage of plots in February this year, noting that many municipal cemeteries still do not have a multi-faith plot of their own.

According to the ordinance of 29 November 2018 on funerals and burial arrangements, all municipalities will be required to provide a multi-faith plot from January 2029.

This can be done on their own territory, but municipalities can also join the Intercommunal Association for Burial Arrangements, which manages the multi-faith cemetery.

The new Brussels government is now grappling with the shortage. The new minister for local authorities, Ahmed Laaouej, has taken over the issue of finding space.

“On 2 April, a letter was sent to all Brussels mayors inviting them to join the taskforce set up by the minister,” Laaouej’s spokesperson told BRUZZ.

“This brings together the municipalities, the regional administration, the Intercommunal Association and the minister’s office.

"A meeting is scheduled for May, and several municipalities and the Intercommunal Association have already confirmed their attendance.

"At present, we cannot say anything about concrete solutions, but work is under way. We are looking for additional plots both within the grounds of the multi-faith cemetery and within the territories of the other municipalities.

“The minister wants to reassure everyone that a solution will be found. Every family that loses a loved one will find a burial plot that meets their religious beliefs."