The Brussels canal isn't much to look at; whilst the waterways of other metropoles are defining features lined with architectural attractions, the narrow course of muddy water that separates the city centre from Molenbeek is utilitarian at best.
Of all the visual points of interest that can be found there, the most eye-catching is surely the Petit Château whose crenellations and fortified entrance tell of its former function as a prison. Now serving as a reception centre for asylum seekers, its visible history might be seen as symbolic of Belgium's response to successive migrant crises.
For months, this imposing structure has been impregnable, with those waiting to register their presence (and hopefully be entered into Belgium's reception system) lining the streets outside. What started as a handful of individuals sleeping rough on nearby benches soon became a veritable camp with tents extending down the facing canal bank.
After weeks of inaction, Fedasil (the State agency for the reception of asylum seekers) today evacuated the 200 or so occupants of this site. Where exactly they will be housed is not clear but the makeshift shelters will be removed.
That there are people seeking asylum at all is of course lamentable. But the State response to these new arrivals requires a robust system that at the very least can treat cases individually. It isn't a question of rolling out a five-star reception for the latest influx of refugees – before meaningful action can be taken dossiers must be logged.
On this front, Belgium has been laggard – to a point that you suspect is intentional. Though blame is largely laid at Fedasil's feet, the federal organisation is not deliberately hostile but rather deprived of the funding and the executive support of competent ministers to turn the situation around. Its network has been saturated since capacity was cut when the 2015 European migrant crisis subsided.
This has left asylum seekers to fend for themselves, dependent on the goodwill of local residents and civil organisations. For all the good that these groups do, they will be the first to point out the gaping need for nationwide coordination that only the government can provide. Until that is secured, new camps will spring up each time one is closed down.
Moving the problem is not the same as fixing it. When will Belgium get serious about the reception crisis? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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