The Flemish Government is creating 12,000 extra places for Ukrainian refugees, in addition to establishing a central database and sending more money and resources to municipalities and schools.
The Flemish government’s plan to meet the expected influx of Ukrainian refugees involves creating 12,000 extra reception places by mid-June, in addition to the 18,000 that were already planned, De Standaard reports.
Funding disbursed to municipalities
The Region will also provide financial support to municipalities that want to accommodate refugees.
Local authorities will receive subsidies to renovate a residential care centre or monastery, and can also count on support to rent hotel rooms or holiday homes in the short term, which is expected to result in 10,000 places.
The government is aiming for another 1,250 places in so-called 'emergency villages'.
Related News
- Flemish schools will get extra resources for receiving students from Ukraine
- Over 300 unaccompanied Ukrainian minors registered in Belgium
“For the reception, we are going for places suitable for long-term stay, but in a way that spares the regular housing market as much as possible,” said Housing Minister Matthias Diependaele (N-VA).
“We want to stay a step ahead of the influx, without subsidising overcapacity.”
‘Housing tool’ will track reception spots
In order to map out the reception places, the government is launching a 'housing tool' consisting of a central database in which all the reception addresses are recorded.
A regional team will be formed to pivot between municipalities, governors and the Flemish government.
Education will also receive extra resources: for each non-Dutch-speaking pupil under the age of five, a school will be able to count on compensation of €950.
Of the 5,809 Ukrainian refugees who so far needed government support, 32.4% were housed in Flanders. This number will likely increase, as currently an estimated four million Ukrainians are fleeing their country.
