Crisis: no Brussels burn
The Belgian capital wriggles and writhes out of an era of financial crisis - Brussels is versatile and can adapt itself. You can spot this when you go second hand shopping or over to the aid of the homeless in the ´Les Petits Riens´ boutique, despite the obligatory belt tightening here and there. Where the economic dilemma doesn´t appear to have embroiled a younger, cosmopolitan elite, non-EU immigrants haven´t escaped as luckily. Special edition from five cafebabel reporters who travelled to Brussels for the ‘EU crisis on the ground’ editorial mission
Fashion crisis: buying second hand clothes in Brussels
In November, French designer Lanvin releases its new collection for Swedish budget brand H&M – but the haute couture forces beyond once claimed they’d never go mass-market. The people of Brussels' flea markets advise on how citizens are dipping into alternative clothes-buying forums
brussels, economy, black market, clothes, labour, economical crisis, fashion, cities
Racism and discrimination for Brussels migrant workers
In the region of Brussels-Capital, discrimination in recruitment practices is a daily reality. At a time of economic stagnation, ethnic diversity is no longer a priority for businesses, which in turn makes integration in Belgium harder still
brussels, immigration, discrimination, labour market, labour, poverty, racism, society
Anderlecht, Molenbeek, Schaarbeek: spot the crime in Brussels
Petty crime and unemployment rates (17.6%) are high in inner city Brussels, which registers a low violent crime rate in Europe. Nevertheless, police arrested 12 Belgian Albanians linked to a crime gang on 15 February*, whilst certain districts remain dangerous. Is this down to the crisis?
brussels, candidate countries, immigration, journalism, unemployment, violence, economical crisis, prostitution, cities, sex, europe on the ground, red light district
Brussels: young, gifted and going nowhere fast
They’re over-qualified, multilingual and come from every corner of the European Union. They moved to the Belgian capital to find an internship or job. A short report from the heart of this bustling microcosm
european institutions, languages, brussels, economy, labour market, labour, eurogeneration, youth, economical crisis, society
'Les Petits Riens': social enterprise in Brussels
In times of crisis, is it time to go second hand? In Brussels, the shop run by 'The Little Nothings' organisation is just the ticket. As well as offering cheap furniture, books and household appliances, it gives the homeless another chance
brussels, economical crisis, society, cities, europe on the ground
