4 July 2025
The Council of the Flemish Community Commission (VGC) today approved a draft resolution expressing its explicit support for Molenbeek's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2030. The resolution underscores the importance of the urban project Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 (MB2030) as a lever for connection, creativity, and positive change in Brussels. Pascal Smet (Vooruit.brussels), the initiator of the proposal, considers this an important signal: “This can connect Brussels residents and give them hope in financially difficult times.”
The motion for a resolution was tabled by the political groups of Vooruit.brussels, Groen, Team Fouad Ahidar (TFA) and PVDA and was approved almost unanimously. Only the N-VA abstained, while Vlaams Belang voted against. A similar resolution was also approved last week by a large majority in the Brussels Parliament. With this decision, the VGC underscores its commitment to the broad-based effort to make Molenbeek the European Capital of Culture in 2030. In that year, our country will provide a Capital of Culture, together with Cyprus and a potential candidate member state. Molenbeek, along with Leuven and Namur, is still in the running to secure this prestigious title. The final choice will be made in autumn 2025, after the final bidbook has been submitted and defended in September.
“Despite the complex political situation in Brussels, the parties are showing with this that they can indeed work together when it really matters,” says Pascal Smet (Vooruit.brussels), initiator of the proposal. “Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 is a city project, created and supported by the many small and large organisations that enrich our city – and by committed Brussels residents of all ages and backgrounds. It is important that we have a hopeful and unifying future project like this at a time when we are facing a harsh economic reality.”
Régis Van Der Veken
Spokesperson – Porte-parole, Vooruit.brussels