Brussels workshop aims to build bridges between expats and native Belgians

What is attractive about Brussels? Do you feel connected to the city and its inhabitants? How can we strengthen the city?

Those are three of the conversation-starters at a one-day workshop on Saturday that aims to bring expats and native Belgians together, discuss the city's issues and help shape local policy together.

The event, at Pianofabriek in Saint-Gilles, is part of a bigger series of get-togethers organised as part of Flemish minister Seven Gatz's citizens' cabinet initiative.

"I worked abroad for 25 years, so returning to Brussels recently I felt a bit like an expat," says Guy Janssens, a Belgian and one of the team of volunteers organising the meeting.

"The expat community in Brussels is growing. I think Brussels is changing because of it, but the expat community does not necessarily feel consulted. We want people to work together to come to something that helps them solve real problems."

The results of the discussion, and other workshops being organised elsewhere, will lead to about 10 to 15 policy proposals that the minister will put forward.

Fellow organiser Guilhermo Serodio, from Portugal, says: "I have no idea if it's going to be bike lanes, new kinds of events or spaces for expats to meet locals. But what I do know is that people will come out of that day knowing how to work together."

The workshop will be led by a professional team of facilitators from Portugal who are giving their time for free. Participation is free, but attendees are asked to make a voluntary €10 donation to cover costs.

1 April, 10.00-16.00, Pianofabriek, Saint-Gilles. Register via Facebook