Brussels' Demographic Shift Reflects Historical Ties with Morocco
In a significant demographic revelation, Brussels Minister-President Boris Dilliès announced that by 2025, over one in ten residents of the Brussels-Capital Region will be born with Moroccan nationality. This statistic was shared during his keynote address at the annual gathering of the Belgian organization “Les Amis du Maroc,” highlighting the profound historical connections between Belgium and Morocco. Dilliès emphasized that this figure not only showcases the evolving population dynamics but also serves as a testament to the longstanding relationship fostered through a bilateral labor migration agreement that was established over six decades ago. The agreement, which was signed on August 17, 1964, marked Morocco as the first North African nation to engage in a guest worker arrangement with Belgium, facilitating the arrival of thousands of Moroccan men to address labor shortages in key industries such as mining and manufacturing. Although the recruitment program was halted in 1974 due to economic downturns, the Moroccan community continued to thrive through family reunifications and natural growth.
By 2012, the Moroccan population in Belgium had surged to nearly 500,000, with approximately half of this demographic acquiring Belgian citizenship. The growth trajectory has remained consistent, with recent data indicating that as of January 1, 2020, there were 556,365 individuals of Moroccan descent residing in Belgium, constituting about 4.8% of the total population, and an astonishing 8.8% among those under the age of 18. This growth underscores the increasing influence of the Belgo-Moroccan community, which has emerged as the largest foreign-origin group in Belgium since 2021, accounting for roughly 13% of Brussels' population as of 2022.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations: A Platform for Cultural and Economic Exchange
The gathering brought together a diverse array of attendees, including ministers, diplomats, and prominent figures from academia and civil society, all united in their focus on the vital role of the Moroccan community in promoting economic, cultural, and human exchanges between Belgium and Morocco. Dilliès articulated a vision of the Belgium-Morocco relationship that transcends mere statistical analysis. He noted that the essence of this bond is woven into the daily lives of individuals, manifesting in neighborhoods, schools, and businesses, creating a tangible reality that speaks to the depth of their connection.
Furthermore, the partnership between the Brussels-Capital Region and Morocco’s Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, established in 2001, represents the oldest development cooperation framework that Brussels maintains with any foreign partner. This partnership encompasses various sectors including health, sports, environment, culture, and social inclusion, illustrating a comprehensive approach to bilateral collaboration. The minister also highlighted the promising trajectory of economic exchanges, with an increasing number of projects and ventures being initiated between the two regions. Morocco’s Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, Mohamed Ameur, reinforced this sentiment, referring to a joint declaration made last October by the foreign ministers of both countries that aimed to elevate bilateral relations to unprecedented levels.
The ambassador acknowledged the invaluable contributions of “Les Amis du Maroc” in bridging gaps within civil society, fostering a platform for dialogue among entrepreneurs, artists, researchers, and citizens who work towards nurturing the friendship between Morocco and Belgium. Geoffroy Generet, the president of the association, articulated the necessity of promoting dialogue and cooperation in a world often fraught with tensions and misunderstandings. He underscored the importance of building bridges rather than walls, fostering a spirit of collaboration rather than opposition. The evening also paid tribute to Baron Francis Delpérée, the association’s former president, whose efforts in fostering Morocco-Belgium relations were honored by attendees, further solidifying the enduring bonds between the two nations.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
