According to de Visscher, the system, which provides for payment per kilogram of waste instead of per bag, ‘is not only more expensive, but also ill-considered and risky.’ His intervention comes after he, like many other residents, was informed of the impending changes through the town’s publication ‘Tervuren Info’.

I almost fell off my chair when I read that this system would supposedly be ‘fairer’ and ‘cheaper’ for those who sort properly. The reality is just the opposite," de Visscher said. “In almost all the simulations I did, families pay between 2.5 and 5 times more than today.

Today, a family of five pays about 51 euros a year for residual waste. With the new system, that could rise to more than 230 euros a year, even with a lower average waste volume.

Less service, more risk

Mr. de Visscher also stressed that it is not only the cost price that is problematic, but that the service will also deteriorate significantly.

• Collection will henceforth be every two weeks instead of weekly.

• In the centre of Tervuren, waste Will no longer be collected: residents will have to go to underground containers themselves.

• Older residents or people with limited mobility face serious barriers as a result.

Mr. de Visscher also warned of various risks associated with the new system:

• Increase in litter due to higher costs.

• Misuse of containers.

• Theft or damage to containers, with no clarity on who will pay for it.

• Odour nuisance and pests, especially in summer periods, with fortnightly collection.

• Technical breakdowns or vandalism to underground containers, leading to blockages.

• Uncertainty about the transition period, with risk of unused waste bags or additional costs.

• No financial benefit for the municipality.

According to de Visscher, it is even highly uncertain whether the municipality will benefit financially from this change. In the 2024 municipal budget, 3.8% of the budget went to waste management — significant, but not excessive.

My fear is that the municipality will continue to pay what it is paying now, while citizens will pay a lot more to Interrand on top. The only benefit seems to be for Interrand itself.

Decision

Tervuren Unie + Volt seriously questions the way this decision was reached and calls for transparency, consultation, and adjustment:

The current system did not work perfectly, but was understandable and manageable. We are not advocating a standstill, but rather a balanced approach in which citizens do not again bear the brunt of ideological choices and bad policies.

This forum was prepared in cooperation with Volt France, Volt Luxembourg and Volt Switzerland. For each chapter, women spoke out about their involvement in politics.

“On this International Women’s Day, I remember all women who stood up, spoke out and fought for better lives for all women. From Emmeline Pankhurst to Rosa Parks, to Malala Yousafzai to name a few. My thoughts turn especially to the many brave women throughout our world who continue to fight against oppression today and every day - in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine. We stand together with them all. You are my inspiration, you are what drives me to stand up, speak out and protect the freedoms we have.” - Tracey D.

In Belgium, the new government includes only four women (out of fifteen ministers). Prime Minister De Wever says this is unexpected and unfortunate, but it can happen. The federal parliament has 42% women (63 of the 150 federal MPs are women, compared with 64 in the previous term). Among the 22 Belgian MEPs, there are 9 women.

“I am a free woman in a free Europe. I am indebted to the generations before me who fought to secure this freedom for us, and I owe it to our children to defend it. I am with Volt because I believe in Europe. Only together and on an equal footing can we create lasting prosperity – this applies to regions in Belgium, to peoples in Europe and beyond, as well as to the coexistence of men and women in society.” - Ulrike F.

History is full of talented women who have dared and shown the way. Today, too many women don't go into politics or don't dare to take the plunge into politics.

“I joined Volt because of its commitment to diversity, equal opportunities for all, gender balance and female leadership. I am convinced that Belgian women need to be better represented at all levels of management and political life. Every free democratic country, including Belgium, should end gender stereotypes and become more inclusive towards women. In many countries, a higher percentage of women have higher education than men. But more men hold top positions in business and politics. It is high time to change this.” - Natalia R.

Apprehension, lack of moral, financial and logistical support, psychological or educational barriers are all reasons why women still hold back today, even though they have the desire and the skills to play an active part in their country's political life.

“A colleague – like me, a polyglot and europhile – told me about Volt Europa’s project. In the super election year 2024, I worked behind the scenes in Belgium for six months and was a supporting candidate in the provincial elections. Why? Because everyone should be represented among the candidates. Differences in age, gender, origin, religion, or disability make our society so much richer. Just like Europe’s motto: let’s be united in diversity!”– An VG.

In our daily lives, we see both women and men encouraging, advising, debating, innovating, reflecting, proposing, organising, using diplomacy and self-control. Having a sense of commitment, being a good listener, being a team player, being strategic, resilience, honesty, eloquence... these are all human qualities and are not linked to gender.

“I came to Volt because I was tired of the current state of politics and of remaining a passive spectator. I work in the IT sector for the Dutch and Flemish maritime governments. I know all about being the only woman in a male-dominated field. Despite a healthy dose of imposter syndrome, like so many other women, I'm gradually learning to take my place and challenge the status quo. I hope that by being more visible, more women will find the courage to join us, and that more people will realise that we women are much more than our gender.” - Karima EH.

There are still many barriers to women's participation in politics, and we are clear about the battles still to be fought. But on this 8 March 2025, we all want to say together: women have their place in the discussions and in the co-construction of our society.

We want to send out a strong message and an appeal:

We encourage all women to get involved in politics, whatever the nature and degree of their commitment, and we encourage those around them to help them along the way and support them in their actions!

We call on all political parties to take action to include more women and make it easier for them to get involved!

“I've been interested in politics since I was very young, and this passion led me to study political science. I've never felt that being a woman was an obstacle to making my voice heard in society. But in recent years I've seen the rise of the far right and I see the rights of women and minorities under threat in Western countries. I've realised that we must never take these rights for granted, but remain vigilant and fight to defend them. That's what prompted me to get involved with Volt, because I'm convinced that a united and democratic Europe is the best bulwark against nationalism and the regression of human rights’. - Alixxa S.

We have started by reinforcing parity in the public arena: electoral lists, round tables, the media, etc. It is time to go a step further, by creating real spaces for inclusion, expression and projects for women (within parties, in decision-making bodies, etc.), subsidies dedicated to projects by and for women, and reinforced communication with the outside world. Women need to have a more general and systematic presence on the political scene.

It's high time our public policies were made by and for all our fellow citizens.

Tervuren, February 26 - The administration of Tervuren has announced that the council meeting scheduled for Thursday, 27 February 2025, cannot go ahead as planned. The decision follows a technical problem that prevented the official notice and agenda from being sent to the public and councillors in time.

According to Article 2(1) of the rules of procedure, it is necessary for the agenda to be distributed at least eight days in advance to ensure transparency to the public, and to give all concerned sufficient time to prepare for the meeting.

For example, members of the municipal council can add items to the agenda no later than five days before the meeting. Questions can also be submitted no later than two days in advance.  Unfortunately, due to an unforeseen technical problem, these procedures could not be followed for the 27 February session.

It is unfortunate, but IT problems can happen. However, letting the meeting continue under these circumstances would violate open government and democratic decision-making. The meeting has not been cancelled, only postponed. TU+Volt sees this postponement as justified. It provides the necessary time for the democratic process, and for the various voices of the Tervuren people to be heard prior to the appointments of the various committees.

We trust that corrective measures will now be taken and that we will receive the official convocation by 10/3 in accordance with the procedures, which are in place to ensure a transparent and democratic process.

-End-

Statement from Volt Belgium on rising rising vandalism and intimidation

The leadership of Volt Belgium was made aware of troubling acts of vandalism and intimidation against some of our candidates and their campaign materials in recent days. These actions are not just an attack on individuals but on the democratic process itself. Such acts of vandalism and intimidation undermine our shared values and diminish the integrity of our democracy. This behaviour has no place in Belgian society, and we unequivocally condemn it.

The political landscape thrives on the exchange of ideas and respectful debate. Everyone has the right to express their opinion without fear of intimidation.

I urge all democratic parties to denounce such threats and violence. It is imperative that we come together to defend our democratic values and ensure that electoral campaigns now and in the future are fair and respectful. We must engage in meaningful debates on policy, not allow intimidation or fear to dictate the conversation.

— Carlo Giovanni Giudice, Co-President of Volt Belgium

Volt Belgium and its local teams stand united against these acts of aggression. Volt calls for respectful dialogue and constructive engagement focused on the issues that matter most to our communities.

Volt Tervuren, together with our electoral partner Tervuren Unie, call on as many people as possible to vote on Sunday 13 October as voting is no longer mandatory in Flanders. Sadly, town hall failed to register a large number of non-Belgian Tervurenaars, representing 20% of the 14,305 eligible voters on the electoral roll.

This democratic shortfall increases the lack of diversity in the municipal council. Currently, none of the 27 council members in Tervuren are non-Belgian or of non-Belgian origin, despite the fact that they make up 44% of the municipality's population. We are also aiming to get the first 18-year-old elected to the municipal council. In addition, we want to bring more women than the current 8 out of 27 council members into the council.

Complete list of Volt Tervuren, together and Tervuren Unie candidates.

1. Serge Liesenborghs

2. Tracey D'Afters

3. Geoffroy de Visscher

4. Magdalena Garczynska

5. Nadine Gabet

6. Dafydd ab Iago

7. Mamy Rafamantanana

8. Sébastien Londot

9. Cédric Everard de Harzir

10. Myriam Ben David

11. Marie-Chantal Verhulst

12. Jean-Pierre Goeseels

13. Angela Chang-Grelet

14. Christian Ratsimba

15. Christian Wellens

16. Claudia Zapata

17. Caroline Snyers

18. Natalia Richardson

19. Franck Bechdolff

20. Kseniya Tyshkevych

21. Marie-Pierre de Béthune

22. Jana Masarčová

23. Dominique Grelet

24. Paulo Delgadillo Berrocal

25. Natacha Liesenborghs

26. Friso Coppes

27. Olivier Thomas

Although the municipality promised to closely involve its citizens, no referendum was proposed, nor was any additional information provided.

Both Volt and our electoral partner, Tervuren Unie, argue that this crucial decision should be made by Tervuren's 14,164 voters through a referendum, rather than by a handful of politicians. However, the current coalition of N-VA, Groen, and CD&V has been notably avoiding the issue, likely to prevent it from affecting their electoral results.

At the regional level, the N-VA is advocating for the merger of municipalities with fewer than 40,000 residents. But shouldn't the people of Tervuren be the ones to decide their own future? This is yet another issue where Volt draws from our pan-European experience—we strongly advocate for transparency. Let Tervurenaars be informed and empowered to make this decision.

We call for openness and a genuine debate about the future of the municipality. Should Tervuren merge with Overijse, or explore other options, such as partnerships with Wezembeek-Oppem or Kraainem?

Don't have eID or itsme? Don't worry.

Tervuren's town council also hands out paper registration forms to fill-in.

Since January 2024, town council elections in Flanders are no longer compulsory for registered voters. So you can register to vote this time without being locked in for future elections.

Did you know...?

Currently, a quarter of Tervurenaars are non-Belgian and a further 18% have citizenship, but are of non-Belgian origin. That makes up 43% of Tervuren's residents. But not one out of 27 town council members is of non-Belgian origin. EU citizens, and third-country nationals resident for over five years, can register to vote. Only EU citizens, however, can stand for election to the town council.

Town hall has yet to register over 85% of Tervuren's non-Belgians. If you don't vote some one else will decide for you.

Don't miss out. Have your say in you community. Register now to vote for your town council.

Key dates

Tervuren elections – Register (non-Belgians only) before Wednesday 31 July 2024

Tervuren elections – Vote on Sunday 13 October 2024

Voter registration website for non-Belgians – https://www.inscription.elections.fgov.be

Federal government elections page: https://ibz.be/en/municipal-elections-belgium

"Many of our challenges transcend borders, such as climate change or fair taxation for multinational corporations. These issues cannot be adequately addressed solely at the local, regional, or national levels; Europe offers the most viable platform," says Richard Kelder, Vlaams-Brabant lead candidate for the Flemish Parliament.

"A town is not just built with concrete. It's built with the participation of all its citizens joining forces to find the best solutions to the challenges we face. With Volt Tervuren we hope to bring more voices, more diversity and a more collaborative approach into the decision-making," says Tracey D'Afters.

"At work, we are accustomed to listening, problem-solving, and making decisions collectively, regardless of origin. This ethos must guide the city council," adds Magdalena Garczyńska.

"Engaging in dialogue with people from all walks of life is paramount for Tervuren, given our diversity with 110 nationalities. At Volt, we believe in bridging the gap between local and European levels," says Dafydd ab Iago.

"Volt allows everyone to get on board and participate in politics. And in Tervuren it's so important because we're amazingly diverse," says Jana Masarčová.

The new branch heralds a new dynamic for Tervuren as the town gears up for the municipal elections on Sunday 13 October, with a vision that is both European-inspired and locally rooted. With over 23,000 members across Europe, Volt builds bridges between local politics and life and the European vision, supported by a strategy based around 'Think European, Act Local'.

Positioned at the center of the political spectrum, we advocate for cooperation across ideological divides, from left to right, and from local to supra-local levels, always maintaining an unwaveringly positive outlook. With over 23,000 members across Europe, we build bridges between local life and the European vision, supported by our “Think European, Act Local” strategy.

Volt Belgium is fielding candidates in the following constituencies:

• European Parliament Dutch-speaking electoral college

• Federal Parliament Antwerp constituency

• Federal Parliament Brussels-Capital (including Drogenbos Kraainem Linkebeek Rhode-Saint-Genèse Wemmel and Wezembeek-Oppem) constituency

• Flemish Parliament Antwerp constituency

• Flemish Parliament Flemish Brabant constituency

• Brussels regional Parliament - Dutch language group

• Brussels regional Parliament - French language group

Volt is growing bigger each day throughout Europe and we are stepping up our presence in all parts of Belgium. Volt is needed everywhere to shake up the rigid political landscapes. Volt will be the much-needed breath of fresh air in all parts of the country and in all language communities.

Get in touch with your local city leads or the national team, join us on the ground for flyer actions, fill in the volunteering form below and help us make this campaign a success!

• Become member

• Volunteer

• Donate

• Visit our events