Commission allocates ECU 2.2 million in URBAN aid to Brussels The European Commission has approved the award of ECU 2.2 million to the city of Brussels, under the Community initiative for action in urban areas (URBAN). The aid will support urban renovation in two areas of the town, Central Brussels and Molenbeek, covering almost 20,000 ... The European Commission has approved the award of ECU 2.2 million to the city of Brussels, under the Community initiative for action in urban areas (URBAN). The aid will support urban renovation in two areas of the town, Central Brussels and Molenbeek, covering almost 20,000 inhabitants. The aim of the action is to create an economic catalyst in these areas to tackle the problems of social exclusion. The Community funding will cover the following activities: - Creation of two enterprise centres, one for the construction industry (particularly for renovation), and one for the textile and fashion industries; - Creation of companies in the construction and environment sectors, to take on unemployed workers. These enterprises will have a high proportion of unskilled labour, profit-sharing schemes, and supplementary requirements relating to the standard of the work and generous provision for vocational training; - Establishment of local enterprise agencies, providing a single contact to companies for advice and aid; - Selective action to smarten up business premises and to improve the image of these areas; - Action against drug abuse. Countries Belgium
