Policy Mandates B2 Dutch Proficiency for Enrollment
Brussels schools now require parents to prove a B2-level proficiency in Dutch to secure enrollment for their children, a policy affecting 65% of secondary school spots. The rule, which applies to Dutch-language institutions, mandates proof through tests like the ITNA or diplomas from Dutch-language schools. The move aims to prioritize families with strong ties to the Flemish community, according to the Flemish government.
Flemish Government Defends Rule as Linguistic Safeguard
“Une règle de priorité n’a de sens que si elle bénéfice aux personnes auxquelles elle est destinée”, said Cieltje Van Achter, the Flemish minister in charge of Brussels, as cited in the source. The government insists the requirement does not raise the language threshold but instead protects access for Dutch-speaking families. Over 65% of first-year secondary school spots in Brussels’ Dutch-language schools are reserved for those meeting the criteria, with exemptions for existing priority families and siblings of enrolled students.
Opposition Warns of Exclusion Risks for Dutch-Speaking Families
Opponents, including Nadia Naji (Groen), argue the policy risks excluding families who speak Dutch but lack formal certification. Nadia Naji concluded that the N-VA complains that one is not answered in Dutch in Brussels but at the same time, the party rejects children who wish to learn the language, per the source. Critics warn the rule may limit opportunities for multilingual families, even as supporters claim it ensures students can engage with schoolwork and communication.
Experts Highlight Tensions in Brussels’ Linguistic Landscape
Debate Intensifies Over Language Policy’s Long-Term Impact
What is the B2 level in Dutch? The B2 level, part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, represents a bonne autonomie linguistique in the language, sufficient for higher education or professional work.
Who is affected by the new requirement? Parents seeking enrollment for children in Brussels’ Dutch-language secondary schools must prove at least B2 proficiency, though existing priority families and siblings of enrolled students are exempt.
What are the main concerns about the policy? Critics argue it could exclude Dutch-speaking families without formal certification, while supporters claim it ensures students can effectively engage with schoolwork and communication.
How will this policy shape the future of language education in Brussels?
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