Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Genk, led by councillor Toon Vandeurzen, is forming a volunteer emergency group supported by Flemish funding and a digital platform, while Bree’s mayor, Sietse Wils, urges caution due to legal and financial uncertainties.
As VRT News reported, the city of Genk is creating a volunteer group to help during emergencies, a plan led by city councillor and Flemish parliamentarian Toon Vandeurzen. This initiative is part of a larger civil resilience program under the Flemish Defence Plan, which is being developed by Minister Hilde Crevits.
They explained that the volunteer corps’ original intent is to organise residents who are willing to provide assistance in the event of a crisis, and thereby enhance the city’s capacity for mobilising its own volunteers in emergency situations.
Vandeurzen underscored the significance of this kind of organisation by reminding listeners of the pandemic, when much effort was needed to engage volunteers for activities such as mass sewing of face masks and establishing vaccination centres.
“Let’s see now which citizens are willing to lend a hand in future emergencies.”
Toon Vandeurzen (CD&V), municipal councillor and Flemish parliamentarian
What did Genk plan for emergency volunteers?
Genk is starting a new volunteer group to support current emergency services like the fire brigade and the Red Cross. Toon Vandeurzen says that with the world being tense, especially with conflicts near Russia, it’s important for the city to be prepared. He pointed to Finland, where people are well-prepared for emergencies because they have many volunteers.
Genk wants to be like Finland. The new volunteer group will find and train people who want to help during emergencies. Next, they will sign up volunteers, create training, and make plans for using the volunteers quickly. Officials mentioned that this will help Genk be ready for future problems, with a team of trained and helpful citizens.
The Flemish government, according to Vandeurzen, will supply the financial resources to support volunteer initiatives. In addition to funding, the government plans to create a digital platform to streamline volunteer management. Currently, many municipalities use basic formats like Excel spreadsheets to keep track of volunteer information. However, this new platform aims to centralise and organise the data more effectively.
According to officials, while the funding and digital infrastructure are being handled at the Flemish level, the actual coordination of volunteers will take place locally. Municipalities will be responsible for managing volunteer efforts on the ground.
They mentioned that volunteers sponsored by Flanders could also benefit from training opportunities, such as first aid courses, to enhance their preparedness and effectiveness during their assignments.
“In Bree, the CD&V, which is in opposition there, submitted a similar point during the municipal council. The point was not approved there. Not because we are against volunteers, on the contrary,”
Says Mayor Sietse Wils (Rejuvenation).
Wils, the mayor of Bree, has voiced concerns about the Flemish government’s involvement in volunteer coordination, emphasising that this area doesn’t fall directly under their jurisdiction. He points out that a federal law is currently in development, which will provide crucial protections for volunteers, including insurance coverage. Wils suggests a cautious approach, advocating for a delay until the federal legislation is finalised before fully implementing any initiatives.
Officials mentioned that adding to the complexity, there’s a lack of clarity regarding the coordinating authority: the Flemish Defence Plan assigns this responsibility to municipalities, while the Flemish minister has indicated the Flemish government’s role in parliament. While Wils raises questions about the financial aspects.
“Thirdly, a mayor already has powers of requisition today,”
Says the mayor of Bree.
“In emergencies, a mayor can requisition residents such as doctors or nurses. Specifically in Bree, the mayor can also call in his own staff. These are legal instruments that already exist today. Creating another layer on top of that is unnecessary.
