Belgium to become second EU country to recognise Buddhism
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The union estimates the number of Buddhists in Belgium at 150,000.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PEXELS
BRUSSELS - Belgium is expected to officially recognise Buddhism after the federal government approves a draft law.
The move on Friday opens the door to federal funding, official delegates and school classes.
The Belgian Buddhist Union had requested recognition in March 2006.
The union estimates the number of Buddhists in Belgium at 150,000.
The only other European Union country where Buddhism is recognised is Austria.
Belgium now officially recognises six worship services: the Roman Catholic, the Orthodox, the Israelite, the Anglican, the Protestant Evangelical and the Islamic, recognised in 1974.
Buddhism would be recognised as “a non-denominational philosophical organisation” alongside organised secularism, recognised since 2002.
It would receive federal funding of up to €1.2 million (S$1.7 million).
Once voted into law by Parliament, the legislation will pave the way to the creation of local institutions, to the appointment of Buddhist delegates in ports and airports, in prisons, in the army, hospitals, the opening of Buddhism courses in official education alongside teaching of the other worships services.
All Belgian provinces and the Brussels capital region would then also have to each finance a local Buddhist centre. REUTERS
