Summary

This contribution1 examines the different actions taken by Belgian authorities intended directly or indirectly to effect the linguistic integration of immigrant populations.2 After describing migratory movements into Belgium, we present first the logic behind the Belgian policies of integration, looking in turn at the Francophone and the Dutch (Flemish) speaking areas of the country, noting the different dynamics in the two regions. Thereafter, we concentrate however on the situation in Wallonia and Brussels, our usual research area. We go on to offer a critique of the measures taken at Communities ’ government level, and lastly we consider aspects of a transformation in current thinking on integration and immigration in Belgium