25/04/2001 (Agence Europe) - On the occasion of the workshop, which was held in Brussels on 24 April on the theme "Brussels and the Quartier Léopold", Anne Van Lancker (Belgian Socialist MEP) informed her colleague responsible for housing policy at the EP, Joan Colom I Naval (Socialist, Spain) that the inhabitants of the Quartier Léopold had not been able to take part in the workshop, as participation fees amounted to 20,000 BF. They were therefore not able to express their views on a housing policy in their area. "It is inadmissible", said Ms Van Lancker, who noted that 200 MEPs had, in 1998, signed the petition set up by Belgian Socialist Philippe Cohen, who called for the inhabitants of the district to be more actively involved. "The EP Bureau has not reacted to this signal and we must keep the pressure up", concluded Anne Van Lancker. The workshop was organised by real estate promoters, representatives of the EU Council, Commission and EP, and representatives of Belgian political authorities.