Maaike De Vreese submits bill to unify Brussels police zones

MP Maaike De Vreese has introduced a bill to merge the six police zones in the Brussels-Capital Region into a single, integrated Brussels Metropolitan Police Zone. The proposal addresses the urgent need to streamline and strengthen the fragmented security framework in the capital. “Brussels is the capital of Belgium and Europe, yet in terms of security, it remains a patchwork of six separate police zones, each with its own policies and approach. A unified police zone will ensure centralized command, faster response times, and a more effective approach to crime and public safety,” De Vreese stated.

A necessary reform

The idea of merging the Brussels police zones is not new. Since the 1998 police reform, experts have acknowledged that a unified force would improve both efficiency and safety. International examples, such as London and New York, demonstrate that large metropolitan police zones can function effectively.

Multiple evaluations and studies confirm that the current system—divided among six separate zones—is ineffective. The fragmentation leads to coordination issues and weakens the ability to combat crime effectively.

A first step toward a stronger Brussels

The proposed reform does not alter the existing linguistic and institutional balance in Brussels. Dutch-speaking representation on the police council remains guaranteed, and democratic oversight of the police zone is preserved. The benefits of this unification are clear: improved crime prevention, enhanced cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and a more efficient security strategy for the capital.

“This is a first but essential step toward a more efficient and safer Brussels. We cannot afford to delay—structural reforms are needed to strengthen governance in our capital. This bill is a crucial move in that direction,” De Vreese concluded.