Maaike De Vreese: “We’re no longer just talking about a sense of insecurity in Brussels. The city is simply unsafe.”

After 57 shootings in Brussels this year, prosecutor Julien Moinil issued a stark warning: “Anyone can be hit by a stray bullet.” Federal MP and Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs, Maaike De Vreese, confirmed the gravity of the situation in De Ochtend: “We’re well past the point of speaking about a feeling of insecurity. Brussels is objectively unsafe.”

De Vreese is calling for tough measures, structural reforms, and better coordination between all levels of government. “We need a chain-based approach where federal, regional, and local authorities each take responsibility within their remit—whether it’s the police, the public prosecutor’s office, the Immigration Department, or the prison system.”

“Citizens are no longer receiving the level of safety they’re entitled to.”

According to De Vreese, the eighty measures laid out in the federal coalition agreement must be implemented without delay—including merging police districts and increasing visible police presence on the streets.

“Tackling drug-related crime is a top priority for this government. But other measures are just as urgent, like house searches—blocked in the past by other parties—and expanding closed detention centres. Right now, authorities are sometimes forced to choose between locking up an undocumented drug dealer or someone charged with assault. That’s unacceptable.”

She also argues for stricter prison regimes to prevent drug criminals from continuing their activities behind bars. “That’s outrageous,” says De Vreese. “The responsible minister needs to take action. This is a firm demand from our side.”

“I will continue to play my role in Parliament, and I expect the government to fast-track the implementation of its drug policy commitments,” she concludes.