Brussels-Midi station is one of those problem zones that can't be ignored but also seems too complicated to sort out. For many tourists, their first impression of Belgium is at best unappealing. At worst one risks falling prey to pickpockets or being harassed.
Besides its practical function as a hub for international trains and Belgian transport networks, there's little to recommend the location – better steer clear or make your way quickly to more salubrious parts of Brussels.
In many ways, Midi encapsulates the recurring problems associated with Belgium more broadly. There's the lack of coordination between municipal, regional, and federal jurisdictions; the need for more resources to implement structural improvements; and denial about the root issues. Add to the mix the profusion of concrete and drab facades and it's unsurprising that Midi inspires apathy and irritation.
But for nearby the station, the troubles can't be pushed aside. As a hotspot for crime – sometimes fatal – mayors of the adjacent communes have jointly called on aid from the head of Belgium's rail operator, whose voice they hope will spur the government to attend to the problem. Previous efforts to clean the area up have had only short-term success or displaced the issues.
Crucial for bringing about change is the lack of reception centres for asylum seekers. The mayor of Saint-Gilles highlighted the absurdity of "concentrating reception centres in a drug hotspot". He hopes that migrants might instead be spread more evenly across the country, which would prevent the problem from being framed as a failure of local administrations in Brussels and feeding into financial disputes between regions.
The mayors also call for a police station within the station, rather than periodic crackdowns on crime. A location for this has now been identified and should be operating "by the end of summer". But Belgium isn't known for making deadlines...
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1. SNCB chief asked to help deal with crime around Brussels-Midi station
"It's almost a tragicomedy...concentrating reception centres in a drug hotspot is not a good idea." Read more.
2. Brussels police arrest five underage members of a ‘violent’ gang
"They are very violent and operate mainly in parks and underground stations." Read more.
3. Antwerp Mayor calls for air defence around port
"Of course, I hope that the war in Ukraine ends as quickly as possible, but I believe that we in Antwerp need to be prepared," De Wever said. Read more.
4. Former Fortis shareholders seek €10.8 billion from BNP Paribas and Belgian State in trial
Fortis bank was sold to BNP Paribas after the 2008 crash for €9 billion, which plaintiff shareholders argue was too low. Read more.
5. Billions to flow back into Belgian economy as state bonds are released
As this money is all feeding back into the Belgian economy, many banks are coveting it: ING, Belfius and KBC, among others, launched special actions last week. Read more.
6. Lahbib is EU Commissioner: What it means for her, MR and government talks
"Lahbib has the advantage of being a woman, which is bound to play into the hands of Ursula von der Leyen, who was desperate for female names." Read more.
7. Revenues fall for building materials company Etex as construction activity slows
Housing starts have reached their lowest levels since 2003, while housing permits are nearing historically low levels recorded between 2008 and 2009 Read more.
