Soldiers will be deployed in Brussels' train stations and metro network from this Friday, marking a return to a security presence that became familiar after past terrorist attacks.
Initially, Defence Ministry will provide 45 full-time equivalents to form mixed patrols alongside police officers, Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) said in an interview with Bel RTL.
For now, operational authority will remain with the police. Tasks such as identity checks will continue to be carried out by officers, while soldiers will support patrols and help ensure police safety. All mixed patrols will operate under police supervision.
Protocols for deployments in Brussels and Antwerp are currently being developed within the framework of Article 111 of the Integrated Police Law, which previously allowed soldiers to provide protection at specific sites.
At the same time, the government is working on a new legal framework to formalise military involvement and move away from ad hoc arrangements.
This future codex could allow similar deployments in other cities if needed.
The aim is to increase visibility in high-traffic areas, such as train stations and metro systems, which are considered key security hotspots. "We want to show and prove that we are working to ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors to our country," Quintin said.
