The coordination mission entrusted to the National Crisis Centre to deal with the security problems affecting the Brussels-Midi station is only temporary, Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden told the House Committee on Monday.
At the end of August, the National Crisis Centre was tasked with bringing together all the relevant partners from the various levels of government and services involved. Eventually, the aim is for the Brussels Regional authorities to take over but this is easier said than done, Verlinden noted.
"You have to take into account the infrastructure problem," Verlinden said, adding that there is also a need to coordinate the federal police, the local police and SNCB's Securail.
"The police commissariat in Brussels-Midi is coming and is one of the most concrete action points we are implementing quickly," said Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. "Travellers and local residents must be able to use the station safely. Police actions will also follow and we will reassess the situation in a few weeks."
The deadline for the handover from the Crisis Centre to the Brussels authorities, however, has not yet been set. A new evaluation meeting bringing together federal, regional and local players is scheduled for November. Additionally, De Croo did not rule out the possibility of extending the approach developed at Midi station also to Brussels' Central and North stations.
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'No one wins by pointing the finger'
The Federal Government is also discussing a draft law, which would give Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort the power to coordinate police zones when exceptional, acute or unexpected problems arise that go beyond the limits of a zone, to ensure unity of command.
In August, SNCB boss Sophie Dutordoir sounded the alarm about the situation at Midi station, which led De Croo to launch a consultation between the various authorities concerned. "I feel responsible, and when I feel responsible, I take my responsibilities. No one wins by pointing the finger at the other," he said. "Citizens expect us to get along and solve problems."
On 7 September, an action plan was presented comprising 22 measures, including the reopening of a police station at the station. No deadline has yet been set for this. "For me, it is essential that this station is set up as soon as possible. It is the most important signal for local residents and commuters," De Croo added.
