Victims of terrorism in Belgium will soon have their cases processed faster, thanks to a new cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Defence and the Pensions Administration.
The Ministry of Defence has pledged €527,299 over two years to fund the digitisation of victim case management. This financial boost is aimed at modernising the system and ensuring swifter, fairer outcomes.
Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) highlighted ongoing delays for victims. “True recognition goes beyond words,” he said. “We cannot tolerate a situation where people who have suffered so much must wait years for the recognition and support they are entitled to.”
The initiative follows criticism over slow progress in handling cases stemming from the 2016 Brussels attacks, which occurred over eight years ago. Some survivors continue to face lengthy waits to assert their rights.
The agreement places a strong emphasis on equality, seeking to eliminate disparities in how cases for Dutch-speaking and French-speaking victims are handled.
Francken described the digital overhaul as “a first step” in broader reforms. He added, “Our goal is clear: no victim should have to wait years for recognition and support. This agreement ensures a transparent, secure, and efficient process for managing cases.”
The measure aims to deliver both faster action and improved quality of care for those affected by acts of terrorism in Belgium.
