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Home , Belgium, Crime in Belgium

Security Brief for prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 5:43:31 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating

Security Rating for Belgium: 2 - Low

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 3 Overall Rating: Security Services 2 2 Civil Unrest 3

Low Terrorism 3 Kidnapping 2 Geopolitical 2

Security Overview : Overview of Belgium Belgium does not face any threat of internal or external conflict. There is a threat of terrorism against tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, shops, shopping centers, markets, hotels, schools, places of worship and airports and other transportation hubs. Sunni extremists are likely to continue to use Belgium as territory to plan operations in . Radical Islamist militants will probably continue to try to conduct attacks in the country. Petty crime occurs in cities and on public transportation. Demonstrations occur and have the potential to turn violent.

Related Advice: Personal security while walking. Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Protecting yourself from crime when using taxis abroad. Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling Related Advice: Increasing your personal security while traveling. Related Advice: Recognizing when you are under surveillance, and tips to avoid surveillance.

Security Alerts & Advisories Informational Alerts

Civil Unrest: Protests denouncing COVID-19-related restrictions likely to continue in cities across Europe through July. Localized disruptions likely. Event: COVID-19 Protests Location(s): Urban centers (map) Time Frame: Through at least July Impact: Possible increased security, localized disruptions

Summary Sporadic protests will likely continue in cities across Europe through at least the end of July as residents denounce restrictions imposed to combat COVID-19, as well as their economic consequences, particularly for the hospitality industry. Activists could demonstrate outside government offices or at prominent locations in city centers; vehicular go-slow protests are possible. Public transport workers may hold strikes or other forms of labor actions.

The COVID-19 measures currently in place in most European cities restrict public gatherings to some extent. Local police will likely monitor protests and may attempt to disperse larger gatherings. Low-level skirmishes and, in some cases, wider confrontations, are possible. Localized traffic and transport disruptions are likely.

In addition, though a large proportion of demonstrations involve hospitality workers, the adoption of the COVID- 19 issue as a rallying point by both far-left and far-right-wing groups means that some protests could also prompt counterdemonstrations, posing a potential for clashes between rival activists.

Advice Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Monitor local media for updates on such gatherings, as organizers may not announce details in advance. If violence breaks out, leave the immediately. Follow the instructions of security personnel. Allow additional time for travel near known or possible demonstration venues. Alert begins: 03/31/2021

Other Alerts & Advisories Critical Alerts

Entry/Exit: Belgium maintaining COVID-19 measures as of July 9; domestic and international travel restrictions remain in effect. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Business and travel disruptions

Summary Authorities are maintaining measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of July 9. Non-essential travel from outside the EU and countries, , , , , , Brunei, , Hong Kong, , , , , , Macau, , , New Zealand, , , , Saudi Arabia, , Singapore, , Taiwan, , and the US. Exceptions are in place for individuals with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and no less than 14 days old. Exceptions are also in place for EU/Schengen Area residents, limited categories of essential work, and urgent family reasons.

All travelers arriving via plane or sea, or arriving via ground transport and spending at least 48 hours in Belgium, must fill out a Passenger Locator Form within the 48 hours before arrival. Travelers arriving from a "red-zone" country within the EU must present a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours; travelers unable to meet these requirements must take a test on arrival and quarantine until the result is known. Permitted travelers arriving from a red-zone country outside the EU must present a certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, take a test on arrival, and quarantine until the result is known; permitted travelers without these certificates must quarantine for 10 days on arrival and take an additional test on day seven of quarantine. A list of areas designated as red zones is available here.

Authorities also maintain a list of "very high-risk" locations. Individuals who have visited a very high-risk country in the previous 14 days are prohibited from entering Belgium with minimal exceptions, including Belgian nationals and residents, individuals in transit, transport workers, and urgent humanitarian reasons. Individuals seeking to travel under many of these exceptions must apply for an essential travel certificate by contacting their local diplomatic mission five days before they are due to travel. All permitted travelers from very high-risk countries must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or an EU Digital COVID Certificate, or equivalent, and self-isolate for 10 days, taking additional tests on days one and seven of the isolation period.

As of July 9, , Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, eSwatini, Lesotho, , , Namibia, Paraguay, Peru, , , Trinidad and Tobago, , Zambia, and Zimbabwe are considered very high-risk locations. The list of very-high risk countries is available here.

Domestic Restrictions Individuals may host to eight people in their homes. Events are permitted for up to 2,000 people indoors and 2,500 people outdoors. Hospitality and catering establishments permitted opening hours will be extended to 01:00. Most businesses and services were previously permitted to reopen subject to hygiene and requirements. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces and busy outdoor areas as defined by local authorities.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources Passenger Locator Form

Map of Countries by Infection Rates

Belgian Coronavirus Portal

World Health Organization (WHO)

Belgian Department of Foreign Affairs

Schengen Area countries

Alert begins: 07/09/2021

Entry/Exit: introduces EU Digital COVID Certificate in numerous EU countries as of July 2; travel restrictions remain. Incident: Travel restrictions Location(s): EU member states (except ) and , , , and (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Transport and business disruptions

Summary Authorities in 21 EU member states have implemented the European Council's "EU Digital COVID Certificate" as of July 2. The certificate is a digital or physical QR code that acts as proof of whether a traveler has been vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from COVID-19, or recently tested negative for COVID-19. Member states should in principle allow individuals possessing the certificate to enter the country without restriction. The certificate is currently being issued by , Belgium, , , , the , , , , , , , Iceland, , , Liechtenstein, , , the , Norway, , , , , , and . All remaining EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway, are set to recognize and begin issuing the certificate by Aug. 12.

The European Council (EC) previously added several more countries, including the US, to the list of countries with which it recommends member states relax entry restrictions due to positive data regarding the COVID-19 situation in those countries. As of July 2, the following countries are on the list: Albania, Australia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the US, and China (provided it implements a reciprocal travel arrangement). The EC advises EU member states to restrict nonessential travel from all other countries outside the bloc as part of measures to combat the spread of COVID- 19.

Countries participating in the measure include all EU Schengen Area member states; non-Schengen EU members Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Romania; and the four non-EU Schengen-associated states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The EC's recommendation is advisory only; individual member states retain the authority to unilaterally deny travel from countries on the approved list or to permit travel with countries not on the approved list.

Additionally, the EC previously issued advice for member states to implement additional COVID-19 measures, including mandatory testing before departure, stricter measures to virus variants of concern, and a common European passenger locator form. Persons exempted from the recommendations include family members of EU nationals, diplomats, foreigners with legal residency permits, cross-border and healthcare workers, and truck drivers transporting freight. Following the end of the Brexit transition period, citizens of the UK are no longer being treated as EU citizens and are therefore subject to measures restricting travel to the EU from outside the bloc as per EC recommendations.

The EC also issued advice May 20 recommending that member states begin lifting restrictions for vaccinated travelers from countries outside the bloc; most member states have not currently implemented this measure.

Advice Prospective travelers from countries on the approved list should check for possible additional restrictions imposed by the destination country prior to booking travel. Persons from countries not on the approved list should postpone travel to the countries participating in the closure. Follow all official and health screening instructions.

Resources

Schengen Area countries

Alert begins: 07/02/2021 Warning Alerts

Health: COVID-19 activity continues across several Western European countries and territories through 30. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 epidemic Affected Area(s): (map) Period: May-June 2021 : Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of June 30. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 May 30-June 30. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

High risk of transmission:

UK Portugal Cyprus Spain Latvia Denmark Netherlands Belgium Ireland Slovenia Greece Lithuania France Luxembourg Switzerland Estonia Norway Faroe

Moderate risk of transmission

Montenegro Croatia Liechtenstein Italy Austria Germany Czech Republic Finland Bulgaria Low risk of transmission

Serbia Slovakia Bosnia and Herzegovina Iceland Poland Guernsey North Macedonia Kosovo Greenland Romania Albania

Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should continue to prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.

Resources WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress US CDC Global COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Notice WHO: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions Alert begins: 06/30/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Belgium Belgium is currently engaged in multiple international humanitarian and military operations under the oversight of the UN, the EU or NATO. Belgium does not face any internal or external conflict threat.

Civil Unrest: Civil unrest generally poses a low threat in Belgium

Labor-strikes, mass demonstrations and protest rallies are frequent in Belgium. Most protests are linked to internal socio-political tensions, work disputes and opposition to political reforms. Demonstrations are also periodically held in response to EU and NATO policies as well as to regional and international developments. Most protests are well policed and peaceful. However, large protests and strikes can disrupt public transportation networks, including in . Several nationwide strikes and protest rallies triggered major disruptions and some violence between April and July 2016. Rallies prone to violence are identified as those linked to labor- protests, far-left demonstrations and anti-Israeli marches. These events generally occur in the center of major cities and lead to a heavy deployment of police and travel disruption.

Another series of protests and rallies occurred in 2018, after the western European 'gilets jaunes' movement spilled over into Belgium's French-speaking . The period saw small-scale rioting and some violent clashes between police and protesters. Further demonstrations of this kind, against perceived are a possibility.

Contacts and Communication: Emergency numbers and selected embassy contacts in Belgium Travelers should familiarize themselves with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case their country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

Emergency Services

Ambulance Emergency 100 Fire Emergency 100 Police Emergency 101 Pan-European Emergency Number 112 International Country Code 32 Contact information for select embassies in Belgium

Note: This information is subject to change.

China - Embassy France - Embassy

Avenue de 443-445 Rue Ducale 65 1150 Woluwe Saint-Pierre 1000 Brussels Phone: +32-2-771-2038 Phone: +32-2-548-8711 Fax: +32-2-779-2895 Fax: +32-2-548-8732 http://be.china-embassy.org/eng/ https://bruxelles.consulfrance.org/ (French) Germany - Embassy Canada - Embassy

Rue Jacques de Lalaingstraat 8-14 Avenue des Arts 58 1040 Brussels 1000 Brussels Phone: +32-2-787-1800 Phone: +32-2-741-0611 Fax: +32-2-787-2800 Fax: +32-2-741-0643 http://www.bruessel.diplo.de/ (German) https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca Netherlands - Embassy Spain - Embassy

Kortenberglaan 4-10 Rue de la Science 19 1040 Brussels 1040 Brussels Phone: +32-2-679-1711 Phone: +32-2-230-0340 Fax: +32-2-679-1775 Fax: +32-2-230-9380 https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl (Dutch) http://www.exteriores.gob.es (Spanish) - Embassy - Embassy

Avenue d' 10 Regentlaan 27 1040 Brussels Boulevard du Phone: +32-2-287-82-11 1000 Brussels Fax: +32-2-282-89-00 Phone: +32-2-811-4000 https://www.gov.uk Fax: +32-2-811-4500 https://be.usembassy.gov/

Crime: Crime generally poses a low threat in Belgium

Brussels tends to experience the highest crime rates in Belgium, whilst the country's second largest city, , sees margianlly less criminal activity. Liège and , which are post-industrial cities with higher unemployment rates, see more elevated crime rates than the historic regional centers of and . Most rural areas in Belgium are considered to be very safe in comparison.

Petty crime, ranging from pickpocketing and theft of unattended belonging, as well as vehicle-thefts and house invasions are the most commonly reported crimes in Belgium. Criminals can adopt a confrontational attitude and violent muggings are periodically reported in major cities. Tourist , transportation hubs and commercial areas are more likely to attract petty thieves than the rest of the country, especially during the peak of Summer. Organized thieves tend to target areas near the / in Brussels, on public transportation, in airports, and the main railway stations in Brussels (Gare du Midi/Zuidstation and Gare du /Noordstation), and Antwerp.

A number of high-profile crime syndicates with regional and international links operate in several urban areas of Belgium, especially in Brussels. These groups are mainly involved in human trafficking as well as the smuggling of weapons and drugs. Criminal rivalries occasionally lead to targeted assassinations which pose a risk of exposure to violence for all those in the vicinity.

Related Advice: Personal security while walking.

Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat is low in Belgium Belgium is a stable, peaceful with positive regional relations. The country does not face any risk of substantial political instability. Institutional and political tensions periodically lead to periods of heightened institutional blockages. Corruption cases both at local and federal level periodically come to light.

Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in Belgium is low

Kidnapping

For most foreign nationals, the threat of kidnapping in Belgium is low. Kidnappings are not a regular occurrence, and kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most likely types of abductions in Belgium include basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom, high-net-worth individual kidnap-for-ransom, and tiger kidnapping. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly.

Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security Services: Summary of security services in Belgium

Security services in Belgium are generally reliable. Responsiveness is good and overall security capabilities are robust. Police in Belgium typically speak Dutch, French, German depending on the region; many are likely to speak English.

Belgium has a number of security forces, the local police are likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals and local staff.

Interaction with Travelers

In Belgium, travelers in need of assistance should contact their diplomatic mission if possible, but may also rely on security forces.

Law Enforcement Reliability

The threat that security forces pose is generally low.

Terrorism: Terrorism generally poses a moderate threat in Belgium Belgium, given its secular values, its major military involvement against IS and its affiliates, and its large Muslim population, is a target for terrorism. The 22 March 2016 bombings at and the Maelbeek subway station that left 32 dead and 340 injured was claimed by IS. Authorities linked two of the alleged Brussels attackers to the IS cell responsible for the November 2015 attacks. The Organization for Threat Analysis Coordination (OCAM) has scored the threat level at 2, for Brussels and the rest of the country. The threat level was reduced in early January 2018. Security forces will continue to be deployed throughout the country to deter attacks and reassure the public. Law enforcement and justice authorities have arrested and prosecuted numerous individuals suspected of recruiting fighters to go to Syria and . Several terrorist plots have been thwarted. However, further attacks are likely. Highly symbolic targets related to Belgian culture are likely to be attractive targets for attacks by lone actors and organized cells. IS continues to call on supporters and sympathizers in Belgium to conduct low-capability shooting or stabbing assaults and vehicle impact attacks against civilian and security force targets in propaganda releases.

Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism. Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling

Overview of Belgium Belgium is a democratic parliamentary . The country does not face a significant risk of political instability, and it maintains friendly relations with its neighbors. Belgium is a driving member of the EU, NATO and the UN as well as other international organizations. There is an elevated terrorist threat. Hundreds of Belgian nationals are currently fighting alongside the Islamic State (IS) and extremist networks operate in the country. Explosions at Brussels airport and metro in March 2016 highlight the risk of coordinated terrorist attacks. IS continues to call for self-generated attacks using edged weapons and vehicle-rammings against security forces and civilians. Authorities continue to launch counter-terrorism raids across the country. Additional police officers are deployed across major cities, specifically at transport hubs. Protests and strikes can lead to transport and service delivery disruption. Most protests occur in Brussels and near government buildings. Demonstrations can turn violent as radical left-wing activists clash with police. Criminal activity, outside some specific urban areas, is not a major concern for travelers. Petty crime (pickpocketing and purse snatching) does occur in major cities and train stations. Roads and public transportation are excellent. Medical facilities are of a high standard. Weather, Currency Exchange

BELGIUM WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Brussels National: CURRENCY 1 1 US Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES = Dollar = Euro 1.0000 0.8423 High: 71° F High: 64° F High: 70° F High: 76° F High: 73° F US Dollar 1.1872 1.0000 (21° C) (17° C) (21° C) (24° C) (22° C) Low: 58° F Low: 59° F Low: 59° F Low: 60° F Low: 54° F (14° C) (15° C) (15° C) (15° C) (12° C)

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