Calls for action to address safety concerns at Brussels Midi and North stations have gained momentum among politicians. These demands include implementing an alcohol ban, offering more

social assistance to the homeless, and improving coordination among the responsible authorities overseeing the stations, as reported by Bruzz.

Mathias Vanden Borre (N-VA, Flemish nationalists) emphasized the ongoing security issues around Brussels Midi and North stations during an interview with Radio 1 on Tuesday. He proposed enforcing an alcohol ban in the neighborhoods surrounding the stations, along with prohibiting gatherings, begging, street prostitution, and tent camps.

"These measures are crucial in the short term to restore order to the situation," he stated. Vanden Borre advocated for better collaboration among local police zones, federal police, security service Securail, and railway police, aiming for a zero-tolerance stance against pickpocketing and drug dealing in the vicinity.

Nadia Naji, the chair of the Flemish green party Groen, has urged for increased social support to address issues stemming from drug addiction and homelessness. She indicated that the problems observed at the stations and in various neighborhoods are symptomatic of deeper structural issues that have worsened notably since the onset of the Covid crisis.

"The situation is intricate, and thus, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Merely focusing on punitive actions won't suffice, as it relocates or masks the problem without truly resolving it," Naji remarked.

Naji also called for improved cooperation between law enforcement, financial institutions, and the judiciary. She emphasized the need to strengthen not only the police force but also street support initiatives and frontline workers. Additionally, she stressed the importance of reinforcing housing projects and offering social and psychological counseling for homeless individuals.

In a previous week, the CEO of rail operator SNCB highlighted the necessity for a more synchronized approach to enhance security and cleanliness at both stations. Responding to this concern, Bruzz revealed that Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) convened relevant stakeholders this week.

Representatives from the federal Ministries of Home Affairs, Asylum and Migration, and Mobility attended the meeting. Notably, the Brussels region and the municipalities of Anderlecht and Saint-Gilles were also involved, along with SNCB.

De Croo's spokesperson conveyed, "This is a multifaceted issue that spans different levels of government. We won't evade responsibility; rather, we're committed to working collaboratively to tackle this problem." Photo by Ingolf from Berlin , Deutschland, Wikimedia commons.