Belgium faces rising drug violence and public safety crisis: Report

A new report highlights a worrying surge in drug-fueled violence across Belgium, amplifying public safety fears as authorities grapple with limited resources. The study by the Flemish Peace Institute, reported by Belga news agency on Monday, documented 184 incidents involving firearms in the country during 2024.

Brussels as the primary hotspot

The violence proved deadly, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and 81 injuries. According to the report, shots were fired in 65% of the recorded incidents. Researchers identified the capital city of Brussels as the nation's main hotspot for this gun-related crime, though Antwerp and parts of Limburg are also significantly affected.

Competitive drug market driving violence

Researchers link the increase in shootings and killings to a more competitive and violent Belgian drug market. Rising demand, coupled with greater production and import volumes, has attracted new criminal groups and intensified rivalries. The persistent circulation of illegal firearms, often tied to trafficking networks, remains a key challenge despite tighter gun laws enacted in 2006.

Strain on law enforcement and risk of spread

The rising violence places severe strain on Belgium's police and judicial systems, which face recruitment difficulties, budget limits, and overwhelming caseloads. The report warns that if these underlying structural issues are not addressed, the geographic spread of violence to other regions is a real possibility, further testing the state's capacity to ensure public security.