Counterterrorism in Belgium: Key challenges and policy options. Egmont Paper 89, October 2016

André, Sophie and Devroe, Elke and Duquet , Nils and Lemeunier, France and Ponsaers, Paul and Renard, Thomas and Seron, Vincent (2017) Counterterrorism in Belgium: Key challenges and policy options. Egmont Paper 89, October 2016. [Policy Paper]

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Abstract

From the Introduction. Some days can never be forgotten. Tuesday, 22 March, started just like any other day of any other week, as another grey morning followed another cold night in Belgium. But at exactly 7:58, that morning turned into a living nightmare. Two individuals detonated powerful bombs in the departure hallway of Brussels Airport. One hour later, at 9:11 a.m., a third explosion in the Brussels subway confirmed that Belgium was under attack. Thirty-two people died, and more than 300 were injured on that tragic day. For most Belgian citizens and residents, this was more than a tragedy; it was a traumatic event. Many could relate with the victims or with the location of the attacks. Most people still recall exactly where they were, and what they were doing at the moment they heard the news.

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