Authorities in Belgium are gearing up for one of the most challenging New Year’s Eve celebrations in recent memory, with stricter bans, earlier prevention, and unprecedented coordination across federal and local levels.
Brussels recorded 159 arrests and over 1,700 incidents on 31 December 2025, with at least 60 vehicles set alight. Firefighters and ambulance crews were frequently targeted with stones and Molotov cocktails, sometimes forced to retreat from danger zones.
In response, the Brussels-Capital Region has introduced a full ban on e-scooters from midday on 31 December until 9 a.m. on 1 January. The ban targets both private and shared devices, with penalties ranging from €234 to €1,800 or up to 14 days imprisonment for violators.
Minister-President Rudi Vervoort (PS) emphasised the importance of protecting citizens and emergency services. “Let us celebrate together, but in complete safety,” he said, highlighting the continued prohibition on fireworks in the region.
The Atomium area in Brussels has been designated for the official fireworks display in 2026. Mayor Philippe Close (PS) explained that the site offers a family-friendly environment, while the city centre is left for late-night revelers attending bars and nightclubs. The strategy aims to separate crowds and prevent overcrowding in high-risk zones.
Other restrictions remain in force, including a ban on the sale, transport, and unofficial use of fireworks, as well as controlled zones where e-scooters are prohibited. Authorities hope last year’s measures will continue to reduce incidents of chaos.
In Anderlecht, known for frequent unrest, Mayor Fabrice Cumps (PS) is prioritising prevention over curfews for minors under 16. “Operation Pacman” has mobilised municipal services to remove illegal dumping, vandalised street furniture, and construction debris from public spaces, aiming to reduce objects that could be used as projectiles or fire hazards.
Local police patrols will be reinforced in the final days of December, with special attention to construction sites and public containers. On New Year’s Eve, a municipal guard of around 20 workers will assist police in clearing debris and protecting emergency crews, while bins will be removed from sensitive areas.
Federal Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) convened a national coordination meeting at the National Crisis Centre, aligning police chiefs, provincial governors, and emergency service leaders. Quintin stressed that mayors have the legal authority under the New Municipal Act to maintain public order based on local risk assessments.
In Antwerp, Mayor Els van Doesburg (N-VA) will once again impose preventive house arrests on young people suspected of disorderly conduct. Past measures saw 27 to 47 youths confined at home on New Year’s Eve, targeting known repeat offenders involved in arson, vandalism, assault, theft, extortion, and homophobic attacks.
David Cleiren, spokesperson for Van Doesburg, defended the measures, saying, “They won’t suddenly become choirboys on New Year’s Eve. These are known repeat offenders, responsible for sometimes very serious crimes.” The city council’s plans remain unaffected despite a recent advisory opinion from the Council of State.
Lawyer Abderrahim Lahlali, representing an 18-year-old from the Rozemaai neighbourhood, argued that the measure against his client was insufficiently substantiated. The auditor recommended annulment in his case, citing unverified reports and a lack of questioning.
Despite these legal challenges, Belgian authorities are determined to implement proactive measures to curb violence and ensure emergency services can operate without obstruction. The combination of pre-emptive actions, e-scooter bans, and federal-local coordination marks a decisive shift from reactive policing toward safer celebrations.
Belgium’s 2025-2026 New Year’s Eve preparations reflect lessons learned from previous years, signalling a firm commitment to protect citizens, minimise property damage, and reduce the risks associated with large-scale urban celebrations.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
