EU shame as Brussels becomes crack cocaine capital of Europe

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Belgium, one of Europe’s wealthiest nations and a major tourist destination is grappling with a growing crisis of drug abuse, poverty, and violence centred around its iconic Brussels Midi Station.

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo acknowledged the severity of the problem at a news conference on Thursday and pledged immediate action to address the crisis, which has tarnished Belgium’s reputation and left commuters and tourists feeling unsafe.

Once an impressive transportation hub, Brussels Midi Station has become a symbol of governmental dysfunction and neglect.

The situation has escalated over the past year, with the rampant spread of crack cocaine and the open dealing and use of drugs in the vicinity.

This has exacerbated an already dire situation, leading to a rise in petty theft, fights, and harassment of tourists.

READ MORE: Cocaine dealer hired by failing pub to petrol bomb successful rival

With an eye on its upcoming EU presidency, Belgium is taking decisive steps to combat the crisis.

Prime Minister De Croo announced the establishment of a special police station within the existing train station, aimed at making interventions more efficient and effective in curbing criminal activity.

Critics argue that the government’s response comes too late and question whether a cleanup operation will merely relocate urban problems to other neighbourhoods, potentially spreading the crisis to new areas.

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The issues are not confined to Brussels Midi Station alone; another major train hub, Nord Station, in the capital also grapples with similar problems, further tarnishing Belgium’s image.

A significant contributor to the crisis is the rise of drug trafficking in the country, particularly through the northern port of Antwerp, which has emerged as a key gateway for Latin American cocaine cartels into Europe.

Customs officials report that cocaine seizures in Antwerp have more than doubled in the past five years, resulting in a surge of relatively inexpensive cocaine in Brussels, with crack cocaine becoming a significant security concern, particularly in the vicinity of the Brussels Midi Station.

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