On New Year’s Eve, all police zones in Brussels will be under the unified command of the chief of the Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police zone (PolBru), Michel Goovaerts, the police zone reported to Belga.
Every year, Brussels faces disturbances on New Year’s Eve, including fireworks being fired towards law enforcement, car fires, and spontaneous fireworks displays.
To address this, police will have a centralised coordination system across the Brussels Region on New Year’s Eve, enabling real-time information sharing between zones. Michel Goovaerts will oversee regional operations and lead the integrated police force.
The supervision will be managed by the Regional Crisis Centre in close collaboration with the federal police.
All partners involved, including police, firefighters, and emergency medical services, will be mobilised to ensure effective and safe event management, PolBru spokesperson Ilse Van de Keere emphasised. The police will be particularly present and visible to ensure the safety of all citizens.
Additionally, the region reiterated on Friday that the use of fireworks (sparklers, rockets, firecrackers, etc.) is banned on its territory until 3 March 2025. Last year, despite the ban, fireworks were still set off in several parts of Brussels.
To curb the issues of this traditionally tumultuous night, local authorities are considering preventative measures, as discussed at a conference of Brussels mayors on Wednesday.
One suggestion is preventive house arrest for known rioters, inspired by measures in Antwerp. Anderlecht Mayor Fabrice Cumps (PS) is also considering imposing a curfew for young minors in the Cureghem neighbourhood, requiring them to stay indoors from 19:00.
