Shootings surge in Brussels as drug gang violence escalates

Last Monday night, drug gangs turned Salvatore's pizzeria in Brussels into a crime scene. The restaurant owner described the terror: "We dropped to the floor. I had clients eating on the terrace with children. Look, we can see the bullet impacts everywhere." His establishment sits on a pretty little square in St Gilles, a central area close to the Midi train station, which serves passengers arriving from London and Paris.

Shootings related to drug trafficking have become routine in the Belgian capital over the past couple of years. According to the BBC, there were over 100 such shootings in 2025 alone, and more than 65 have already occurred this year. This was the third shooting in the St Gilles neighbourhood in just three days.

"Are we in an American gangster movie? This needs to stop," Salvatore said, reflecting the frustration of residents who feel increasingly unsafe in their own city.

The violence has become a pressing concern for authorities, who are struggling to contain the power of drug gangs operating in and around Brussels. The proximity of the Midi station, a key transport hub, has made the area a strategic point for trafficking networks.

Why This Matters

Brussels is the de facto capital of the European Union, and a breakdown of public safety in its central districts undermines confidence in Belgian governance and EU institutions.
The surge in shootings shows that drug gangs are operating with impunity, threatening the daily lives of residents and businesses in once-peaceful neighbourhoods.
If the trend continues, it could trigger a broader security crisis, affecting tourism, foreign investment, and the city's reputation as a safe international hub.

Background

Brussels has faced growing drug-related violence in recent years, with criminal groups exploiting the city's position as a transport and administrative hub. The Midi station area, a gateway for international rail travelers, has become a hotspot for turf wars between rival trafficking gangs. Belgian authorities have increased police patrols and launched anti-drug operations, but the frequency of shootings suggests the problem is deepening. The EU has also expressed concern about the rise of organized crime in member states.

Key Perspectives

Residents and business owners: They are the immediate victims, living in fear and demanding stronger police action. Salvatore's plea for the violence to stop reflects a widespread sense of desperation. Belgian authorities: Police and local government face pressure to restore order, but are constrained by limited resources, legal complexities, and the cross-border nature of drug trafficking. They may argue that the problem requires a coordinated European response. Drug gangs: Their interests are economic — protecting and expanding lucrative trafficking routes. The violence is a tool of intimidation and territorial control, showing little regard for civilian casualties.

What to Watch

The number of shootings in the coming weeks: if the rate remains above 65 for the year, 2026 could surpass 2025's record.
Any major police crackdown or policy announcement from the Brussels regional government or Belgian federal authorities.
Potential EU-level intervention, such as increased funding for cross-border police cooperation or sanctions on drug trafficking networks.

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