Overview

• Belgium’s government announced entry checks will start this summer and run for six months as part of a broader migration strategy.
• The measures will target major highways, autobahn rest areas, international bus services, select trains and intra-European flights from countries such as Greece and Italy.
• Belgium’s move aligns with similar steps by Germany and the Netherlands to deter asylum shopping and irregular border crossings.
• In 2024 Belgium received 39,615 asylum applications—an 11.6% rise over 2023—while its reception capacity of 35,600 places left many newcomers without accommodation.
• Belgian police unions warned that dedicating officers to the controls could strain resources and disrupt other law enforcement duties.