The United Kingdom and Belgium want to strengthen cooperation in tackling human smuggling along the West Coast, where crossings by migrants in small boats have increased sharply in recent months. Authorities say smugglers and migrants attempting the journey are intercepted daily in the region.
Belgian minister for the interior Bernard Quintin (MR) visited a police operation in Adinkerke near De Panne on Thursday. He was joined by UK migration minister Alex Norris. Both ministers said they want to deepen cooperation between the two countries to address the issue.
“We already have good cooperation with our British colleagues, but we want to further strengthen our exchange of information,” Quintin said. “Since Brexit, this exchange has become more difficult. We need an appropriate legal framework to ensure smooth exchange.”
Strengthening operational cooperation
According to Quintin, efforts are also underway to improve cooperation in police operations.
“There’s already good cooperation there, but we want to strengthen it. We’re already receiving staff and resources from the UK, but we’re exploring how we can further improve that cooperation,” he said. “It’s crucial that we intervene quickly now that we’re seeing this phenomenon occur more frequently in our country. This way, we can prevent the situation from escalating.”
Norris likewise highlighted the importance of close collaboration between the two countries, saying, “Belgium is a key ally in the fight against illegal migration. We already have good cooperation and want to continue working closely together in the future to get the situation under control.”
West coast police Chris De Ridder, UK migration minister, Alex Norris and Belgian minister for the interior Bernard Quintin during a police action against transmigration on the West Coast, Thursday 12 March 2026, in Adinkerke. © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
Carl Decaluwé, the governor of West Flanders, who has long called for additional support, said he was encouraged by the renewed political attention.
“It’s a positive sign that this is high on the political agenda. The pressure on this region and on the police services is therefore high,” Decaluwé said. “We’ve already received additional federal support, and I hope we can facilitate a positive collaboration with all these parties on a structural basis.”
#FlandersNewsService | Police action against transmigration on the West Coast, Thursday 12 March 2026, in Adinkerke following a working visit by the British migration minister, Alex Norris. Norris and Belgian minister for the interior Bernard Quintin are focused on tackling human trafficking and transmigration. © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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