Bart 
De Wever

Yesterday, Belgium had the honor to co-host a UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) event on tackling organised crime through international cooperation and innovation.

Organised crime is not just a law enforcement issue; it is an urgent, existential threat that touches every corner of society. From drug and human trafficking to cybercrime and money laundering, criminal networks have global reach and devastating local impact. Belgium faces this challenge daily — especially as a logistics hub with some of Europe’s busiest ports.

This is why cooperation is not optional — it is imperative. Belgium is deeply committed to a multilateral approach to organized crime. Because the challenge is global, and so must be our response.Together, by sharing intelligence and innovative approaches, we strengthen our collective security and resilience.

Belgium is ready. Ready to strengthen its own efforts. Ready to fight this battle not alone, but together — with governments, with international organizations, and yes, with responsible private actors. Because together, we can break the business model of organized crime.

Our country is always open for business, but closed for crime.