Antwerp police are on high alert during the European industry summit that is taking place at the city’s Handelsbeurs. The Antwerp Local Police Service spokesman Sven Lommaert told VRT News that “The French president and the German chancellor don't visit the heart of our city every day. We have deployed more personnel, but inconvenience for residents and visitors will be limited”.
Antwerp police on high state of alert during European industry summit at the city’s Handelsbeurs
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Today, (Wednesday 11 February) the Handelsbeurs in Antwerp is the venue for a top-level European meeting on industry.
The presence of prominent figures such as President Macron and Chancellor Merz means that Antwerp police are on high alert. ‘This is not something we deal with every day, but we are prepared” Sven Lommaert of the Antwerp Local Police Service told VRT News.
BearCat and guns
“We are deploying more officers in the area, including specialist firearms officers. Behind the scenes, several more teams are on standby. Our BearCat will also be visible on the streets”, Mr Lommaert said.
In addition to this, the police will also monitor the airspace above the summit venue and a no-fly zone will be in force for drones.
“Police escorts will accompany guests through the city to the venue. But all in all, the disruption in the surrounding area will be minimal” the police spokesperson said.
The Handelsbeurs is located right next to the city’s busiest shopping street in the heart of the city. The narrow alleyways that lead to the Handelsbeurs will be closed. However, other streets will remain accessible to the public.
“We will, of course, have to stop traffic or close a street at certain times when guests arrive or depart. But these closures will be temporary and cause minimal disruption”. Local residents and those with businesses nearby have been warned in advance.
According to the police, the tram services both overground and underground will not be affected by the summit.