Authorities in Belgium and the United Kingdom are moving to strengthen cooperation to combat migrant smuggling networks operating along Belgium’s west coast, where attempts to cross the English Channel in small boats have increased in recent months.
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin visited a police operation in the coastal town of Adinkerke on Thursday. He was joined by UK Home Office Minister Alex Norris during the visit, which aimed to highlight the joint efforts to tackle irregular migration and human smuggling.
Officials say the area has become a key point where migrant smuggling networks organize crossings toward the United Kingdom. Many migrants attempt to travel across the English Channel in small boats arranged by criminal groups.
Quintin said Belgium already has strong cooperation with British authorities, but stressed that the two countries need to further improve their exchange of information. He noted that sharing data has become more complicated since the UK left the European Union.
According to the Belgian minister, both governments are now examining ways to create a legal framework that will allow smoother information sharing between law enforcement agencies.
Authorities are also discussing plans to strengthen operational cooperation between Belgian and British police forces to respond more quickly to migrant smuggling activities.
Quintin said rapid intervention is essential as authorities have recorded a growing number of attempts by migrants to leave Belgium and reach the UK by sea.
Norris described Belgium as a key partner in tackling irregular migration and stressed the importance of continued coordination between both countries to disrupt criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling.