Suspects from the Brussels and Paris attacks appeared in court Thursday for a court hearing to decide whether or not to extend…
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A scandal is now boiling over how Galant handled security concerns and what she told Prime Minister Charles Michel about the European report – one of several documents that were recently leaked by federal workers and members of an opposition political party.
The restricted European Union document of previous year was made public by two opposition parties.
The EU reports only pertained to areas of the airport beyond security checks, but they pointed to “serious deficiences” in security including an inadequate tracing of explosive devices.
The revelation came after the Brussels attacks on March 22 killed 32 people, including 16 at the airport. The Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, has claimed responsibility for both the attacks.
The latest report from April 2015 said Belgium was still “non-compliant, with serious deficiencies” in five areas based on spot checks at Antwerp airport.
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“The security of all Belgians is a priority for this government”, Mr Michel added. This followed the shock resignation of a top transport official on Thursday who accused Galant of incompetence and “Gestapo-like” behaviour. The CDH stressed that the SPF Mobilité agency (responsible for ensuring transport operation) had asked from the government to increase the security measures at the Brussels National Airport, months before the brutal attacks. It was shut down by the bombings for more than a week and has been struggling to get back up to capacity ever since.
