Ten years after the attacks of March 22, 2016, the day remains a stark turning point for Belgium and for those who led the country through the crisis. Charles Michel, who was Prime Minister at the time, recalls a sense of vulnerability shattered, and a nation forced to confront a new reality. He remembers the immediate aftermath as a period of intense pressure, rapid decision-making, and a surge of international support, recalling one phone call in particular that stood out amidst the chaos.
Michel describes a feeling of “insouciance” regarding security threats in Belgium prior to the attacks. “We had, perhaps wrongly, the feeling that it couldn’t happen to us,” he said. That perception was brutally upended by the coordinated bombings at Brussels Airport in Zaventem and the Maalbeek metro station, leaving 32 people dead and hundreds wounded. The attacks triggered a national trauma and prompted a significant reassessment of Belgium’s security protocols.
The Day Unfolded
The initial shock came as Michel was en route to Brussels. He received a call from then-Deputy Prime Minister Jan Jambon, informing him of the first explosion at Zaventem Airport. The news immediately altered his course, directing him towards the newly established crisis center. As he headed to the center, a second explosion rocked Zaventem, amplifying the sense of urgency, and dread. Moments later, confirmation arrived of an explosion at the Maalbeek metro station, further escalating the crisis.
Inside the crisis center, a flurry of activity unfolded. Security services, intelligence agencies, and government officials worked to coordinate a response, assess the damage, and secure the city. “We spent extremely complicated hours,” Michel recalled. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, maintaining composure and rationality was paramount. “We had to keep a cool head and remain rational,” he emphasized. The immediate priority was “to keep the country standing,” deploying resources where they were most needed.
A Nation Responds
Alongside the operational response, communication became a critical challenge. The government needed to inform a shocked population, provide reassurance, and manage the flow of information while simultaneously responding to a wave of international inquiries and offers of assistance.
The outpouring of support from around the world was swift and significant. Heads of state and government reached out to express their solidarity and offer help. Among those calls, one resonated particularly deeply: a call from then-U.S. President Barack Obama. “He was one of the first to call me,” Michel said. “He had extremely personal, extremely warm words.”
The role of leadership, Michel explained, took on a different dimension in those moments. “When you are president or head of government, you are somewhat transcended. You must be the one who holds the country upright.” That responsibility, and the weight of it, remains deeply etched in his memory.
The Aftermath and Lasting Impact
The attacks prompted a comprehensive review of Belgium’s counter-terrorism strategies and security measures. Increased cooperation between security agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering, and stricter border controls were among the measures implemented in the wake of the attacks. Recent reports have highlighted ongoing challenges faced by victims in receiving adequate compensation and support from the government, a situation the Pension Service has apologized for.
The attacks as well sparked a national conversation about radicalization and the challenges of integrating diverse communities. Efforts to counter extremist ideologies and promote social cohesion have been ongoing since 2016, though the issue remains complex and multifaceted.
Ten years later, the memory of March 22, 2016, continues to shape Belgium’s national identity and security policies. The attacks served as a painful reminder of the country’s vulnerability to terrorism and the importance of vigilance and international cooperation. The experience, Michel says, fundamentally altered his perspective and reinforced the importance of strong leadership in times of crisis.
As Belgium continues to grapple with the long-term consequences of the attacks, the focus remains on strengthening security, supporting victims, and fostering a more resilient and inclusive society. The next official commemoration will take place on March 22nd, 2026, marking another year of remembrance and reflection.
We encourage readers to share their own memories and reflections on this pivotal moment in Belgian history in the comments below.
