German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has signaled a strengthened collaborative effort with Belgium to advocate for increased European Union action against organized crime and drug trafficking.
Speaking after a meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever at the Chancellery on Tuesday, Merz highlighted the close working relationship between the two nations. He cited recent successful cooperation between their respective interior ministries in combating criminal networks and illicit drug smuggling as a prime example.
The Chancellor specifically referenced the significant ports of Hamburg, Rotterdam and Antwerp, noting this issue was a key topic of discussion. “Here there is an alliance – also for new standards which we would like to jointly implement in the European Union” Merz stated, adding that initial intensive consultations, including with municipalities directly involved, have already taken place. The initiative aims to foster a more robust European response to transnational criminal activity.
