Brussels on “heightened state of alert”

The overall security threat level in Brussels and Brussels Airport between March 25 and April 5 will rise from level 2 (medium) to level 3 (high), announced OCAD, the body that keeps tabs on the terrorist threat in Belgium.

OCAD assures that there is no evidence for a possible attack, but the increased security is necessary due to the fact that many prominent figures happen to be visiting Brussels around the same time, including Chinese president Xi Jinping and American president Barack Obama.

In the same week, Brussels will also be hosting several European summits, including the NATO summit and the EU-African summit, drawing dignitaries from all over the world. “Level 3 is a normal response,” according to OCAD's André Vandoren, “given the international aspect and the number of high-profile visitors involved."