Rising violence in Brussels is prompting businesses to reevaluate their operations in the city due to safety concerns for employees.

Since the start of February, a shooting incident has left one man wounded and two individuals dead from drug-related violence in Anderlecht.

A spokesperson from a multinational company expressed that staff feel unsafe using public transport, particularly due to shootings occurring near metro stations.

An Anderlecht shop owner reported a troubling increase in shootings and burglaries, contributing to a pervasive sense of insecurity, especially after dark.

Executives from major firms like ING, Axa, and Deutsche Bank have voiced their concerns in a joint letter to authorities regarding the deteriorating security situation around their headquarters at Porte de Namur.

While the multinational has not made any concrete plans to relocate, the ongoing safety issues remain a significant concern.

A December 2023 poll by Unizo indicated that 45% of Brussels entrepreneurs are contemplating relocating their businesses, with 6% considering a move to another region.

Bruno Colmant, a former executive, warned that the real danger lies in companies potentially avoiding Brussels altogether due to the worsening conditions.

According to Voka, a Flemish business network, many companies are reassessing their future in Brussels, citing fiscal unattractiveness and insecurity as major factors.

The violence in Brussels has escalated, with multiple shootings reported in February 2025, including a fatal incident on February 15.