"Dear Brussels residents,The last 48 hours have been demanding and challenging for each one of us.Following the evaluation of an increased threat level, the federal authorities asked the Brussels-Capital Region and its districts to join them in reducing the risk for the population of the terrorist presence on its territory.
"We know that the temporary and exceptional measures that have been adopted earlier surprised and sometime undermined part of our citizen. We are clearly aware of that and ask you to stay calm and confident, as you already demonstrated it during the past two days.
"The Regional Security Council met again this Sunday night, following the convocation and the new recommendations of the National Security Council
"We have taken note of the decisions of the National Security Council for this Monday (23 November):
– The closing of the subway and the « pré-métro » (underground tramway)
– The closing of schools, high schools and universities
"The Regional Security Council also decided to close all the daycare and child facilities on Monday. No minimal service and reception will be organized by the Communes (local level).
"It is also decided to maintain the closing of all malls, entertainment sites, public market and sports facilities.
"Our goal is to mobilize the most security force on the ground.
"Regarding the public transportation network, the Region and the STIB/MIVB work together to increase the density of the surface transports, as soon as from Monday morning.
"The situation is naturally monitored minute by minute, following the necessary security capacity and protection needed.
"Every possible effort is being made, locally and regionally, for those measures to be as short-timed as possible and for them to have a minimum impact on the lives of our residents and the daily business activities. Everything is being made in order to reopen the schools as soon as possible.
"In the name of the government and all authorities, I also want to thank all local and federal law enforcement and security forces, who are working continuously and thoroughly in order to restore efficiently and peacefully the normal pace of the Brussels-Capital Region."
Minister-President of the Brussels Region Rudi Vervoort and the Mayors of the 19 districts (communes) of the Region.
