Belgian municipalities merge police zones to counter cybercrime and terrorism

Six Belgian municipalities (Dendermonde, Berlare, Buggenhout, Hamme, Lebbeke, Zele) will merge their police zones into one larger zone by January 2029, creating a force of over 400 officers. The move aims to enhance capacity against complex threats like cybercrime and terrorism. This is a local administrative consolidation with no immediate market impact.