News

17.02.26

From geopolitical challenges to building capacity for coast guard operations

Modern and effective coast guard surveillance requires a multifunctional approach, using a complementary mix of tools – such as satellites, drones (underwater and airborne), aircraft, vessels and ground systems. No single instrument is sufficient on its own to address today’s complex maritime challenges.
06.02.26

Strategic Consultation with the Netherlands Coastguard

We can learn a lot from our northern neighbours. Flanders and the Netherlands benefit from close cooperation and the exchange of knowledge. That is why a delegation from the Belgian Coast Guard paid a working visit to the Netherlands Coastguard in Den Helder.
06.01.26

EU Exchange Program @ Belgian Coast Guard

From 24 to 27 November, we had the pleasure of welcoming Martyna Jagodzinska (Polish Border Guard) and Stefano Liberti (Italian Guardia di Finanza) for an inspiring week focused on Safety & Environment. A big thank you to all partners for making this an unforgettable experience.
29.11.25

Belgium elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation

On November 29 in 2025, Belgium was elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation in London. This will enable our country to influence international shipping policy over the next two years.
21.11.25

The North Sea, a Sea of Opportunities

On November 21, 2025, many coast guard partners attended the Governor’s address, themed “The North Sea, a Sea of Opportunities
17.10.25

North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum 2025: Systems, Can We Trust Them?

The NACGF Summit took place this year in Copenhagen, from October 13 till 16, 2025.
15.09.25

160 Years of the Italian Coast Guard Celebrated with International Conferences

To mark its 160th anniversary, the Italian Coast Guard is hosting three prestigious events in Rome this year: the plenary conference of the ECGFF (European Coast Guard Functions Forum), the MCGFF (Mediterranean Coast Guard Forum), and the GCGS (Global Coast Guard Summit).

The chairs of the Coast Guard Policy Body, Piet Pieters and Nathalie Balcaen, represent the 17 coast guard partners and are supported by secretary Eefje Deweer.
15.07.25

Coast Guard Obtains Permit for Drone Flights Over the North Sea

The Coast Guard has received a "permit to fly" allowing drone operations over the North Sea. As a result, drone flights will take place during the summer to support rescue operations or detect pollution, for example. This marks the first time such drone operations are being conducted over the Belgian part of the North Sea.
01.07.25

Seacoast 2025 Exercise

Early July traditionally marks the time when the Governor of the Province of West Flanders, together with the relevant land, sea, and air partners, tests the rescue coordination arrangements along the Belgian coast. This year, the coastal municipality of Nieuwpoort was the designated location. Under the codename ‘Seacoast25’, two scenarios were launched, requiring participants to respond as they would in a real incident, following the principles outlined in the rescue coordination agreement.
29.05.25

Kick-off in Zeebrugge for European Coast Guard Operation

From the end of May until September, the Flemish and federal Coast Guard services will collaborate with the French Coast Guard in a Multipurpose Maritime Operation (MMO). The MMO is a large-scale maritime operation in the North Sea, coordinated by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), with support from the European Union. Member states work closely together on Coast Guard tasks such as maritime safety, environmental protection, and fisheries control. The operation has been launched near the naval base in Zeebrugge.