Antwerp – Hundreds of magistrates in Antwerp have issued a stark warning regarding the imminent collapse of the justice system. Attorney General Guido Vermeiren and Chief President of the Antwerp Court of Appeal Bart Willocx have called for immediate reforms, including increased budgets, additional staffing, digitization, and prison upgrades through a comprehensive set of 100 proposals, reports 24brussels.
The magistrates protested outside the Antwerp courthouse, voicing their concerns as part of a broader national outcry that has persisted for several months. They emphasized that the judicial system is currently under extreme pressure and could fail without urgent intervention.
Judges and prosecutors detailed the dire state of courthouses, which they argue are unsafe and outdated, with many facilities posing risks to both staff and visitors. Their top priority is to obtain a clear long-term strategy bolstered by adequate funding.
In addition to infrastructure concerns, magistrates highlighted the pressing need for complete digitization. Access to case files, rulings, and judgments must be improved, they argue, alongside the swift implementation of artificial intelligence to address the growing backlog of cases.
What is driving Antwerp magistrates to warn Belgium’s justice system is on the brink of collapse?
Staffing challenges also contribute significantly to the crisis, with magistrates asserting that courts are hindered by recruitment delays and insufficient personnel. Recent pension reforms have exacerbated the situation, making the profession less appealing. They are pressing for expedited hiring processes and better working conditions to attract new staff.
The overcrowding and inadequate facilities in prisons are further complicating matters, creating conditions that magistrates describe as inhumane. This situation not only complicates sentence enforcement but also diminishes public confidence in the justice system.
Vermeiren characterized the situation as “five to twelve,” underscoring the urgency for increased funding and resources to prevent the system from “running aground.” He warned that neglecting these issues could lead to “untold suffering” and stressed that the judiciary lacks the capacity to face the challenges ahead.
“We are in danger of getting stuck on all fronts.”
Guido Vermeiren – Attorney General of Limburg
“Some things take time. But we need a long-term vision for justice, with a budgetary plan that spans the legislative periods.”
“If nothing changes, if we don’t get the necessary resources, we’ll face new problems,”
Willocx concurred with the assessment, emphasizing the need for resources to ensure public safety. He cautioned that without an immediate shift, the situation would worsen.
“Then soon it will be five past twelve instead of five to twelve. If you say you want to ensure people’s safety, you have to provide the resources.”
Vermeiren also noted the increasing demands placed on courts, particularly due to organized crime and expanding drug networks. He indicated that the complexities of such cases, which were once rare, have become commonplace, significantly straining court resources and workload.
“What used to be exceptional is now quite normal,”
He warned that magistrates require additional support and resources to effectively manage these growing challenges. On June 27, 2025, approximately 1,000 magistrates and court officials gathered at the Palais de Justice in Brussels to protest the persistent underfunding and staffing deficiencies affecting the justice system. This demonstration followed previous protests in April 2025, where public prosecutors opposed government pension reforms and temporarily ceased cooperation with parliament.
Despite a request made in August 2024 for an additional €100 million to address delays, improve working conditions, and hasten digital reform, the unrest in Antwerp reflects ongoing frustrations. Meanwhile, a new remand prison is set to open in spring 2026, but the existing facilities, some dating back to the 1850s, remain overcrowded and in disrepair.
