On March 22, Belgium held a commemoration ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks that occurred in Brussels in 2016. These attacks, claimed by the Islamic State group, resulted in the deaths of 32 individuals and left more than 300 wounded. The ceremony took place at Brussels Airport in Zaventem, beginning just before 8 AM local time, attended by prominent figures including Prime Minister Bart de Wever, King Philippe, and Queen Mathilde. Survivors recounted the harrowing experiences and traumatic memories from that fateful day, highlighting the lasting impact of such violence.

Following the airport ceremony, participants moved to Maelbeek metro station, another site targeted by the coordinated suicide bombings that shook the Belgian capital. The day concluded with a gathering at a memorial in central Brussels dedicated to the victims, symbolizing both collective mourning and resilience. Survivors, such as Beatrice de Lavalette, who tragically lost her legs during the attacks, spoke about their struggles and the emotional toll of living with the memories of that day, urging for remembrance and increased awareness about the impact of terrorism.

This anniversary serves not only as a reminder of the tragic loss of life but also as a call for society to reflect on the broader implications of such acts of violence, reinforcing the need for solidarity and counter-terrorism efforts. The events of March 22, 2016, highlighted vulnerabilities within Europe and spurred discussions on national as well as global security protocols against terrorism, marking a significant moment in Belgium's recent history.