Commemorative ceremonies for the victims of the terrorist attacks

Ten years after the terrorist attacks of 22 March 2016, Belgium has paid tribute to the victims. Once again this year, moments of commemoration and solidarity were organised to pay tribute to all the victims of terrorism in Belgium, as well as to Belgian victims abroad. This tenth year of tribute was a special moment of remembrance and solidarity, with various ceremonies held in Brussels on 21 and 22 March 2026.

The programme was prepared by Brussels Airport Company, STIB and FPS Chancery of the Prime Minister, in close collaboration with the victims' associations Life for Brussels and V-Europe.

Between 10:00 and 11:30am on Saturday 21 March, a human chain of hope was formed around Maelbeek metro station. This symbolic gesture by STIB was an invitation to collective remembrance.

On Sunday 22 March, a commemoration ceremony took place from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. at Zaventem airport, organised by Brussels Airport Company. This was followed by a moment of silence, from 8.45am to 9.30am, at Maelbeek metro station, on the initiative of STIB. Both events took place in the presence of the victims, their families and Their Majesties the King and Queen.

At 12:00 p.m., an official ceremony was held on Rue de la Loi, in front of the Monument to the Victims of Terrorism, organised by the FPS Chancellery of the Prime Minister. The names of those killed were read out, followed by a minute's silence and the laying of flowers, speeches, and testimonials, as well as an artistic contribution. In attendance were the royal couple, the victims and their families, as well as representatives of the authorities and emergency services.

The ceremony was broadcast live by national TV channels RTBF, RTL, VRT and VTM.

The commemorations were an occasion to pay tribute to the victims, while conveying a message of resilience and hope.