Brussels and Paris have cancelled its New Year’s Eve celebrations – which are attended by tens of thousands annually – as it remains on high alert over a possible Paris-style terror attack, it was today revealed.
Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur said the festivities and fireworks in the heart of the Belgian capital will not go ahead for security reasons because officials cannot guarantee they can ‘check’ all attendees.
‘It’s better not to take any risks,’ he added.
On the other hand, authorities in Paris, with an eye to security following the November attacks by armed militants, are shortening a New Year video light show at the Arc de Triomphe at midnight on Thursday and cancelling a firework display to keep down crowds.
About 11,000 soldiers, police and emergency workers will be deployed – 2,000 more than last year – during subdued celebrations, the official city web site said, while there would be restrictions on the sale of alcohol.
The French capital remains on high alert since the Nov. 13 shootings and suicide bombings by Islamic State militants which killed 130 people.
