The ROADPOL-organized EU-cofunded STRIDER III project once again demonstrated the critical importance of cross-border cooperation, joint training and modern enforcement techniques during its international seminar held in the end of November in Hasselt, Belgium.
The seminar brought together delegations from 20 European countries, reflecting the truly international dimension of the STRIDER III initiative. Participants included police officers from the Affiliated Entities of the STRIDER III project — Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Portugal, Austria and Belgium — as well as officers from ROADPOL member countries Serbia, Turkey, Switzerland and Turkey.
The seminar was supported by ROADPOL and partially funded by the European Union, underlining the shared European commitment to strengthening road safety enforcement and combating serious traffic-related crime across borders. The main coordinator of this year’s seminar was Chief Inspector Frédéric Martin of the Belgian Federal Highway Police and a member of ROADPOL.
Welcome
Participants were welcomed on Monday evening at the seminar hotel in Hasselt. Despite heavy rain on arrival, the adverse weather did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm and motivation of the international delegations.
The seminar officially opened on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, with welcoming remarks by Chief Commissioner Koen Ricour, Director of the Belgian Federal Traffic Police. He was joined by ROADPOL General Secretary Damyan Vladinov, who handed over a commemorative plaque highlighting the Belgian Federal Highway Police’s active involvement within ROADPOL, followed by the traditional handshake symbolising strong cooperation.
Core
After practical organisational briefings by Chief Inspector Frédéric Martin, the first presentation provided an in-depth overview of the Belgian traffic police, including its structure, equipment, missions and operational scope. Former Director of Operations Graham Verschaeve, also a former ROADPOL member, answered numerous questions from participants, facilitating a valuable exchange of operational experience.
The programme then moved to key enforcement topics. Chief Inspector Kurt Garrez delivered the first part of his presentation on cargo securing and truck safety, beginning with an interactive poll to assess participants’ existing knowledge and national legal frameworks.
Following lunch, Andy De Muyer (DCA Antwerp) and Ine Van Kets (CPS Limburg) conducted a practical demonstration using two vehicles to showcase hidden compartments used for concealing narcotics, weapons and other illegal goods, as well as effective detection techniques.
The afternoon concluded with a highly technical presentation by Bart Huyghebaert on the analysis of Event Data Recorder (EDR) information. Participants learned how EDR data can support accident reconstruction by revealing critical parameters such as vehicle speed at impact, accelerator position and engine revolutions.
Program
On Wednesday, Chief Inspector Garrez continued with the second part of his cargo securing and truck safety presentation. This was followed by Peter François from the Belgian National Police Academy, who presented the training of Belgium’s “road eagles,” both motorcycle and car units.
Ariane Braccio, traffic judge in Hasselt, then explained how offenses related to driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs are prosecuted in Belgium, including applicable sanctions.
The day concluded with a cultural programme, including a guided city walk and a visit to the National Jenever Museum, strengthening informal networking among participants.
Challenges
The final day focused on emerging challenges in road policing. Major Gustaaf Cools from the Flemish Brabant Fire Brigade and Benny Cuypers from the Federal Police’s Team Use of Force delivered an in-depth presentation on incidents involving electric vehicles, addressing response tactics and specific risks linked to EV technology.
This was followed by an expert session led by Floris De Vogel, Inspector at CGI and internationally recognised expert on licence plates, foreign vehicle registration and related crime, who provided practical guidance on identifying fake licence plates.
Demonstrations
The seminar concluded with the official closing by ROADPOL General Secretary Damyan Vladinov, who presented certificates to all participants and thanked them for their active and constructive engagement throughout the week.
Participants then travelled to Tessenderlo, near the E313 motorway, to observe live truck control operations carried out by specialised Centrex networks covering tachograph manipulation, cargo securing and technical vehicle control (CLW). Demonstrations also included the use of an anonymous enforcement truck for detecting seat belt violations and driver distraction, DSRC antennas for remote smart tachograph checks, and inspections supported by VLABEL, including an AdBlue manipulation detection vehicle.
Cooperation
The STRIDER III seminar reaffirmed that cross-border cooperation, continuous training and the use of modern technologies are indispensable for improving road safety and law enforcement effectiveness across Europe. Sharing expertise and operational experience with international colleagues contributes directly to safer roads and, ultimately, to saving lives.
Thanks
ROADPOL wishes to express its special thanks to the Belgian Federal Police for their outstanding professionalism, hospitality and cooperation throughout the seminar. Sincere appreciation is also extended to Ibis Styles Hasselt for their excellent support and facilities, and in particular to photographer Sebastian Copin of the Federal Police, whose high-quality visual documentation captured the spirit and success of the event.
The commitment and support of our Belgian colleagues were instrumental in making the STRIDER III seminar a success, and ROADPOL is proud to stand alongside them in continuing to strengthen European road safety cooperation.
