Belgium to step up security at EU summits

She added that the breach had highlighted “a system that has not evolved at the same rate as the [enlarged] EU and in which protocol was given priority over security.”

Eleven Greenpeace activists carrying false VIP accreditations were arrested in December after jumping out of three limousines to the astonishment of waiting leaders, including British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

One of them unfolded a banner reading “EU save Copenhagen” in reference to the global climate change summit which was ongoing in the Danish capital.

Other Greenpeace activists managed to repeat the stunt one week later in Copenhagen, at a gala dinner hosted by the Danish queen. They were held under arrest for 20 days, causing a heated debate in Denmark as to whether the punishment was too harsh.

A report into the Brussels events published by the Belgian interior ministry blamed “a certain routine” of security officials and a policy that was outdated.

“Global action plans” will from now on be drafted for each high-level meeting, strengthening co-operation between police, the security staff of the building hosting the event and the bodyguards of the various delegations.

Restrictions will be placed on the size of the national delegations, the report adds, in reference to some leaders who like to travel with dozens of aides and ministers when joining EU summits.

The first meeting under the new rules will take place on 11 February, when the 27 leaders are set to discuss a new 10-year economic strategy for the bloc. A regular “spring council” is scheduled for 25-26 March.

From July on, when Belgium takes over the rotating presidency of the EU, currently held by Spain, Brussels will also host more meetings with foreign leaders, increasing pressure on security arrangements.