Building the future of security together
The Belgian security sector is evolving faster than ever — driven by digitalization, European regulation, and emerging technologies such as AI and system integration. To better understand where we’re coming from and where we’re heading, we sat down with the former and current chairmen of ALIA Security, the Belgian association representing installers and security professionals, and an active member of Euralarm. What followed was an open conversation about change, collaboration, and the shared responsibility of shaping a strong, future-proof industry.
From local roots to a European mindset
When former secretary general Patrick van Liempt first stepped into his role, ALIA Security was still finding its place on the European stage. There was little handover, and the connection with Euralarm was not yet fully embedded. Yet one insight quickly became clear: Belgium may be a small country, but its security professionals are part of a much larger European ecosystem. “Realizing that we are Europeans — and that we have to build the future together — was a key moment,” Patrick explains.
That perspective is now firmly anchored. Current secretary general Johan Chenot sees European alignment as essential, especially as legislation and standards evolve at increasing speed. Belgium already benefits from a high level of quality, supported by strong national standards and highly skilled installers. The challenge today is to preserve that quality while smartly integrating European developments — from EN standards to broader legislation. “Everything is becoming Europe-based,” Johan notes. “So we also need to think and act European without compromising existing national standards and laws .”
Technology is changing everything
Over the past decade, the Belgian security market has undergone a dramatic transformation. Patrick reflects on how far the sector has come: from noisy, basic contactors to IP-based systems, cloud platforms, and sophisticated digital solutions. The technical leap has been enormous — but with it comes complexity.
Johan highlights a crucial reality: standards are becoming harder to interpret, especially for installers who are busy running projects and companies. That’s where ALIA Security plays a key role: translating complex frameworks into practical guidance. “Our responsibility is to keep things understandable,” Johan says. “Why are we doing this? And how do we make sure installers and end users can actually work with it?”
Giving installers a stronger voice
ALIA Security primarily represents installers — the professionals “with boots on the ground.” Their daily experience shapes the association’s priorities. Johan explains that ALIA actively brings installer feedback into discussions on standards and certification. But engaging busy professionals remains a challenge. “Many installers don’t immediately see the benefit of following European developments,” he admits. “Yet not staying informed is a missed opportunity for their company.”
Patrick adds that ALIA also represents many small businesses, often owner-managed, while European discussions tend to be dominated by larger players. Bridging that gap is essential — ensuring that smaller companies are heard while working toward shared European goals.
Preparing for AI, cloud, and system integration
Looking ahead, both Johan and Patrick agree: the next wave of change is already here. Artificial intelligence is entering the security market, while cloud services and integration platforms are reshaping how systems work together. Fire safety, intrusion detection, video, and building management are increasingly interconnected. The challenge? Current standards and certification frameworks were not designed for this level of integration.
That’s why ALIA Security, together with Euralarm, is actively contributing to new guidance and documentation — from cloud outsourcing frameworks to upcoming work on integrated systems. Johan confirms that ALIA is setting up specific working groups within the INCERT brand to address these changes at local level. “Integration changes everything,” he says. “And our certification models will have to evolve with it.”
Investing in people: the next generation of security professionals
Technology is only part of the story. Talent remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges. Both Patrick and Johan point to ongoing staff shortages: a small talent pool that every company is fishing from. ALIA Security has responded with initiatives to attract newcomers, including partnerships with education organizations and dedicated student programs during Security Day.
Students now get the opportunity to visit companies, learn about career paths, and experience firsthand what the industry offers — while teachers gain deeper insight into real-world applications. The feedback has been encouraging, and both men see this as a vital investment in the future of the profession.
A shared message to the industry
As the conversation draws to a close, both leaders leave Belgian security professionals with a clear call to action. Patrick’s message is simple and heartfelt: “Come out of your shell. Get informed, meet colleagues, and get inspired.” Johan complements that with a practical focus: “Our biggest challenge is to provide tools that installers can truly work with — and to keep everything understandable, even as complexity grows.”
Together, their vision is clear: a connected, informed, and collaborative security community — rooted in Belgian expertise, strengthened by European cooperation, and ready for the technologies of tomorrow.
Euralarm wants to thank Patrick van Liempt for his valuable contributions to the association work.
