In a quirky twist of international cooperation, the Netherlands has found an unusual export: empty prison cells. Faced with a surplus of unused jail space, the Dutch began renting cells to neighboring Belgium, where overcrowded prisons have long been a headache. It’s like Airbnb, but with more bars and fewer five-star reviews.
The arrangement began in 2010, when Belgium’s prisons hit 120% capacity, while the Netherlands closed over 20 prisons due to declining crime rates. Dutch officials, staring at empty facilities, saw an opportunity. Belgium, desperate for space, signed a deal to rent 500 Dutch prison beds. The agreement allowed Belgian inmates to serve their sentences in Dutch cells, easing pressure on Belgium’s crumbling penal system.
How does it work? Belgian prisoners are transported to Dutch prisons, where they’re housed in separate wings to avoid mingling with Dutch inmates. The Belgian government covers all costs, including security, healthcare, and staff. For the Netherlands, it’s a win-win: empty cells generate revenue, and prison guards keep their jobs. For Belgium, it’s a temporary fix to a chronic problem—like borrowing a neighbor’s lawnmower because yours broke.
The deal isn’t without critics. Human rights groups argue that transferring inmates across borders disrupts family visits and rehabilitation efforts. Others joke that Belgium should invest in crime prevention instead of outsourcing jail space. Meanwhile, Dutch taxpayers question why their prisons are closing while Belgium’s remain packed.
The partnership highlights broader trends in European criminal justice. Norway and Sweden have similar agreements, but none as ironic as this one. The Netherlands, once known for its strict drug policies, now has so few prisoners that it’s repurposing old jails into hotels and student housing. Belgium, meanwhile, struggles with outdated infrastructure and political gridlock over prison reform.
So, next time you complain about your neighbor’s loud music, remember: at least they’re not asking to rent your spare room for their felons. The Dutch-Belgian prison trade is a reminder that even the most serious problems can have creative solutions—and that sometimes, the answer is just across the border. Just don’t expect room service.
