Deja-Vu: Brussels Ramps Up Security Post-Berlin Attack

The European Union flags were at half-staff as EU staff across Brussels mourned the 12 dead in Berlin, knocked down by an unknown assailant still on the run after Monday's truck attack.

Security has been ramped up, but more than that, there are concerns that after two years of repeated terror attacks across the EU, perceptions of what 'normal life' looks like is becoming bleaker.

EU Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said that she felt a sense of "deja-vu" after Berlin's attack, perhaps still recalling the eerily similar Nice tragedy of July 14, 2016.

Then too, a lone man took control of a heavy goods lorry and drove at high speed into a crown of men, women and children.

Vestager said that she hoped "we will find it in us to never accept that this is normal because it is not."

The European Commissioner for Security has said that the EU is prepared to help Germany cope with the aftermath of the Berlin terrorist attack.

Sir Julian King, who was previously the British Ambassador to France, said:

"Overnight there were various contacts with the German authorities and the Berlin authorities in order to first and foremost express our solidarity and condolences. Obviously to say that if now or later there's anything to do to help we'll be there to help."

"In these matters, particularly when we are faced with this kind of event, member states and member states' agencies are on the frontline. We are not in the business of replacing or getting in the way of member states' agencies and first responders," Sir Julian added.

Sir Julian is responsible for improving co-ordination among EU countries in the wake of various security threats.

However, Brussels itself has been no stranger to the kind of mindless violence that Germany and France has experienced all too often.

On March 22, three explosions hit Brussels during the morning rush hour. Two blasts went off in the departure hall of Brussels' Zaventem Airport while another bomb exploded at the Maalbeek Metro station. 35 were killed, including the three suicide bombers responsible. More than 300 people were injured. Belgium responded by raising the terrorist threat to the highest level.

Looking ahead, Brussels Mayor, Yvan Mayeur, says has also ordered security forces to review all measures being taken around the Brussels Christmas Market, and whether New Year's Eve festivities can go ahead.

Many across Europe are hoping that life can go on without too many restrictions due to the fear of the next unknown, lone wolf attack.

In the meantime, the hunt for the man behind the Berlin market killings continues.