Belgian government considers reconnaissance mission to the Middle East

The De Wever government’s core cabinet is discussing on Friday the request from the Gulf states – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman – to send military protection against attacks from Iran. However, for the time being, only a reconnaissance mission is on the table, according to various Belgian media outlets.

The Belgian government is deeply divided over providing military aid to the Gulf States or protecting the Strait of Hormuz. The N-VA, MR and Les Engagés believe it is important to send a diplomatic signal to countries that are not NATO allies but are regarded as partners. Vooruit and CD&V believe that Belgium should not become involved in US president Donald Trump’s war.

That is why, for the time being, the core cabinet is only considering sending a reconnaissance mission. This would involve a few specialists from the Belgian army who know the region and can assess what is needed, whether Belgian systems are compatible with local ones, and whether the operation can be carried out safely. Because if equipment is sent, military personnel must accompany it.

Belgian Defence minister: ‘No decision yet' on military support for Gulf states

There is “no decision yet” on the request for defensive support from the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Belgian Defence...

belganewsagency.eu

According to De Tijd, what is not yet on the government’s agenda is a memorandum from Defence minister Theo Francken in which the army lists the options. These are said to include short-range air defence, anti-drone systems, a medical intervention team and an A400M transport aircraft. In the maximum scenario – if all four options were to be implemented – around 150 military personnel would be deployed.

Energy prices

The core cabinet did not yet reach any decisions on Friday regarding measures to curb energy prices. The government continues to monitor the situation and, moreover, is awaiting proposals from the European Commission, according to government sources.

EU summit: EU promises 'temporary' and 'targeted' measures against rising energy prices

The European Union will take "temporary" and "targeted" measures to tackle the rise in energy prices resulting from the war in the Middle East...

belganewsagency.eu

Various parties have been pressing for action to curb rising energy prices for some time. On Thursday, deputy prime minister David Clarinval announced that he would put forward a fiscal mechanism to reduce fuel excise duties when prices at the pump exceed a certain level. Prime minister Bart De Wever reiterated earlier this week that we must continue to monitor the situation, but not take measures in a panic that would primarily create a hole in the budget.

^{Illustration © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}