Belgian PM does not rule out additional defence spending in short term
Belgium may have to make additional defence investments in the short term, the country's prime minister told parliament on Thursday. The Belgian government earlier agreed to increase defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2029.
Prime minister Bart De Wever told a plenary session of the Chamber of Representatives that he did not rule out additional spending in response to questions from MPs on the latest international developments.
The new federal government plans to significantly increase military spending to reach the target of 2 per cent of GDP by 2029. Currently, Belgium is one of NATO's underperforming members, with a 1.3 per cent spending rate.
Guaranteeing security
Rapid changes on the international scene now appear to be accelerating the country's plans. "By the time prime minister Bart De Wever attends the NATO summit in The Hague in June, we must have reached 2 per cent," Defence minister Theo Francken said in an interview with RTL Info on Wednesday.
Foreign minister Maxime Prévot also stressed the importance of a rapid increase in military spending, citing a possible peace deal in Ukraine and the need to guarantee Belgium's security. "Our country will assume its responsibilities in this regard, which will probably mean a short-term increase in defence spending," Prévot said.
Continue to support Ukraine
Regarding Ukraine, De Wever confirmed that he received a debriefing from French president Emmanuel Macron during the European Council video conference on Tuesday, following Macron's discussion with US president Donald Trump.
De Wever did not disclose the content of the discussion but reiterated three key points of the European position. First, Europe will continue to support Ukraine. Second, a lasting peace requires the participation of both Ukraine and Europe. Third, Europe must increase its investment in defence.
"Europe must fully guarantee its own security as soon as possible"
"Europe must fully guarantee its own security as soon as possible," he said. Therefore, "additional efforts in the short term cannot be ruled out".
De Wever also said that Trump's threats on trade tariffs "should concern us", and called on everyone to "side with Europe and the free West". A European summit is scheduled for 6 March, where the European position is expected to be defined.
Prime minister Bart De Wever during a plenary session of parliament, 27 February 2025 © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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