Social agreement with army unions in view
The Belgian Defence minister, Theo Francken, announced at a press conference on Saturday that he had reached a social agreement with the army unions. However, three of the four unions have yet to sign the agreement.
“The largest union has already signed, and I hope to obtain the other signatures quickly,” said Francken. No further negotiations are planned. According to him, the deal is a “best and final offer”.
The federal government's pension reform plans have caused unrest among military personnel, who currently retire at the age of 56. From 2027 onwards, this age will increase by one year each year until it reaches the statutory retirement age. The current statutory retirement age in Belgium is 66, rising to 67 by 2030.
The prospect of losing their right to early retirement sparked anger within the Belgian army. At the beginning of this year, when the government took office, more than 5,000 military personnel defied tradition by participating in a trade union demonstration.
Tense negotiations
Francken initiated what proved to be tense and drawn-out talks with the unions, who stormed out of the negotiations as recently as May. On Saturday, alongside Chief of Defence Frederik Vansina, the defence minister announced that a deal had finally been reached.
Most military personnel will be able to retire five to seven years earlier than the statutory retirement age
According to Francken, the deal will see most military personnel's remuneration increase by tens of thousands of euros. Additionally, the majority will be able to retire five to seven years earlier than the statutory retirement age of 67, according to the ACMP-CGPM, the largest military union.
Bonuses and optimised pay scales
A new bonus equivalent to 14 months' pay will be introduced, along with a special allowance for operations, exercises, camps and manoeuvres, averaging 60 per cent more than the current rate. For missions and permanent assignments, a daily allowance will be provided in the form of a duty exemption.
From 2027, pay scales will be optimised to allow for pay rises after the age of 45, and a distance allowance will be introduced. The existing two-year pension bonus will be retained and will apply to both the reduction in retirement age and the calculation of pension amounts.
Pending signatures
Additional measures are intended to make the profession more attractive, including extra days off from the age of 56, enhanced medical reimbursement, increased meal vouchers and greater career progression opportunities.
Three army unions are postponing their approval until after the summer
The ACMP-CGPM trade union has confirmed that the new social deal meets its most crucial conditions. Three other army unions have not yet signed the agreement, however. They are postponing their approval until after the summer to consult their members first.
Minister of Defence Theo Francken and Chief of Defence Frederik Vansina present the contents of a draft social agreement with army unions on 26 July 2025. © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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