Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) has not ruled out the possibility that Belgium may need to make additional defence investments in the "short term."
The Prime Minister made this statement on Thursday during a plenary session of the Chamber, in response to questions from nine MPs concerning the latest international developments.
The new Federal Government plans to significantly increase military spending to reach the target of 2% of GDP by 2029. Currently, Belgium is one of NATO's underperforming Member States with a rate of 1.3%. However, the swift changes on the international scene could accelerate this process.
"When Prime Minister Bart De Wever attends the NATO summit in The Hague in June, we need to have reached 2%," said Defence Minister Theo Francken (N-VA) during an interview with RTL Info on Wednesday.
New Minister of Defence Theo Francken arrives for a visit to the Defence Headquarters in Evere, Tuesday 11 February 2025. Credit: Belga / Dirk Waem
Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) also highlighted the importance of rapidly increasing these expenditures, pointing to a potential peace agreement in Ukraine and the need to guarantee Belgium's security. "Our country will take its responsibilities in this regard, which will probably mean a short-term increase in defence spending," he said.
Concerning Ukraine, De Wever confirmed receiving a debrief from French President Emmanuel Macron during Tuesday's European Council video conference following Macron's discussion with US President Donald Trump.
De Wever did not disclose the contents of the discussion but reiterated three key points of the European stance. Firstly, Europe will continue to support Ukraine. Secondly, participation from both Ukraine and Europe is necessary to achieve lasting peace. Thirdly, Europe must increase its defence investments.
"Europe must fully ensure its own security as soon as possible," he asserted. Therefore, "additional short-term efforts cannot be ruled out."
Furthermore, "the threats on trade tariffs should concern us," De Wever stated. The Prime Minister 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.
