The National Crisis Centre's 2025 campaign to prepare the population for emergencies such as war is "premature" without first investing in security, outgoing Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt said on VRT's De Zevende Dag programme on Sunday.
In light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, growing geopolitical instability and natural disasters, the European Union and its Member States aim to develop a risk and resilience culture among the public. The goal is to educate people on how to seek shelter, evacuate and create their own emergency plans.
At the EU's request, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö recently presented a report to enhance Europe's civilian and military preparedness. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has also stated that it is time to adopt a "wartime mindset."
Belgian Home Affairs Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) believes it is important to teach people how to cope without causing unnecessary alarm. However, Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt (Open VLD) argues that a campaign by the National Crisis Centre would be premature. He emphasises the need to reinvest in security first.
"Firstly, the government is responsible for ensuring citizens' safety. Secondly, yes, it's good to have informed and resilient citizens," Van Tigchelt explained.
"This initiative must come from the government by setting the right example and investing in security. We have relied on our American friends for decades. That era is over, and Europe and Belgium need to be well aware of this. We must invest in our security and become self-sufficient," he argued.
