With the five "Arizona" parties agreeing on a programme of policies and reforms, here are the key areas where the next Federal Government will look to invest, stimulate growth, and save money.
The first priority for the new government will be to balance the budget. Without changes in policy, Belgium's deficit could become the highest in Europe.
"Given the ageing population and geopolitical context, this will be the most challenging fiscal consolidation in our modern history," Bart De Wever (N-VA) cautioned.
Defence
The new Arizona coalition has committed to allocating 2% of GDP to Defence by 2029 and 2.5% by 2034. The agreement, finalised on Friday night, outlines an accelerated growth trajectory for defence spending in line with international commitments.
Investments will focus on air defence and fighter jets (with NATO requiring Belgium to acquire 11 additional F-35 aircraft), additional smaller transport planes, armament, the expansion of the drone fleet, a helicopter fleet, and a third frigate. Significant emphasis is also placed on Benelux cooperation, particularly in maritime components with the Netherlands, developing a common air defence system, and deepening cooperation between air components and special forces.
Belgian industry will be prioritised whenever possible. The agreement states, "By paying particular attention to the needs of Defence and the Defence industry, we buy primarily in Belgium and coordinate with other EU member states, favouring partnerships that offer maximum societal returns by protecting essential security interests."
A Belgian military parade Credit: Belga/ Pool Jan De Meuleneir
Healthcare
Restrictions on additional fees for medical services have been introduced and healthcare funding will be reformed so that hospitals receive a basic level of funding plus bonuses based on their performance. This aims to promote greater care and quality in services.
The budget allocated to healthcare will be enlarged as planned, but the government seeks more oversight on how funds are allocated. Not only will money be spent to ensure healthcare services have sufficient capacity, funds will also aim to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
To address shortages of doctors and dentists, quotas will be increased. Doctors will be strongly encouraged to join the INAMI convention (the register of medical specialists that work within the country's health insurance system). Efforts will be made to retain nurses by focusing on working conditions and making the profession more attractive.
Patients with mild to moderate issues will have direct access to physiotherapists without needing a referral from a general practitioner. Access to contraceptives is planned to be improved by removing barriers to accessibility and affordability.
No steps will be taken to legalise drugs. The health message currently stating ‘alcohol abuse harms health’ will be changed to ‘alcohol harms health.’ Smoking rooms in public establishments will be banned, as will smoking on terraces. Support to quit smoking will be improved and e-cigarette flavours will be reduced.
Asylum and migration
The new Arizona coalition’s agreement includes around fifteen pages dedicated to asylum and migration, with a clear objective to lower the number of arrivals and gradually limit the number of reception places. Newcomers will have to wait five years before being eligible for social aid.
Legislative changes allow “force majeure” to be invoked if arrivals exceed reception capacities. The new government also plans to tackle issues of multiple applications and applicants who have already filed in another European country.
Mobile phones, tablets, and other devices will be automatically checked during the application procedure. Refusal to comply will lead to the application being rejected.
A strong emphasis will be placed on “maximum” integration. Newcomers must agree to certain principles such as the separation of religion and state and gender equality. Permanent residency will require passing a language and civic integration test. This requirement will also apply to religious ministers seeking a residence and work permit. Family reunification rules will be tightened.
Home visits – a highly controversial measure forbidden by the previous government – will be reinstated. This allows the Immigration Office, in cooperation with the police and with judicial authorisation, to access the residence of individuals who have exhausted all appeals and refuse access.
To obtain Belgian nationality, applicants must pass a national exam comprising a citizenship test and a language test. Application fees will increase from €150 to €1,000.
Asylum seekers wait outside Immigration Services. Credit: Belga/ Eric Lalmand
Security: Merging Brussels police zones
The Arizona coalition plans to establish a new comprehensive security framework, with enhanced cooperation and consultation between various levels of authority.
A full chapter is dedicated to combating drug-related crime. This involves strengthening cooperation between different levels of government and departments, covering prevention to prosecution. There will be increased controls at ports, airports, and train stations. Antwerp's Federal Judicial Police (PJF) will be given resources comparable to those in Brussels.
In the Brussels-Capital Region, the new government intends to reactivate the Canal Plan, which was established after the 2015 attacks. This tackles organised crime and radicalism by strengthening local police zones. Importantly, this would see Brussels consolidated into a single zone. Voluntary mergers of other zones will be encouraged.
Recently, the 19 mayors of Brussels' municipalities reiterated their opposition to the police zone merger. Backed by studies, they highlighted issues of chronic underfunding.
Mobility
The Arizona coalition will focus on road safety and enforcing penalties, especially targeting repeat offenders. It is set to introduce the concept of road homicide into the penal code.
The railway sector has not been neglected. Arizona will uphold the existing public service and performance contracts with SNCB and Infrabel, aiming to enhance services by prioritising high-traffic lines and reducing stops at low-demand stations. New stops may be introduced in areas with large new housing developments, while underused stops could be closed.
The possibility of using autonomous, driverless trains will be explored. The government also wants to install access gates in major stations to boost security.
The government intends to connect Brussels National Airport to the high-speed rail network but plans for a new station at Charleroi Airport have been dropped.
