The Federal Government's deputy prime ministers met again on Friday with a view to reaching agreement by Easter on the Defence budget for the remainder of 2025 and gaining parliamentary approval by the second half of May.
Due to the geopolitical context, the Arizona Coalition wants to meet NATO’s Defence spending target of 2% GDP by Summer, instead of 2029, as previously planned. This would require finding an additional €4 billion.
The ‘kern’ (core cabinet) has met several times on this issue, but no agreement has yet been reached.
All coalition partners agree on the need to increase Defence spending more rapidly, and the discussions appeared to move a step forward on Thursday when legislator Axel Weydts announced on VRT that Vooruit fully supports the 2% target.
However, the method of securing such a budget remains contentious. Options include a Defence Fund supported by dividends and the sale of state assets.
Budget Minister Vincent Van Peteghem estimates that over €17 billion will be needed to sustain the Defence budget in the coming years.
Vooruit advocates additional contributions from the wealthiest individuals, and opposes new cuts to social security and healthcare. The Christen Democratisch en Vlaams (CD&V) party and Les Engagés share this position.
On the other hand, the Mouvement Réformateur (MR) is wary of additional taxes and is considering cuts, for example, to development cooperation.
Other budgetary issues are also under discussion, including a request from Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) for an additional €141 million for her department.
