The Flemish Peace Institute, an organisation within the Flemish Parliament, is calling for stronger oversight of defence investments in response to the new Flemish defence plan approved by the regional government, said director Nils Duquet in a press release on Saturday.
On Friday evening, the Flemish government approved a defence deal worth 1 billion euros. Flanders will not invest in tanks and grenades but will support the defence industry with a fund.
“If we are to invest more in the defence industry, we must also invest more in oversight,” said Duquet. He emphasised that the export of military technology outside the EU must adhere to strict regulations. According to the director, Flemish companies and research institutions will need to take on more responsibility, particularly as the distinction between civilian and military technology becomes increasingly blurred.
The institute also called for clear discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The Flemish defence investments should be recognised in the calculations of Belgian defence expenditures, stated Duquet. “It would be extremely stubborn of NATO to continue ignoring Belgium’s administrative reality.”
