The defence decisions in the so-called Easter Agreement reached by the federal government late on Friday represent “the largest investment in defence in 40 years,” according to Defence Minister Theo Francken on social media platform X and in a press release.
This year, Defence will place a significant ammunition order, Francken added on Radio 1. The federal government decided on Friday that defence investments will rise to 2% of Belgium’s gross domestic product (GDP) this year. Achieving this percentage will require about €17 billion over the legislative period.
Funds for this year will come from taxes on frozen Russian assets at Euroclear, dividends from government holdings, and potential asset sales. The De Wever government is investing an additional €21.3 billion in defence, 16.8 billion of which is through the Easter Agreement, Francken clarified on X.
Belgium will meet the 2% target this year with an extra investment of €3.9 billion. “A mix of measures ensures we can reach 2% this year, which is necessary,” Francken said on Radio 1’s De Ochtend.
A significant ammunition order is planned for this year “so we do not have to throw stones,” referencing a comment by former army chief General Marc Thys, who said in late 2023 that the Belgian army would run out of ammunition within hours if war broke out. Francken noted there is an “acute shortage” or “terrible ammunition capacity.”
More structural interventions to seek new revenue will be made during the 2026 budget formation, Francken confirmed on the radio.
