Belgium originally intended to allocate 2 percent of its GDP to defense by 2029, in line with NATO commitments. However, Prime Minister De Wever has called for a faster timeline, suggesting that this target should be met as soon as June of this year. “2029 is far too late. We find ourselves in a world where Europe must expedite its rearmament,” he stated.
De Wever emphasized the need for the government to evaluate the available options, affirming their commitment to increase defense spending. He added, “We recognize the necessity of this effort, and with the proposals being put forth by Ursula von der Leyen, it can be accomplished without overly straining other areas of the budget.”
He referred to the European Commission’s strategy to create additional fiscal flexibility for defense expenditures. However, he urged caution regarding the potential relaxation of budgetary rules, warning that it should not become a regular practice. “If exceptions are made, they must be time-bound and manageable. Otherwise, we risk creating a Europe burdened by excessive debt, which future generations will have to address, leaving us ill-prepared for upcoming crises,” he cautioned.
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