Belgium’s federal defence minister Theo Francken is charting bold new initiatives to fortify the country’s defense industry. At a recent press conference held in Namur, he expressed his ambition to finalize a cooperation agreement between the federal government and regional authorities aimed at strengthening the Belgian defense industry before the summer.
Francken outlined plans to significantly increase the defence budget, which is projected to rise from eight billion euros to twelve billion euros over the course of the current legislative session. This funding is intended to help Belgium meet its NATO commitments, with plans to raise defence spending to two percent of GDP by 2029, and even to 2.5 percent by 2034.
To achieve these goals, Francken emphasized the need to both expand the budget and to tap new investments through the creation of a Defence Fund. He highlighted, "We need to increase and accelerate our military production as soon as possible"—a sentiment reflecting the pressing geopolitical concerns currently facing Europe.
Part of the proposed growth involves capitalizing on regional assets, particularly those located within Wallonia, where 80% of Belgium’s defense-related industry resides. Walloon minister-president Adrien Dolimont acknowledged the importance of this collaboration, stating, "It is a strategic asset for Wallonia, Belgium and Europe to have a quality industrial base around defence." This cooperative spirit, aimed at revitalizing Belgium’s defense sector, is expected to involve significant contributions from local defence firms.
During the meeting with Dolimont and Walloon economy minister Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Francken addressed the urgent need for Belgium to bolster its military capabilities, especially as stock levels of ammunition have reportedly hit all-time lows. "We are weak. We have the lowest stock of ammunition," he stated candidly, signaling to the public the necessity of these reforms.
Jeholet also stressed the importance of responding to growing global tensions, arguing, "Never has a Walloon government been as offensive about supporting its Defense industry." With the geopolitical climate deterioriating, he emphasized the urgency for Belgium to become more self-reliant when it came to defense manufacturing.
To build momentum, Francken is pushing for faster contracts with companies like FN Herstal, which is pivotal for replenishing the military’s ammunition supplies. He indicated there is strong interest from both domestic and foreign companies to engage with the Belgian defense sector, and stated, "We want to accelerate concrete projects. New contracts will come quickly."
One of the most discussed strategies involves the conversion of the former Audi Brussels factory, which is slated to close, to assembly military vehicles. Despite skepticism from some quarters, Francken remains steadfast, saying, "I will do everything I can to make military assembly happen at this site. The need for military equipment is urgent, and there is this immense space available at Forest. This is not a crazy idea; I am serious about this project. I am already speaking to interested companies."
Francken has also committed to ensuring effective communication between federal and regional levels of government, such as through the assignment of defense liaisons to streamline interactions.
While optimism fills the air around Francken's ambitious plans, questions linger about the broader ramifications, particularly concerning contracts with non-European countries. Francken acknowledged scenarios where American military products might be necessary, citing the aggressive stance of the current U.S. administration. He remarked, "If the U.S. continues to disengage, we Europeans will have to protect ourselves"—a poignant recognition of the shifting global defense paradigm.
Francken’s forward-looking agenda, including upcoming missions abroad such as potential meetings with international defense ministers, may pave the way for new opportunities for collaboration and investment for Belgian defense. His optimism resonates strongly with proponents of reinvigorated national defense, underscoring the strategic significance of the region's involvement.
With the rapidly changing geopolitical climate, Belgium’s need for a strong defense industry is more pressing than ever. Through cooperation with regional governments and investment focused on military production, Minister Francken aims to strengthen not just the country’s military capabilities, but also its economic prospects, thereby providing both immediate benefits and long-term strategies for resilience.