Belgium will inject an additional 1 billion euros into its army
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The Belgian government decided hours before the opening of a NATO summit to dispense an additional billion euros in military spending, on top of the 10 billion already planned, according to the Belgian newspaper l ‘Echo, a decision motivated by the war in Ukraine.
New investments aimed at strengthening Belgian defense by 2030, in particular by developing a cybersecurity unit within the army, by replenishing stocks of fuel and ammunition, military equipment and supplies and by developing systems of intelligence and communication, can we read in the newspaper.
This decision, motivated by the current geopolitical situation, would aim to bring the army up to standard and help Ukraine’s defensive support, according to a military source quoted by the daily.
NATO member states are expected to contribute more than 2% of their GDP to defense spending per year. Belgium currently spends 1.2% and this figure increases to 1.54% with new investments.
The Belgian army plans to recruit 2,500 soldiers in 2022, in order to strengthen the ranks of its army, which currently numbers around 25,000 people.
(Marine Strauss report; English version Kate Entringer, edited by Jean-Michel Bélot)