De Croo has the potential for additional defense investment: ‘European countries have gone too far in savings’ | Ukraine and Russia war

Read all about the war in Ukraine in this file†

Earlier this year, before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the federal government decided to invest an additional 10 billion euros in the military in the coming years. By 2030, for example, about 1.54 percent of GDP will go to the defense sector, compared to just 1.12 percent of GDP last year, according to NATO figures.

However, this alliance requires annual investments of 2 percent of GDP from its members. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, several political groups, including within the majority, requested additional resources for the army.

According to Prime Minister Alexandre de Croo, “it is clear” that the additional efforts already decided by the government “will not be enough”. He said this on Wednesday at the House of Representatives Interior Committee, where Belgium’s new national security strategy was discussed. “Overall, European countries have gone too far in defense cuts,” he also said.

The prime minister noted the additional NATO summit next weekend, which will also include US President Joe Biden. According to de Croo, the main requirement will be investment in the Army’s operational operations in the short term. “Obviously our country has to take responsibility there as well. What is happening in Ukraine is the moment of 9/11 in Europe, which will have far-reaching consequences here in terms of security.”