Belgium is exposing itself to retaliatory measures from NATO if it does not quickly increase its defence budget. Among the threats mentioned on Wednesday 14 August by the Dutch-language daily The latest news, the possible move to the Netherlands or Germany of NATO's communications and information agency (NCIA), the technology agency which currently employs a thousand people in Belgium and around which many cutting-edge companies gravitate.
The NCIA is involved in hundreds of millions of euros, dedicated to cybersecurity and the development of new projects, and “NATO is losing patience” given the slow progress of Belgium in terms of defence, the newspaper stated.
This information, which the resigning government of the liberal Alexander De Croo refuses to comment on, should further enliven the negotiations for the formation of a new coalition, following the elections of June 9. An official source at NATO, however, denies any idea of possible sanctions against Belgium, at this stage in any case. “ There are no plans to move NCIA facilities or personnel from Belgium to another country.”explains this manager interviewed by The World.
Also questioned, The office of the resigning Minister of Defence, Ludivine Dedonder, a French-speaking socialist, denies having been subjected to pressure or threats and claims to have no information regarding a possible transfer of the NCIA.
Urgency of reinvestment
A recent meeting between the negotiators of the new coalition and the army general staff allowed the latter to insist on the urgency of reinvesting in defense, in order to appease NATO officials and Belgium's partners, currently far from the objective set by the Atlantic Alliance, namely at least 2% of the gross domestic product devoted to defense. A recent note from the Belgian budget department indicates that the kingdom will only be at 1.15% in 2024 and the current trajectory, if not corrected, would allow it to reach 1.45%, at best, in 2030.
The department of Mme Dedonder, regularly questioned on this point, generally replies that the “credible bases” reinvestment plans have been established with a view to 2030, with a “Star Plan” which focuses on hiring, the reconstitution of arms stocks, the construction of infrastructure and the development of a new industrial policy.
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Source: Lemonde
