As the NATO summit in The Hague fast approaches, a central question arises for Belgium and its European partners: how do we strengthen our common defence in a rapidly changing world?
Reaffirming our European commitment within NATO
Belgium must reaffirm its support for NATO through a strong European pillar within it. This European ambition confirms NATO's essential role while enabling the building of an autonomous and complementary capacity to act.
In a context where American commitment could shift, Europe has a duty to take greater responsibility for itself while remaining a loyal and respected partner of the Alliance.
Better European coordination
This drive for reinforcement necessarily requires greater coordination among European Union member states. It is urgent to align equipment efforts, organise specialisation of capabilities, ensure interoperability and avoid unnecessary duplication.
Furthermore, we must be able to strengthen a European defence industry, a solid support for reinforcing the Union's technological sovereignty and boosting its economic and social fabric.
Broadening the definition of defence
It is time to rethink what we mean by "defence spending". Modern warfare is no longer limited to conventional confrontations. Today it takes hybrid forms: cyberattacks, information manipulation, energy pressure, sabotage of critical infrastructure…
To address this, we must include in defence investments:
- cybersecurity,
- strengthening strategic infrastructure,
- space programmes with a security purpose,
- or indeed research and technological development in the service of security.
We must shift from a volume-based approach to one based on relevance and resilience.
A budget can be strengthened, if it is for a smart defence!
Within this broader framework, Belgium must be able to consider increasing its defence spending, even beyond 3%, provided that this spending is structured around a comprehensive and modern vision.
We say it clearly: no increase just to buy more tanks or aircraft. But yes to an increase if it serves to protect our networks, our data, our satellites, our ports and critical infrastructure, or indeed our researchers, our businesses and our citizens against new forms of conflict.
Anticipating tomorrow's threats
Refusing to adapt our conception of defence to contemporary realities means exposing ourselves to major vulnerabilities. That is why it is essential to plan ahead in order to protect, and to see security as a comprehensive strategy of anticipation, resilience and prevention.
21st-century defence is no longer played out solely on the battlefield. It takes place in our laboratories, our data centres, our satellites, and even in our schools. Belgium must rise to this transformation.
In brief:
We support the building of a strong European pillar within NATO, capable of strengthening collective security and guaranteeing Europe's strategic autonomy.
But this defence cannot be limited to mass purchases of conventional equipment. We call for a broadened definition of defence, incorporating modern hybrid threats: cybersecurity, protection of critical infrastructure, space, military mobility, security-related R&D.
We advocate for strengthened coordination between European countries on the distribution of equipment efforts and the building of a genuine European defence industry.
We are open to increasing defence investment beyond 3% of GDP, provided it corresponds to a smart and modern strategy.
Because the threats have changed, the response must be anticipatory, collective and adapted.
It is a smart, resilient and European defence that we must build.
- Smart: referring to a defence guided by anticipation, technology and risk analysis rather than by volume or arms build-up.
- Resilient: able to absorb shocks, respond to hybrid crises and guarantee the continuity of essential structures.
- European: built on coordination, solidarity and shared sovereignty among the Union's member states, complementary to NATO.