The Walloon Government has approved the text of the protocol agreement between Defence and the federated entities, aimed at creating an interfederal consultation platform on national security and resilience issues. This initiative follows on from the National Defence Strategy and reflects the desire to strengthen coordination between the federal state and the federated entities in the face of current and future geopolitical challenges.
A structured consultation platform
The protocol aims to establish clear, efficient and lasting collaboration between Defence and the federated entities. It creates a permanent consultation platform, enabling the exchange of information, the pooling of resources and the preparation of future cooperation agreements.
This protocol reflects a shared political and administrative will, without creating legally binding obligations, but with the medium-term prospect of concluding more formal cooperation agreements between the various parties.
Three priority areas of cooperation
The protocol is structured around three main areas, each with concrete objectives:
- Innovation and industry: Defence and the federated entities will work together on European and NATO programmes, share information on research and innovation, support the development of dual-use technologies, and ensure a clearer and more coherent framework for companies active in the defence sector.
- Education, employment and health: the protocol encourages the creation of training courses related to defence and security, partnerships between schools, universities and regional and military training centres, better integration of reservists into employment and training schemes, and stronger cooperation in healthcare.
- Infrastructure and mobility: the Regions will be involved in improving military mobility (roads, ports, airports, waterways), planning infrastructure projects, securing installations, and protecting critical infrastructure, particularly in the field of cybersecurity.
Strengthened coordination at Walloon level
Given the growing importance of Defence-related matters - whether cooperation with NATO, national defence plans, or resilience and industry challenges - Wallonia has chosen to establish its own coherent governance structure.
A Defence COMEX, bringing together all the cabinets of the Walloon Government and the relevant administrations, has thus been set up. It will serve as a forum for internal consultation and coordination and will ensure effective alignment between Walloon priorities and interfederal collaborations.
According to the Minister-President of Wallonia, Adrien Dolimont: “In a rapidly changing geopolitical context, marked by a heightened need for security and resilience, it is essential that Wallonia be fully integrated into the national defence strategy. This protocol marks a new step towards structured cooperation, serving our security, innovation and employment.”