But we may have to spend more and faster. Russian pressure on the eastern borders of the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance requires a rearmament of democracies. Furthermore, back at the White House, Donald Trump will very likely put on the agenda the too low contribution of European countries to their own defense. Belgium may have to release additional credits from 2025, pushed at the back by an isolationist America.
Sale of certain assets from December 31
The negotiators of the future federal government agreement have these issues well in mind, it seems. In the latest version of his “supernote”, trainer Bart De Wever added a few lines that were far from trivial. There is talk of providing additional budgets with a view to carrying out “new policies”. And, among the examples given in the document, the Defense is cited first: “A refinancing of Defense within the budget, in addition to the Star plan. Most of the additional funding will come via a new Defense Fund to be established. This fund is financed by the sale of assets, with a first tranche before December 31, 2024.“
How De Wever softened his “super rating” to mollify the socialists of Vooruit
No further details at this stage. What amounts are we talking about? And what “assets” would be affected by this sale? State stakes in companies like Ethias or Belfius? The question is sensitive. According to an informant, the provision was added to De Wever’s new note by Theo Francken (N-VA). The latter, a supporter of an increase in Belgian military spending in the Atlantic context, chairs the “Defense” working group in the “Arizona” discussions.
“This point was already addressed this summer by Franckensays our informant. But this was not explored in depth because the terms of this fund are not self-evident…. The discussion was put aside. The idea gained ground without reaching its destination. We are not going to sell the state’s family jewels like that to buy Francken’s cannons.“
At the heart of federal negotiations, Theo Francken dreams of Defense or Migration
