Context
The EU has launched ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 with €800B mobilization target. NATO allies committed to 5% GDP spending by 2035. European defense spending rose 17% in 2024.
5%
NATO GDP Target
€800B
ReArm Europe Target
3x
Cyber Budget Increase
+17%
2024 Defense Growth
Policy Positions
- Meet NATO 5% target ahead of 2035 — Belgium should lead, not follow
- Full participation in SAFE instrument — Access €150B loan facility for defense
- Prioritize European defense procurement — Buy European first
- Major cybersecurity investment:
- Triple current budget for cyber defense
- Establish Belgian Cyber Command with offensive capabilities
- Critical infrastructure protection mandate
- Cyber reserve force from private sector experts
- Support European Common Army — Long-term unified defense goal
- Invest in emerging technologies — AI, autonomous systems, quantum, space
Key Arguments
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine proves the peace dividend era is over
- Cyber attacks are now a permanent feature of the threat landscape
- European strategic autonomy requires European defense industry
- Defense investment creates high-skilled jobs and technological innovation