Paul Magnette, the leader of Belgium’s Socialist Party, has declared that Belgium, as a sovereign state, should cap its defence spending at 2% of GDP, echoing the words of the Spanish Prime Minister.
NATO’s defence spending target was increased to 5% of GDP at this week's summit of NATO leaders.
Magnette's declaration follows a recent decision by the Belgian government to maintain its defence spending at 2% of GDP until 2033, with plans to increase it to 2.5% in 2034.
While Belgium does not oppose NATO’s new 5% guideline, it acknowledges that it will not meet this target by the 2035 deadline set in the final declaration of The Hague summit.
Between 2026 and 2034, Belgium plans to invest a substantial €34 billion in defence.
Paul Magnette pointed out that while there is constant talk of insufficient funds for pensions, which would require only €1.5 billion annually, political choices are evidently being made.
He also emphasised that while security threats should not be underestimated, the primary issue is not merely increasing purchases but achieving a truly integrated European army.
