These are the main points in Belgium’s new government agreement (2)
After nearly eight months of negotiations, Belgium finally has a new federal government. The new coalition reached an agreement spanning 203 pages, outlining significant reforms in areas such as defence, energy and ethical issues.
Defence and security
- Defence spending: By 2029, this must reach NATO’s target of 2 per cent of GDP, and by 2034, it must increase to 2.5 per cent. The coalition parties will outline an accelerated growth path to achieve this.
- Military service: A voluntary 12-month military service will likely be introduced to give young people experience in the armed forces.
- New defence investments: Belgium will invest in air defence systems for ports, drones, and cybersecurity. Additional F-35 fighter jets may also be ordered.
- Police funding: Police will receive additional funding, with previous estimates suggesting around 160 million euros.
- Organised crime: A financial and tax investigation unit will be created to combat the economic power of drug criminals.
- Brussels police: The new government plans to merge Brussels’ six police zones into a single entity. This long-debated reform aims to create a more unified and efficient security policy to tackle crime and public nuisance more effectively.
Energy and institutional reforms
- Nuclear energy: The planned nuclear phase-out has been scrapped. The two youngest nuclear reactors will remain operational until at least 2045, and investments will be made in new nuclear technology.
- Senate abolished: Belgium’s upper house of parliament, the Senate, will be eliminated by 2029.
- Party funding: Public funding for political parties will be frozen.
Ethical issues
- Euthanasia: The government has not yet reached an agreement on the issue but is expected to approve euthanasia for patients with advanced dementia.
- Abortion: No immediate decision has been made on extending the legal abortion period; further debate is expected.
Read the full government agreement here.
The new government is going to invest in Belgium’s army © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR