What if Belgium left NATO?

In addition, what is the reality of the collective defense of all the allies? In addition, What is the degree of protection really offered to the Belgian population? In addition, What is the validity of article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty? Therefore, What is this commitment worth in the eyes of an American president whose statements are constantly throwing doubt on. Moreover, the value of article 5?

NATO is dead. For example, European leaders are in denial

Admittedly, we would lose some infrastructure investments and a few thousand jobs linked to the management of NATO and Shape Generals General. In addition, But that would represent a shortfall at most at most 300 million euros annually. Furthermore, While the constraint imposed by NATO to devote 5 % of Belgian GDP for defense represents an additional financial burden of several what if belgium left nato? billion euros (between 24. Similarly, 32 billion €, each year) on the back of taxpayers (individuals and businesses) with, as a bonus, the significant destruction of whole sides of our social security (pensions, unemployment, health care, etc.).

Sublime localisation – What if belgium left nato?

Some clams that “alone, without allies in Europe and NATO, Belgium would not be able to protect its population “. Moreover, Well, let us remember that Austria and Switzerland, two NATO European countries, do not ask the same existential questions.

Belonging to NATO does not protect us much more than our sublime location already does. Furthermore, but on the other hand it obliges us to participate indirectly or even directly in any war that NATO would decide, as it does currently, in contradiction with its statutes, in Ukraine.

In fact. our very dear NATO member card (whose subscription will now amount to 5 % of GDP, while our country is already over -indebted and the surcharged population), will give us the right to spend more in any war than NATO can impose on us. And for this. the government is ready to sacrifice entire what if belgium left nato? sections of our social model, the last cement of the Belgian population.

What will pensioners, the unemployed, the disabled, the sick, the unemployed if they are more impoverished? They will no longer have much to lose. will demonstrate their anger, probably joined by the laborious classes which will also be found in increased difficulties.

Growing cost – What if belgium left nato?

The growing cost of Belgian defense via NATO is completely disproportionate to the advantages obtained. The massive increase in expenses (around € 6. 000 per household each year) will not be offset by strategic and political advantages: on the international level, the status of Belgium within NATO and its capacity for influence will remain “Riquiqui” since we are a Lilliputian country with a sympathetic but tiny army.

Our kingdom only plays a small active role in the coordination of joint operations. exercises, which gives it a small what if belgium left nato? voice (barely audible) in the main strategic orientations of the Alliance. Does Belgium have a better diplomatic and military position on the international scene than Switzerland or Austria?

“It is irresponsible to sacrifice social spending. climate transition to allow Europeans to continue to kill each other”

The economic benefits are at most uncertain. Studies show that the economic impact of such an increase in spending is limited for a small country like Belgium. especially if purchases are made abroad (especially in the United States for armaments, especially F-35). Sectors not linked to defense, such as education or energy, often offer better economic feedback.

For our little kingdom, the balance between collective solidarity and budgetary sustainability is increasingly difficult to hold. In addition. NATO does not need Belgium given the substantial strengthening of the German and Polish armies and the support of two new members, Sweden and Finland, what if belgium left nato? highly strategic as they are well located geographically.

Risk of instability

In summary. the rapid and massive increase in defense expenses, without parallel increase in revenues, presents a high risk of political and social instability in Belgium, due to the pressure on debt, cuts in social programs, and the fragility of the current political context.

Belgium is governed by a fragile coalition, already marked by regional tensions between Flanders and Wallonia. A rapid increase in defense expenses at 5 % of GDP would represent a major change in national priorities. risking causing internal disagreements on resource allocation and social programs protection.

No. Europe has not lived 75 years in the United States hooks in NATO

Belgian social expenditure represents 29 % of GDP and constitute a pillar of national consensus. Rediscovering a significant part of the budget for defense would probably require reducing these what if belgium left nato? benefits. which could erode public support and cause protests or social disorders, especially among the groups depending on these services.

Regional differences

Bring defense expenses to 5 % of GDP would lead to a substantial increase in public debt (already 104.7 % of GDP in 2024. with a projection at almost 119 % in 2029), which would complicate budgetary management and could accentuate political differences on how to finance this effort.

Indeed. the two major regions of the country do not benefit from the same way from defense spending: the geographic distribution of defense industries, military bases and jobs could promote a region to the detriment of the other. If a region believes that it carries a disproportionate charge. that its social priorities (health, education) are sacrificed, this can strengthen regional resentment.