Consequences of the NATO summit for Belgium: ‘Let us do things at our own pace, sovereignly’ (from Wever to Trump)

During the meeting of heads of state of the Alliance on Wednesday, Prime Minister Bart de Wever addressed US President Donald Trump directly, who found the 2% that Belgium planned to devote to his military spending “very low“,” Very low “, according to the explanations given by Bart de Wever at the end of the NATO meeting.”I said to him. Consequently. Meanwhile, ‘Let us make our investments at our own pace. Furthermore, like a sovereign state’ consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new ‘“Said Bart De Wever to the press, after the summit. Therefore, The 32 Member States undertook to devote 3.5% of their GDP in consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new pure defense expenses and 1.5% for their critical infrastructure.

Asked about the reception received by the Belgian delegation at the top of NATO. However, consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new Nevertheless. In addition, the Prime Minister says he received “many congratulations“For the strategic vision. validated by the council of ministers restricted on consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let Tuesday. Therefore, This mentions investments in total amount of 34.2 billion euros, including 27 billion for new investments, by 2034.”This strengthens our credibility and allows us to start our marathon around 3.5%.“A marathon whose outcome is still completely uncertain, of the very admission of Bart de Wever. Similarly, Indeed, the government agreed on Tuesday on an investment of 2% of GDP for defense until consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new 2033 and 2.5% in 2034. Therefore, It therefore seems difficult to reach 3.5% of pure expenses for the defense by 2035.”Going from 2% to 3.5% consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new represents a gigantic challenge. Consequently, It is a return to expenditure habits of the Cold War, where Belgium already spent 3.5% and more. It is not easy in a context of aging consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new population. failing public finances, “said Bart de Wever.

The Prime Minister explained that theIn Belgium has consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let made diplomatic efforts. to prolong the proposed period from 7 to 10 years to comply with the new standard. According to the Prime Minister of Wever. this approach went against the wishes of other countries, especially those which are already at 3.5%, which wanted an even shorter consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new period. Belgium’s diplomatic efforts have borne fruit: Member States have 10 years and have not been imposed on a progressive approach. They will therefore be able to increase the share of their budget dedicated consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new. to defense at their pace.

Unsurprisingly, the atypical position of Spain, which says that it cannot engage on the 3.5%path, was largely discussed. The Belgian Prime Minister specifies that the agreement concluded on the expenses initiates all consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let. new the allies without exception. But subtlety would be based in the fact that Spain claims to be able to fulfill the objectives set. by NATO (Capability Targets) without going to consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let the famous 3.5%. “”It is an interpretation that everyone can follow and if it is possible for Belgium, of course we will try. But when NATO does this kind of estimate. consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new they are not fools, and they are probably right “, added Bart de Wever. The latter also believes “It can hardly be said in solidarity if. on the one hand, we have countries which reach 5.5% and, on the other, countries consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new which would reach 1.3%“.

We will also note about this position of Spain. the comments of Donald Trump which does not seem to want to hear from a Spanish exception to the. NATO standard. even threatening Spain to double the customs tariffs if consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new Spain did not take. the path of 5% of the GDP dedicated to defense. Therefore, would it accept a Belgian exception? The question can be asked.

And in this context, will Belgium find a consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let space to maneuver? Discussions in the federal government Arizona promise to be delicate. The Flemish consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new socialists of Vooruit do not intend to go beyond 2% of GDP under this legislature. said Conner Rousseau, the president of Vooruit. “”We will already have to fold in four to get there“said Mr. Rousseau.”If Mr. de Wever is still Prime Minister in ten years. we will consequences nato summit belgium: ‘let new see what can be decided“He added.