Belgian Government Approves Defence and Immigration Measures
On Friday, the Belgian government endorsed a strategic vision for defense, highlighted by the procurement of 11 additional F-35 fighter jets. This acquisition aims to bolster national security and is expected to provide significant economic returns, according to Defense Minister Theo Francken. The decisions were made during a council of ministers meeting, reports 24brussels.
In addition to the fighter jet purchase, the government unveiled the “Ammunition Readiness Plan 2025,” a multi-year initiative designed to address ongoing ammunition shortages. Minister Francken noted that the increase in ammunition consumption due to conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, necessitates strategic partnerships with manufacturers to maintain production capabilities.
The initial investment in this plan amounts to €2.3 billion and encompasses a diverse array of munitions and weapon systems. A focus will be placed on acquiring various types of artillery shells, anti-tank missiles, and missiles for naval forces to counter potential threats across multiple domains. For the air force, funding will also support the development of cruise missile capabilities.
New Legal Framework for House Searches
The council also reached an agreement allowing law enforcement to conduct house searches for individuals illegally residing in Belgium who pose a threat to public order or national security. This decision has been a topic of debate for years, and the proposed legislation aims to streamline police operations in these cases.
Currently, obstacles hinder the police and the Immigration Office’s ability to detain certain individuals who can evade apprehension by hiding in their homes. The revised legal framework seeks to enhance the efficiency of these agencies in cases where public safety is at stake.
“Anyone who is staying in our country illegally, poses a danger to society and stubbornly refuses to cooperate cannot continue to hide behind their front door,” said Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt. “Those who threaten our security have no place here,” she added, stating that the determination of danger lies with the investigating judge.
Regulations on Social Benefits
The government also approved a draft law aimed at limiting the accumulation of social benefits within households, specifically targeting multiple living wages. Currently, there are no restrictions on combining living wages for cohabiting adults, which can lead to disproportionately high payouts for some families.
“The system must remain affordable and fair,” stated Minister Van Bossuyt, referring to the discrepancies in social benefit distributions. The goal is to ensure that social assistance serves those in genuine need, without enabling situations where non-working individuals receive more financial support than those actively participating in the labor market.
These recent measures reflect the Belgian government’s commitment to enhancing national security and reforming social welfare systems to ensure equity and efficiency.
