Belgian Defence Minister has suggested that Belgium invest more into its armed forces 11908155

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Defence & Security News - Belgium
 
Belgian Defence Minister has suggested that Belgium invest more into its armed forces.
Belgian Defence Minister Steven Vandeput has suggested that Belgium invest more into its armed forces, Belgian press reported Tuesday, August 19, 2015. Since the end of the Cold War, the Belgian defense spending has steadily decreased, from 3.35 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) to less than one percent currently, according to the Belga agency.
     
Belgian Defence Minister Steven Vandeput has suggested that Belgium invest more into its armed forces, Belgian press reported Tuesday, August 19, 2015. Since the end of the Cold War, the Belgian defense spending has steadily decreased, from 3.35 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) to less than one percent currently, according to the Belga agency. Belgian Defence Minister Steven Vandeput (R) during a visit to a military barrack
     

Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Canada and the United Kingdom are planning further decreases in defense spending despite NATO's requirements to maintain defense expenditure at 2 percent of a country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Military expenditure (% of GDP) in Belgium was last measured at 1.04 in 2013, according to the World Bank. Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities.

Belgium is ranked on the tail of the peloton among the 28 NATO countries.

Belgian Federal Defence Minister Steven Vandeput said Belgium must increase its capabilities in all five fields: earth, air, sea, cyber and intelligence.

According to a strategic military plan, which is under discussion between the ruling parties of the country, the defense spending will increase from 2019 on to 1.6 percent of GDP in 2030, he added.