Belgium Backs 5% NATO Defense Target Seen as ‘Bitter Pill’ by PM

Belgium, still working to meet NATO’s existing 2% defence spending target, fully supports a new proposed goal of 5% of GDP but is calling for greater flexibility in how that contribution is allocated, Prime Minister Bart De Wever told lawmakers on Tuesday.

“This is a bitter pill to swallow but we must do more to guarantee our security,” De Wever said at the Federal Parliament in Brussels. Belgium would require “the biggest flexibility possible” to meet it. “New investments have to be realistic, reasonable and offer an economic return for our society.”