Belgium is making headlines today as it embarks on a sweeping set of reforms and strategic shifts aimed at reshaping its national priorities—especially in defence, migration, and social welfare.
A New Government Takes Charge
In early 2025, after nearly eight months of political negotiation, Belgium formed its most unconventional coalition yet—led by the right-wing Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever, who now serves as Prime Minister. His agenda is clear: stricter immigration policy, a revival of nuclear energy plans, and a massive boost in defence spending to meet NATO benchmarks.
His approach has already stirred strong reactions across Belgium, with protests mounting over cuts to social services even as the government presses ahead with its ambitious agenda.
Defence Overhaul: Investing Big in Security
Belgium has committed to a €33.8 billion defence program extending from 2026 to 2034—with the aim of closing major capability gaps and aligning more closely with NATO standards. The government has also pledged to raise defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2029, up from just 1.3% currently.
Key defense targets include:
Purchasing 11 F-35 fighter jets to gradually replace aging F-16s.
Deploying multi-layered air defense systems like NASAMS and long-range missile systems.
Procuring approximately 1,500 new combat vehicles, expanding logistical capacity, and supporting drone and surveillance development.
Boosting personnel strength to 34,500 by 2035 and establishing an operational reserve force.
Belgium’s push into defence modernization signals that the government sees external threats and security challenges as central to its future.
Migration Clampdown and Border Controls
Under the new leadership, Belgium is taking a tougher stance on migration. The government has reintroduced border checks within the Schengen zone—targeting travelers from nations with heavy migration influxes, such as Greece and Italy.
Prime Minister De Wever has described curbing irregular migration as a top priority, emphasizing that Belgium will no longer be a fallback destination for migrants rejected elsewhere. The country also plans to impose stricter family reunification criteria, demanding higher income thresholds from applicants.
These changes complement the government’s broader vision to balance humanitarian policies with tighter control over immigration flows.
Justice Reform and Social Infrastructure
To address deep structural issues at home, the Belgian Parliament has passed a sweeping justice reform package. Among its key elements:
An emergency law addressing prison overcrowding, requiring judges to justify shorter sentences and introducing alternatives to incarceration for terms up to six months.
Early release provisions, including monitoring devices, for many non-violent offenders—though serious crimes such as sexual offenses or terrorism remain excluded.
Revised migration rules, including sharper income requirements for family reunification.
Parliament also passed a resolution urging the EU to list Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.
These steps reflect the government’s urgency in stabilizing domestic security and recalibrating legal structures.
Social Pushback: Protests and Pressure
Even as the government moves swiftly, resistance is trending strongly across the country. In February 2025, nearly 100,000 protesters filled the streets of Brussels in opposition to cuts in pensions and social services. Transport systems ground to a halt, airports were disrupted, and unions voiced deep concern over the government’s direction.
Critics argue that the government’s priorities favor defense over welfare, placing a disproportionate burden on lower-income citizens. Labor unions have threatened further general strikes unless reforms are softened.
Prime Minister De Wever insists adjustments will be gradual and guided by fairness.
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