Belgium scrambles to reach Nato defence spending goal

Belgium is set to increase its defence budget to 2% of GDP in response to NATO’s spending goals, but faces challenges in meeting a potential new target of over 3% amid concerns for its welfare system. Budget Minister Vincent Van Peteghem indicated that the government will utilize temporary funding measures and creative accounting, including classifying certain infrastructure investments as military spending, to reach this goal, while also planning to privatize state assets and implement spending cuts to manage debt. The Belgian deficit is projected to hit 4.6% in 2024, necessitating reforms that may limit unemployment benefits and pensions.

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