New government in Belgium, a certain continuity. The details

(BRUSSELS2, analysis) It took 540 days of procrastination to have a new government and above all to establish a new government agreement. But the change in foreign and defense policy is not really huge.

We can speak of a change in continuity, particularly in terms of defense reform. This was not a major subject of divergence between the stakeholders of the new government coalition (PS/SPA, CD&V/CDH, MR/VLD). The low place given to foreign policy in the long government declaration (177 pages) is therefore not a reflection of a lack of interest. On the contrary.

We can therefore instead talk more about delving into certain subjects, such as the reform of the Belgian army or the involvement of parliament in external operations. Quite in line with its pro-European tradition, Belgium is also in favor of a new European breath and a new impetus to European defense as well as the increased search for military cooperation and niches of excellence that it could develop.

Continuity and a change of hat

According to the latest information, the Ministry of Defense would remain managed by Pieter de Crem (Flemish Christian Democrat), the current holder of the post, while a new one would arrive at Foreign and European Affairs. Well, not quite… Because Didier Reynders (French-speaking liberal) is not really the prototype of a 'new kid'. He's even more of a veteran, a heavyweight in the government. He has been in office for more than 12 years, at the head of the Ministry of Finance, where he has left his mark. He knows many of his counterparts perfectly, particularly at the European level. If he would have stayed there, the other coalition partners did not really want him to.

Born on August 6, 1958, graduated from the University of Liège, Reynders began his career in politics with Jean Gol, then Minister of Justice, as an expert in constitutional law. He then chaired the SNCB (1986-1991), the Société Nationale des Voies Aérotiques (1991-1993), became a deputy (from 1992), then group leader of the liberal party in the Chamber (1995-1999). ) and finally Minister of Finance (1999-2011). The person concerned, proud like Artaban, “dreamed” of another position which would allow him to continue in style, while his action in Finance could be open to discussion. In Foreign Affairs, he will be able to flourish. However, he will not be an easier “client” for the High Representative than his predecessor, Steven Vanackere, who did not spare his criticism of the Briton.

Objective: an army of 30.000 men and continuation of defense reform

The overall ambition of the army is to allow " its projection on the theaters of external operations "while allowing him to" also continue to carry out its missions on the national territory, such as the dismantling of explosives, rescue at sea, assistance to the population in the event of a disaster, etc. ". A contribution to cost reduction is requested from Defence, with a “ partial replacement of departures within Defense with a view to an army of 30.000 soldiers by 2015 (NB: to which must be added 2.000 civilians), as well as various other savings at Defense, particularly in operating costs”.

Restructuring continued

Restructuring continues. A new statute for the military will have to be drawn up to allow " to recruit young soldiers for a limited period ". Staffs and senior executives will be “rationalized”. The operational units will be preserved. Even if it is not specified, certain neighborhoods and barracks will continue to be closed, according to the plan already decided.

Upcoming equipment plan

Regarding equipment, a commitment is made: “ equip units and personnel adequately for the execution of their missions and ensure their safety ". Details are not yet fixed. They will figure in an investment plan for Defense for 2011-2014 which will be presented as soon as possible ».

Niches of excellence

The Government also intends to specify the " niches of excellence in which the army will specialise, in consultation with our European and NATO partners. " As much as possible, maximum pooling and sharing with our European and NATO partners will be organised. »

Association of Parliament in commitment decisions

Belgium is governed by a model where the executive leads military operations. According to the Constitution, it is the “ King (who) commands the armed forces, and notes the state of war as well as the end of hostilities”. There is no question of modifying this text or moving to a German-style parliamentary army model. But to deepen a practice already started for the operation in Libya for example, by involving parliament more. “ In the case of future operations under a UN mandate, the Government undertakes to inform Parliament without delay and to involve it in monitoring them. "" For the monitoring of ongoing operations, their possible modification and military partnerships, the Government will seek with Parliament the most appropriate mechanism to guarantee the flow of information, while respecting the necessary degree of confidentiality. »

Defining an exit policy in Afghanistan

Belgian troops will withdraw from next year until 2014, but a subsequent presence may remain there, it is clearly specified. It is one of the only operations to be strictly included in the government program. The Government wants to define, “ in full collaboration with its NATO, EU and UN partners, a strategy and schedule for the withdrawal of Belgian troops from Afghanistan from 2012 for a final withdrawal by 2014 at the latest (Lisbon decisions of November 2010), without excluding a presence there , with other partner countries, to contribute to the reconstruction of the country. » We thus note that Belgium is not following the example of its Dutch neighbor by choosing to remain militarily engaged until the end of NATO's commitment.

Mandatory UN mandate

However, no military action will be taken by Belgium without a UN mandate, where international law requires it.

NATO reform and defense of consensus

In the reform of NATO's strategic concept, the new government intends to defend two principles to which Belgium is attached: " the maintenance of the rule of consensus in terms of decision-making and the assumption by each nation of the costs of its own commitment.. Thus going against a certain majority decision advocated by certain countries.

A new impetus for European defense

Belgium wants give new impetus to greater military cooperation in Europe. " The government wants to work actively in setting up and strengthening European defence, the essential basis of a credible foreign policy for the EU. This defense will give Europe the ability to establish a more balanced and therefore more reliable partnership with our allies, particularly within NATO.. » is it specified.

For a new European breath

More generally, Belgium wants to continue to play its role of " pioneer to strengthen the European Union ". The Government thus wishes to continue to support active "setting up" harmonious of the institutions born of the Lisbon Treaty and to strengthen the community spirit » (she had already demonstrated this desire during her presidency of the EU). In line with the Lisbon Treaty, the Government wants “ plead for the strengthening of European integration in order to breathe new life into this European project”.

Foreign policy: keeping the focus on the Great Lakes

For the government, the priority remains, “ within European and international bodies”, issues relating to peace and democracy. “The Great Lakes region and the Mediterranean rim will be priorities in this respect. »