Belgium's Flemish region eases arms trade rules, invests in defense innovation

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Belgium's Flemish region has approved a draft arms trade decree to simplify the trade of military goods, civilian firearms, essential components, and ammunition, while launching a new Flemish Innovation and Industrial Strategy for Security and Defense program, the regional government announced Friday.

The measures aim to strengthen Flanders' defense sector and boost cooperation with Europe and NATO, according to the Belga news agency.

Under the new decree, Flemish companies will be able to supply military goods and components more easily within the EU and to established partner countries, including NATO allies. Procedures for European cooperation will be simplified, and processing times will be reduced.

Existing safeguards will remain in place. The export ban on weapons to Israel continues, and full permit procedures and strict end-use inspections are still required for high-risk destinations, including countries under sanctions or affected by armed conflict.

Funding will start at €5 million ($5.8 million) and is expected to rise to €50 million annually by 2029.