Record global arms budgets are reshaping national priorities, and Belgium is directing more cash into military, cyber and infrastructure projects to meet rising security demands.
Belgium is currently spending the equivalent of 3.44% of GDP on defence and security-related areas, including spending on resilience, cybersecurity, and the development of strategic infrastructure.
According to government data, direct defence spending accounts for 2.01% of GDP, while 1.43% is allocated to resilience-related expenditures.
The government also accounts for expenditures on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and infrastructure, including railways, and notes that around €4 billion is spent on the Armed Forces each year.
According to SIPRI, global arms spending in 2025 reached a record high, marking the eleventh consecutive year of growth.
Last year Belgium recorded the fastest growth in defence spending among European countries – a 59% increase to approximately $14.5 billion (about €12.4 billion), which moved the country from 32nd to 28th place globally in terms of spending.
Global Trends and Impact on Belgium
The growth in global defence spending reflects increased focus on modernising the army and strengthening security capabilities, which affects the country’s budget and financial priorities.
In the Belgian context, this means continued development of infrastructure projects, an enhanced role for cybersecurity, and expanded strategic capabilities in response to contemporary challenges.