On 2025-04-30 21:50:00, Belgian Premier Bart De Wever met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss crucial issues including defence deals between Belgium and France. The meeting, held at the Élysée Palace, focused heavily on strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and energy sectors.
- De Wever discusses defense cooperation with Macron
- CaMo project costs exceed initial budget
- Both countries aim to balance defense collaboration
- Leaders emphasize sustained pressure on Moscow
- Macron views Belgium as reliable nuclear partner
- Plans set for autumn Belgium-France meeting
A key topic was the CaMo project, a defence industry collaboration that has faced challenges due to costs escalating tenfold since the initial 2018 order of military vehicles. De Wever emphasized the importance of a balanced and mutually beneficial partnership, highlighting that both countries stand to gain from resolving these issues.
What does this mean for Belgium’s defence industry and its future cooperation with France? The following fast answer provides a clear summary.
Why is this collaboration so critical now? With rising geopolitical tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine, Belgium and France see the need to maintain pressure on Moscow while securing their own defence capabilities. The talks also touched on future energy strategies, with Belgium looking to France as a key partner in nuclear energy development. Key takeaways include:
- Addressing cost overruns in the CaMo military vehicle project to ensure fair returns for Belgian industry.
- Commitment to ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace in Ukraine.
- Strengthening energy ties, especially in nuclear power cooperation.
- Planning a bilateral meeting in Belgium this autumn to review progress.
As Belgium and France work to turn defence cooperation into a “pearl” rather than a “pebble,” will this renewed collaboration set a new standard for bilateral agreements? The upcoming autumn meeting promises to be a key moment to evaluate progress and deepen ties further.
