Antwerp (The Brussels morning Newspaper): Michelle Haas advocates for improving Belgium’s basic defense, especially protecting key locations like the port of Antwerp, while Tom Sauer opposes increased military spending on air defense systems.
Michelle Haas from Ghent University talks about the need to improve Belgium’s basic defense efforts. She believes that it’s important to have a strong security system in place, especially for key locations like the port of Antwerp, which is one of the largest in Europe. Haas points out that other major ports, such as Rotterdam and Hamburg, already have air defenses to protect them. She stresses that it’s not just about the port, other vital areas like wind farms and NATO headquarters also need protection.
What are Antwerp’s defense challenges?
Belgium’s defense faces many challenges, including air defense, hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and naval issues. Haas emphasizes that it’s crucial for politicians to decide how to prioritize these defense efforts to ensure the country is well-protected. She advocates for getting the minimum defense measures organized to safeguard important infrastructure and maintain security.
Tom Sauer thinks that people in Antwerp wanting anti-aircraft defense is over the top. He believes that these systems won’t help against long-range missiles. Sauer doesn’t want to spend more on defense, especially air defense, and doubts it’s really useful. He feels that just because other countries are investing in defense doesn’t mean Belgium should too. He thinks that sabotage in the port is a bigger danger. Sauer believes Belgium is getting into a competition over military spending and that the 2 percent NATO goal is not really needed. On the other hand, Michelle Haas thinks it’s important to make sure Belgium has its basic defense plans sorted out.
