Belgian Military Union Backs Bold Police-Military Security Force Plan in Brussels

Brussels, 2o October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Belgian military union ACMP-CGPM has backed Defence Minister Theo Francken’s proposal to establish a specialised police-military security force, supporting plans to strengthen Belgium’s response to violent unrest, organised crime and serious public-order threats. The proposal has sparked debate in Brussels over military involvement in civilian policing and the resources available to existing security services.

The union confirmed its support on Monday, 19 October, saying it had advocated a similar security structure in 2024. Its endorsement comes as Belgium’s Defence and Interior ministries examine closer cooperation between military personnel and police officers.

Belgian Military Union Supports New Security Force

ACMP-CGPM welcomed Francken’s proposal for a mobile security unit combining military training with civilian policing responsibilities.

The organisation previously outlined a comparable concept in its publication De Schildwacht, arguing that modern security threats required stronger coordination between government agencies.

Its proposed structure would address serious violence, terrorism, sabotage, organised drug crime and hybrid threats involving both physical and digital security.

The union stressed that the new organisation should not simply recreate Belgium’s former gendarmerie. Instead, it called for clearly defined responsibilities and cooperation with police, military intelligence and judicial authorities.

Theo Francken Proposes Military-Trained Police Reserve

Defence Minister Theo Francken, representing the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), outlined the proposal during an RTL-TVI television appearance on Sunday, 18 October.

He described the proposed organisation as a modernised “gendarmerie 2.0”, operating under Interior Minister Bernard Quintin.

Under the plan, police officers would receive military training before becoming available for public-order operations under civilian authority.

Speaking on VRT’s De Ochtend programme on Monday, Francken acknowledged that the proposed reserve would not solve every security problem.

He said:

“This will not be a miracle solution.”

However, the minister argued that additional operational capacity would demonstrate support for security personnel facing increasingly difficult assignments. <Cite refs={[“turn766724search0″,”turn766724search5”]}/>

Brussels Mayor Challenges Proposed Security Reform

Brussels Mayor Philippe Close has questioned the need for another security organisation.

Speaking on Bel-RTL on Monday, Close argued that government resources should strengthen existing police intervention units and the justice system.

He warned that establishing an additional security structure could create unnecessary administrative complications and political disagreements.

His position reflects a wider debate about whether Belgium should invest in established police services or create a separate operational reserve.

Belgium’s Security Challenges Shape Military Debate

Belgium has previously deployed military personnel to support civilian police operations.

In September 2026, the federal government extended military assistance for selected security operations in Brussels for another six months.

The arrangement provides support for mixed patrols around transport infrastructure and security assistance during coordinated police operations.

These deployments remain distinct from the proposed permanent security organisation.

Belgium’s former gendarmerie was incorporated into the country’s integrated policing system following major police reforms implemented in 2001.

The historical background has prompted questions about how any new organisation would avoid overlapping responsibilities.

What the Proposal Means for Brussels Security

The proposed Belgian military union-backed approach could provide additional trained personnel during serious disturbances and other major security incidents.

However, operational powers, accountability, recruitment arrangements and funding remain unresolved.

For Brussels residents, businesses and public transport users, the central issue is whether additional security capacity can improve protection while preserving established civilian policing responsibilities.

The debate also has implications for military personnel, police officers and government agencies responsible for coordinating emergency responses.

What Happens Next for Belgium’s Police-Military Plan?

The Defence and Interior ministries are continuing discussions about the proposed security force.

No final government approval, implementation date, staffing target or confirmed budget has been announced.

Further decisions would be required to establish its legal framework, operational command and relationship with existing police services.

For now, the military union’s endorsement adds institutional support to Francken’s proposal, while disagreement over the most effective approach to public security continues in Brussels.