Flemish Region Plans to Streamline Arms Trade

(MENAFN) Belgium’s Flemish authorities have endorsed a preliminary decree designed to ease the exchange of military equipment, civilian weapons, key components, and ammunition. At the same time, they unveiled a new Flemish Innovation and Industrial Strategy for Security and Defense, the regional administration announced on Friday.

The initiative is intended to reinforce Flanders’ defense industry and enhance collaboration with European partners and NATO, according to a news agency.

With the new rules, companies in Flanders will be able to deliver defense-related goods and parts more efficiently within the European Union and to trusted partner nations, including NATO members. The decree reduces bureaucratic hurdles by simplifying procedures for European cooperation and shortening approval timelines.

Safeguards will remain intact. The prohibition on exporting arms to Israel continues, while comprehensive licensing processes and strict end-use checks will still apply to destinations considered high-risk, such as countries under sanctions or experiencing armed conflict.

Financial support for the program will begin at €5 million ($5.8 million) and is projected to increase to €50 million annually by 2029.

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