Belgium sets aside €40 million for the fight against terrorism

The federal government is to free up €40 million for the fight against terrorism and radicalisation, prime minister Charles Michel announced after a meeting with EU counter-terrorism coordinator Gilles de Kerchove (pictured).

Last weekend it was announced that €4 million would be invested in more permanent security for Jewish buildings in Antwerp and Brussels, so that the number of soldiers in the streets could be phased out over time. But an additional €40 million will go towards increasing overall security throughout Belgium, through investments in the technical security of public buildings, but also more material and more staff for the security services.

"Belgium will play an important role in preventing and combating radicalisation," de Kerchove said after his meeting with the prime minister.

De Kerchove  is also calling on the European member states to work with countries outside Europe. "Countries such as Morocco and Tunisia have asked for help, and we have to step in as soon as possible. Tunisia has a huge problem at its borders with Libya and Algeria, but also with the radicalisation of its own people."

Michel wants Belgium to play a leading role in Europe with non-member states. "I talked last week with British prime minister David Cameron," he said. "Together with the UK, Germany and France, we are looking into the various opportunities for cooperation with Tunisia."