The Belgian-Luxembourg battalion will not appear until the next decade
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Luxembourg's Defence Minister Yuriko Backes clarified the project to create a Belgian-Luxembourg battalion, which has been under discussion since 2021 and received legislative approval in November 2024.
The idea of a joint military unit has been discussed within NATO as well as in the Luxembourg Parliament since 2021. The last debate on this project took place on 14 November 2024, when Bill No. 8389 was approved by a majority of votes.
Key features of the project
- Purchase of new equipment: the battalion will be equipped with modern reconnaissance and combat vehicles, which was one of the main topics of discussion in parliament.
- Implementation phases: battalion formation will begin in 2030, with full operational capability planned for 2032.
The project aims to strengthen co-operation between Luxembourg and Belgium within NATO, as well as to enhance the combat capabilities of the two countries. Once completed, the battalion will operate on a par with other NATO army units, but will not reach full operational capability until 2032.
The minister stressed that the elaboration of the project details was carried out in close co-operation with Belgium, and the public discussions demonstrated transparency and responsibility in decision-making.
