Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Belgian military intelligence agency ADIV is seeking significant expansion and aims to double its workforce by 2040. This is evident in the intelligence agency's annual report released Wednesday. According to local media reports this morning, the federal government had previously announced its intention to significantly increase defense spending. No final agreement has yet been reached, but the intention is to increase the defense budget to 2% of GDP as soon as possible.
A portion of the additional funds is therefore expected to benefit the ADIV. The current workforce, which consists of approximately 1,000 people, will be significantly increased. Major General Stéphane Dutroun, CEO of ADIV, told the Belgian news agency Belga: "I would like to see this number doubled by 2040. This is very ambitious. But I believe it is necessary to continue to develop the various departments of the intelligence service optimally."
Dutroun notes that various conflicts and wars require more work from the intelligence services. In addition, there is also talk of "hybrid warfare and a persistent cyber threat." "This requires a great deal of flexibility."
The ADIV, or intelligence service, is currently busy recruiting new personnel. "We can find motivated people through the recruitment drives we're currently conducting," says Dutroun. "We can recruit staff across the service." But at the same time, the service has also reached its limits. "Because at a certain point, we also have to be able to educate people and provide shelter." Therefore, the intelligence services are also working to secure additional office space.
The expansion of the ADIV missile defense system is separate from the policy of US President Donald Trump, who believes that Europe should now take care of its own military affairs. "This doesn't change anything for me at the moment. We still have very good relations with the US intelligence services," Dutroun emphasizes. "And that support is still guaranteed."
This doesn't mean it's not a good time to consider our dependence on America in certain areas. I think Trump's arrival is a warning to Europe. We have to view it as an opportunity to ensure the necessary resources are available in Europe, in all areas.