Belgium to increase investment for anti-terrorism police units

The Belgian government is to increase investment for special units of the Federal Police, mainly dealing with counter-terrorism situations.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Charles Michel and Interior Minister Jan Jambon following a joint meeting on Thursday, according to a report in Le Vif.

Jambon said an additional 50 people will be hired to expand special units of the police that are tasked with dealing with counter-terrorism situations. Additional funding will be made available to upgrade weapons and equipment.

In total, around 15 million euros will be made available to fund the new plans.

"These investments are much more than a strong signal," said Jambon. "They are a real need for our elite troops, who act and ensure the daily security of us all."

New equipment should be delivered to the relevant units by the end of the year, according to the interior minister. currently, counter-terrorist units are working with old equipment purchased from the Netherlands. Money will also be allocated for the renovation and upgrading of old buildings.

A budget of 200 million euros have been set aside for the police force, according to the prime minister.

Following the announcement, Gert Cockx, President of the National Union of Police Staff and Security (SNPS), said the investment was "a step in the right direction."

"The current equipment is old, as we have all seen in the anti-terrorist operation in Verviers in January," he said. "We are therefore satisfied, but we hope that there are still appropriations for other services that are in need." Enditem