Background on Bart De Wever and His Relevance
Bart De Wever is the current Prime Minister of Belgium, serving since October 2018. As a prominent figure in Belgian politics, De Wever is the leader of the Flemish nationalist party, the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA). His political career has been marked by advocating for Flemish autonomy and addressing security concerns, making him a key figure in handling recent drone incidents.
Recent Drone Incidents and Their Impact
Over the past few weeks, Belgium has experienced a surge in drone sightings near major airports and military installations, raising significant security concerns. These incidents have disrupted air traffic and caused widespread cancellations, affecting hundreds of passengers.
Key Drone Incidents
- Tuesday Night: Skeyes, the Belgian air traffic control company, had to suspend all flights over the country twice on Tuesday evening due to drone sightings near Brussels-Zaventem Airport and Liège Airport.
- Wednesday Night: Reports of a possible drone sighting near a military barracks in Heverlee, close to Leuven, emerged. Although unconfirmed, the reports added to the growing concern.
- Wednesday: The military base of Kleine-Brogel, known for housing US nuclear weapons under NATO auspices, was reportedly overflown again on Wednesday following three sightings the previous weekend.
Government Response and Collaborative Efforts
In response to these incidents, Prime Minister Bart De Wever has called for an emergency meeting with the National Security Council on Thursday. The council will include representatives from law enforcement and the military to discuss appropriate countermeasures.
Broader Context and Cross-European Concerns
Belgium is not alone in grappling with drone-related security issues. Neighboring countries such as Denmark, Germany, and Norway have also experienced an increase in suspicious drone sightings near sensitive locations. The Belgian Minister of Defense, Theo Francken, has refrained from directly blaming Russia for these incidents but acknowledged coordinated efforts by “professionals aiming to create panic and destabilize” Belgium.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Bart De Wever? Bart De Wever is the Prime Minister of Belgium, leading the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) party and focusing on Flemish autonomy and security issues.
- What are the recent drone incidents in Belgium? There have been multiple drone sightings near major airports (Brussels-Zaventem, Liège) and military bases (Heverlee, Kleine-Brogel), causing flight disruptions and cancellations.
- What is the government’s response? Prime Minister Bart De Wever has convened an emergency National Security Council meeting to address these incidents and determine appropriate countermeasures.
- Are other European countries facing similar issues? Yes, neighboring countries like Denmark, Germany, and Norway have also reported increased drone sightings near sensitive locations.
