Belgium plans to return defence sites used for the reception of applicants for international protection to military use
Belgium plans to progressively return several defence sites used for the reception of applicants for international protection to military use as part of a broader plan to expand defence infrastructure towards 2040. The measure concerns around 4.000 reception places located on military premises across the country. Authorities state that the reduction in capacity can be absorbed within the existing reception network. The transition will take place gradually, with closures scheduled at different times depending on the site.
In recent years, a number of defence sites have been made available to support the reception of applicants for international protection in order to respond to pressure on the reception system. The federal government is now pursuing a broader strategy to expand and adapt military infrastructure. Within the framework of the Kwartierplan 2025, which aims to significantly expand defence towards 2040, additional space will be required in the coming years for logistics, training and operational needs.
In this context, the government has decided to gradually reduce the use of defence sites for reception purposes and return them to the military. According to Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt, the recent decline in arrivals shows that the planned reduction in reception capacity can be fully absorbed within the existing network.
The measure concerns nine sites providing nearly 4.000 reception places, namely Koksijde, Florennes, Glons, Neder-Over-Heembeek, Ieper (with closure planned by the end of 2026), Houthalen-Helchteren, Doornik, Aarlen and Namen. The timeline differs depending on the site, with some closures expected earlier than others, while for several locations, no precise date has yet been announced.
The authorities underline that the process will be carried out step by step, in coordination with the relevant stakeholders, while continuing to monitor international developments that may affect demand for reception.
For further details, please read (In Dutch) this press release.