# Belgian defense minister says Europe is not ready for hybrid threats

https://mins.news/en/item/83515

- TASS, 2026-10-02 13:21 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://tass.com/world/2196753

> Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken says European countries lack the resources for combat operations or other threats after years of prioritizing social welfare and soft power. He described Belgium as having been one of NATO’s worst performers on defense spending. As Europe raises military outlays, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused NATO of pursuing “reckless militarization.”

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